Student Release Station

ATTENDANCE AND PARENT/STUDENT REUNION:

 Very large and clear signage is needed for this station. The largest should say something similar to "PARENT CHECK IN" and a smaller one, not easily seen from the parent waiting area, should say something similar to "PARENT/STUDENT REUNION". Signage/instructions could also be in Spanish or other languages. Signs indicated instructions on how to fill out release forms or other requirements would be valuable.
 This station should be located away from student care, first aid and morgue.
 Instant-assembly pavilion tents are useful here as well as a number of light weight chairs, tables, and an alphabetizer/sorter.
 Laminated letter signs adhered with packing tape will help channel parents. Ie: A-D in one line, E-R in the next. There can be packets of these letter signs so 2 or 3 or 4 lines can be opened up for parents depending upon staffing and demand.
 Duplicate release information cards could be stored in a water/moisture proof box in the external container.
 Reading glasses available to parents could be valuable at student release.
 All staff and volunteers need to sign in and sign out with Logistics.
 Many schools also have students line up in alphabetical order or order of their student number, at drills and (at elementary) in daily line transit, to aid in quick accountability. Students can report who should be standing on either side of them.
 Emergency release and medical information should be gathered for each student who regularly visits a school (orchestra, volunteering, home school, or math) before school, during the school day or after school, and kept on file at the visited site.
 Nametags: Schools use labels/stickers or nametags on lanyards with contact/release info that is put on each student during attendance/accountability. The stickers or nametags leftover are students that are missing or absent.
  o Shop tickets (heavy plastic envelopes) on a lanyard can hold the student tag along with release information, comfort letter and photo.
  o Allergy, medic alert and release flags can be made visible on student name tags with coded colored dots or other markers.
  o Student Information cards are index cards generated and used in the school office. It contains student release and contact information. A duplicate of the office card can be attached to the student name tag or stored in the container.
  o Name tags can also serve as back up release documents. Some schools print a label and stick it to the back every tag as a form to fill out to release a student to a parent who refuses to go through proper procedures.

 Prior to the disaster, emergency release educational information for parents can be printed in the PTA school directory, reviewed at open house, kindergarten orientation, curriculum nights, on the school calendar, and in newsletters, e.g.: What the student release sign will say. Where the release station will be located. How to greet a child to minimize emotional trauma after a disaster.