Assemblywoman Robinson: Keeping Public Schools and Parents Connected in Emergencies

Notification of school emergencies will be sent to parents via phone calls, e-mails and text messages beginning Jan. 1, 2010

It’s essential that parents, staff and the community be given notice and instructions in the event of a public school emergency. Notification systems involving phone calling, text messaging and emailing have proven critical in emergencies. That’s why I supported the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act (Ch. 31 of 2009).

Recent school closings due to swine flu outbreaks and the unfortunate lockdown in a Queens school in 2007 showed the difficulty with getting accurate information to parents in a quick fashion. This new law enhances public safety and improves the handling of school emergencies.

What the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act will do:

Provide parents, teachers, staff and elected officials who participate with information during emergencies that concerns the health or safety of those involved
Release accurate, quick information regarding public school emergencies via phone calls, emails and text messages
Enable emergency response personnel to better perform their duties while concerned parents are kept informed

If you have any questions about the alert system, contact my district office at 718-399-7630.

“To better protect our children in the event of a school emergency, parents—as well as teachers and school staff—will receive quick notification thanks to the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act.”

Assemblywoman
Annette M. Robinson

1360 Fulton Street, Suite 417
Brooklyn, NY 11216
718-399-7630