How to Manage a Classroom When a Disaster Strikes

As a teacher, you are responsible for your students' safety.

Educators wear many hats. As an educator you are responsible for instilling knowledge in your students, assessing their progress and maintaining order in the classroom. On top of this, you must also be prepared in the event of a disaster. Possible incidents include tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, bomb threats, lock downs, injuries and illness. You shoulder the responsibility for your students' safety, and it is crucial that you are equipped to manage your classroom with ease when disaster strikes.

Instructions

1. Prepare your students ahead of time so they know what to do in an emergency. Drill them often so their reaction is second nature. Preparation and disaster readiness is the best insurance against chaos when an incident occurs.

2. 

   Students can be of assistance in an emergency.

   Enlist a couple of your most responsible students as classroom aides. Student assistants are helpful in an emergency situation and can perform many useful functions.

3. 

   Fire in a classroom requires immediate evacuation.

   Assess the situation immediately. Each disaster requires a distinct response. It is up to you to choose the appropriate action. For example, you must choose evacuation for a fire, move to a safe location for a tornado or lock down the classroom in the event of an intruder. Quick determination of the appropriate action saves lives.

4. Listen closely for any announcements, alarms or instructions. Your school official is your leader when disaster strikes, just as you are the leader of your classroom.

5. Remain calm. If you panic, so will your students. Even if you are terrified inside, you must maintain a confident and calm demeanor to maintain your authority and inspire confidence in your pupils.

6. Speak in an authoritative voice. Ensure that each and every student can hear your instructions clearly and follows them immediately.

7. Take the appropriate action as dictated by the situation. Keep your students as quiet and calm as possible. Reassure them that all will be well.

8. Return to your usual routine as quickly as possible after an incident. Get students settled at their desks, and discourage the chaos that can ensue after the threat has passed. Be willing to discuss the situation with them if they have questions afterward.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared. Take all training offered by your school district seriously, and know the proper response to every situation backward and forward.

References

• U.S. Department of Education: Lead & Manage My School