June 7, 2006
TO:	District Superintendents Superintendents of Public and Nonpublic Schools Administrators of Charter Schools
FROM:	Richard P. Mills
SUBJECT:	Emergency Shelters in Schools

School personnel play a key role during emergencies. Whether faced with a natural, technological, or human-made event, your working together with local and county emergency responders makes a difference. With the 2006 hurricane season upon us and the recent prediction of another active season, school community preparedness is essential. Please review emergency plans and any agreements covering the use of school facilities and vehicles during a disaster with your county and local emergency response agencies.

The State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) has requested assistance in recruiting more school buildings for use as shelters in an emergency. American Red Cross officials in New York State have informed us that many more shelters, as well as trained shelter volunteers, are needed. I strongly encourage you to contact your local chapter of the Red Cross or county emergency manager regarding the use of your facilities in an emergency. Sample agreements for your schools to be used as temporary short-term emergency shelters are available from the Red Cross and the State Education Department.

In addition, shelters require trained individuals. Past emergencies have shown that it is extremely helpful when school staff volunteer to complete the Red Cross shelter training and to assist in staffing shelters in their own district. General Municipal Law 92-c provides paid leave (not to exceed twenty days per calendar year) for school employees who participate in disaster relief operations upon the written request for such services from the Red Cross. Please note that disaster leave requires the approval of the superintendent of schools.

For further information, please contact Laura Sahr: lsahr@mail.nysed.gov, 518-474-3906 or Terry Hastings: American Red Cross State Disaster Liaison terry.hastings@semo.state.ny.us, 518-292-2253.

Thank you for your extraordinary efforts to assist during emergencies.