Searby: Back-to-school preparedness includes current phone numbers and reunification plan if anything happens at school

The worst thing that can happen as the new school year begins is school personnel not being able to reach a parent or guardian on the telephone if something happens.

You NEVER leave a child stranded. Bus drivers, teachers, administrators and coaches all understand that.

Du Quoin Community Unit District 300 central office staff member Sharon Childs estimates that between one-half and two-thirds of parents use cell phones as their means of communications. Many families don't have home phones at all.

It is critical--no, imperative--that schools and day cares have your current telephone and eMail information.

Childs stressed this is particularly important since the Du Quoin district set up a system of eAlerts and cell phone alerts to advise parents about school closures because of snow or a school evacuation or closure because of an unforeseen power failure or fire alarm.

How does a school reach you!

Perry County Emergency Management Agency and City of Du Quoin Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, in conjunction with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, are announcing that August is "School Preparedness Month" in Illinois. As part of the initiative, Perry County EMA and Du Quoin ESDA are reminding Perry County families to take time to review and understand emergency preparedness at this time as children are getting ready to go back to school.

Perry County EMA Coordinator David Searby Jr. states: "Taking time to understand what can occur at your child's school during an emergency is very important and can help when an actual emergency occurs."

Searby also stressed that families should take the time to review their own emergency plans which should incorporate situations where and when children are at school.

For instance, who is responsible for picking up a child from a school? Does the district have that information. What is the backup plan if a working parent can't get to the school? Do you go to grandma's house. Do you go to aunt Jennifer's house? Where do you go.

As the school year starts, local emergency management will be working with Perry County schools and public safety agencies on planning and exercises for the upcoming school year.

For further information, please contact Perry County EMA or Du Quoin ESDA or visit the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.