Sandy Highlights Maintenance, Cost Control, and Schools as Shelters; Environmental Ed Resources Abound

U.S. Department of Education sent this bulletin at 11/07/2012 03:59 PM EST

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Sandy Underscores Maintenance, Utility Cost Control, Schools as Shelters, and Environmental Ed.

While U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) honorees are outstanding examples of healthy, safe and efficient school facilities and outdoor environments, ensuring that all schools meet basic standards of health, safety, efficiency, and modernization, so that students and staff can achieve to their full potential, is our goal. The impact of Hurricane Sandy on schools underscores the importance of facilities’ maintenance and environmental health, controlling school utility costs, and schools as emergency shelters. The storm also highlights the need for effective environmental education.>>>

CDC Hurricane Information   

Schools and education agencies cannot prevent natural disasters or even many man-made crises, but they can prepare for and plan to respond to such emergencies. Resources are available to help schools, education agencies, and institutions of higher education develop such plans, usually in collaboration with public health and first responder agencies.>>> 

 

EPA Hurricane Information

Children are different from adults. They may be more vulnerable to chemicals and organisms they are exposed to in the environment. Learn more about potential hazards to children's health after floods >>>

 

EPA Fact Sheet: Mold In Schools

When mold grows in school buildings and portable classrooms, some staff and students, particularly those with allergies or respiratory problems, may suffer adverse health effects.>>>

 

FEMA Blog: Keeping Children Safe in Sandy’s Wake

Although Sandy has passed, for millions in states along the east coast there are still many hazards. It is important to take steps to protect children, as they are especially vulnerable to the environmental hazards that may be present. Here are some tips to keep in mind >>>

 

Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units & American Academy of Pediatrics’ Recommendations for Children Returning to Areas Impacted by Flooding and/or Hurricanes 

Children eat, drink, and breathe more than adults on a pound for pound basis. In the aftermath of a flood, particular attention should be paid to issues relating to water contamination and mold, in addition to common pediatric environmental concerns such as physical safety, lead, asbestos, and chemicals. >>>

 

American Institute of Architects Cleaning Out a Building after a Flood

Time is the key factor in the extent of damage done to the elements of the structure. If the water has been in the structure more than a few hours, the damage and amount of material which will need to be removed will be extensive. >>>

 

Food Assistance from the USDA

States and schools may use stocks of USDA Foods purchased for the National School Lunch Program to help prepare meals at schools, shelters or other feeding sites to help feed local residents who may be in need of nutrition assistance.>>> 

 

Helping Students Recover from Traumatic Events

The devastation accompanying the recent hurricane has underscored the crucial role of recovery planning in schools and communities affected by natural disasters. This ED brochure, based on discussions with some three dozen experts who work with students, provides practical information for parents and students who are coping with the aftermath of a natural disaster, as well as teachers, coaches, school administrators and others who are helping those affected.>>>

 

Environmental and Climate Change Education Resources

Find scores of teaching resources on the ED-GRS resources page such as:

 

Additional Resources on ED’s Sandy Page

ED has established a toll-free Hurricane Sandy Hotline (1-855-385-9985) and Hurricane Sandy email address (EdSchoolInfo@ed.gov) to provide answers to questions and share information. >>>