Local Unit Emergency Preparedness Chair Job Description

The Emergency Preparedness and Safety Committee Chairperson is an advocate and liaison for the local PTA board, building staff/administration, and parents. Due to the great risk of disaster faced in Western Washington and the limited resources available from private, state or federal sources to school districts, PTA's provide generous support for emergency/disaster preparedness at their schools.

Emergency preparedness and safety are the responsibility of district/building staff. The PTA Committee Chair must work with the lead staff person and/or building principal at their school and their PTA board to develop or confirm their specific duties and autonomy levels.

Local Unit Emergency and Safety Committee Chairpersons responsibilities may include any of the following:
* Purchase emergency supplies, ie: food, water, bandages, tarps, tents, blankets, batteries, lightsticks, or biohazard bags.
* Purchase response equipment, ie: backboards, hammers, crowbars, goggles, gloves, or rope.
* Advocate for funds for the purchase of supplies and equipment. This would include providing a purchasing plan.
* Organize, keep an inventory list and maintain the supplies and equipment in the school's external container or, at some sites, classroom kits.
* Facilitate the purchase of an external container, if there is none.
* Participate in Emg Prep Email Networking Group to receive valuable information and to help others performing the same job at their school.
* Educate parents via PTA newsletter, Open House, or Back To School Night opportunities. They should be made aware of district/building emergency procedures/polices, such as mass student release. Using Red Cross and FEMA documents, Emg. Chairs provide information about how parents can keep their home and families safe during a disaster.
* Support staff training by: 1. Providing them with CERT class schedules. These classes are offered 1 to 3 times per year at your local fire department. 2. Helping to arrange and facilitate on-site training with local trainers. 3. Providing funds to pay for substitutes so selected staff members may be trained.
* Become a building Safety Committee Member.
* Provide a focal point, a resource, and support for those interested in emergency/disaster preparedness in the school community.
* Educate the PTA Board and Parents as to the needs of the building/district, as well as educating building staff/admin as to the support PTA can offer.
* Set up/maintain Emergency Phone Tree.