Our previous blog discussed the importance of scheduling Emergency Management Training in schools and how to integrate it seamlessly into the school timetable.
We will now delve deeper with ten actionable tips to help you integrate Emergency Management training into the 2024 timetable:
1. Start with a Calendar Audit
Identify non-academic days, personal development days, half-days, or other flexible periods. These are your potential open windows for emergency management training.
2. Leverage Staff Meetings
Devote a portion of regular staff meetings to emergency management training and preparedness. This training can be a 15-minute segment where you discuss a specific incident protocol (such as bomb threats, gas leaks, water leaks, utility and power outages), share updates, or address concerns.
3. Utilise Mid-Term and End of Year Break
Break periods offer extended time where training can occur without academic interference. Respecting personal time is essential, so consider offering incentivised training sessions during these periods, ensuring that participants are compensated or acknowledged for their commitment.
4. Incorporate Micro-training Sessions
Consider short, focused emergency management training intervals that tackle one aspect of emergency preparedness. These can be delivered via e-learning, allowing staff to complete them at a suitable time.
5. Collaborate with Local Emergency Services
Invite local emergency personnel, like fire, ambulance, and police departments, to provide hands-on training and feedback.
6. Set Clear Priorities
Identify the most relevant areas to your school’s context and allocate more time to them. For example, if your region is prone to natural disasters, emphasise those protocols.
7. Use Blended Learning Techniques
Combine face-to-face emergency management training with online modules, videos, and simulations. This blended learning allows staff to complete some training components at their own pace, reducing the need for extended in-person sessions, while also maximising the value provided during the face-to-face time.
8. Feedback and Adjust
After each training session and exercise/drill, gather feedback from participants. Were the timings convenient? Was the session duration suitable? Use this feedback to make scheduling adjustments for future sessions.
9. Annual Refreshers and Updates
Ensure that by the end of the year, a comprehensive refresher course is conducted. This ensures that staff are not only reminded of the protocols but are also updated on any new procedures or changes.
10. Communicate Clearly
Clear communication is crucial. Use multiple channels – emails, physical calendars, digital reminders – to inform staff about upcoming training dates, ensuring no one is caught off guard.
While scheduling emergency management training might seem daunting, with deliberate planning and flexibility, weaving this essential component into the 2024 calendar is feasible.
If you would like to learn more about how Bounce Readiness can provide Emergency Management training and help you integrate it into the 2024 timetable, please get in touch.