Classrooms across Pasadena ISD are receiving Emergency Preparedness Buckets through the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools grant. The buckets contain various items including water, first aid kits, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and flashlights that might be needed in the case of an emergency. In addition, teachers put their individual class rolls and emergency flip chart guidelines in the buckets.

Teachers are asked to take their buckets out with them any time there is an evacuation of the building so that they can check their rolls and, if necessary, have water and first aid supplies. These buckets can also be used in case of a shelter in place or lockdown.

“We hope that there is never an emergency, but because the safety of our staff and students is our first concern, we are being proactive by planning and preparing. We still are having fire drills, but we also have lockdown drills, tornado drills, shelter in place drills and evacuation drills. We have to treat every drill as if it is an actual emergency so that staff and students know how to respond,” said Candace Ahlfinger, associate superintendent of communications and community Relations. “It is very important for the safety of our students and staff that we provide both equipment and training.”

The grant, one of the largest Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools grants provided nationwide, also provides for an on-line resource for first responders to give them information about Pasadena ISD facilities in case a problem occurs as well as training for staff members and parents.

“With the funds provided, we have already been able to provide the emergency flip charts for our staff and send out newsletters to parents with information concerning the various drills that we do and what parents should do during an emergency,” said Tom Swan, executive director of special projects. “We want to do everything possible to keep our students and staff safe in case of an emergency.”