Potassium Iodide (KI) Pre-Distribution Program for Schools

The 2009 KI Pre-Distribution Program for Schools is specific only to schools (public, private and non-public) located within the 10 mile Emergency Planning Zones (EPZ) of Pennsylvania's 5 nuclear power plants. Eligible schools who voluntarily participate in the program will receive KI tablets from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. All eligible schools should have received a mailing (sent the week of August 17, 2009) from the Dept. that included:

Cover Letter from Deputy Secretary Huff

KI Pre-Distribution Program General Information

KI Fact Sheet

Participation Request and Agreement for Schools

Sample Parent/Guardian Consent Form

Information for School Physician's Standing Order

Information for Label for Storage Containers

KI Administration Options

KI Storage and Handling

If you have any questions regarding the KI Pre-Distribution Program for Schools, please submit an e-mail to c-paschool@pa.gov or contact the Division of School Health at 717-787-2390.

All-Hazard Planning Toolkit for Schools

Based on the National Incident Management (NIMS) model, this toolkit has been developed by multiple government agencies and school representatives. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania Department of Education announced on July 2, 2009 that the "All-Hazards" School Safety Planning Toolkit is now available for schools, school districts and emergency responders in Pennsylvania. The planning toolkit includes essential resources, such as legal citations, guidelines and other reference material, to help plan for all types of emergencies and disasters, whether natural or man-made.

"All-Hazards" School Safety Planning Toolkit

Memo to Educational Institutions (7/1/2009)

Press Release- Departments of Education and PEMA (7/1/2009)

Pandemic Planning for Schools

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has made available a website entitled Pennsylvania  Pandemic Preparedness that provides information and guidance for pandemic planning.  The site provides general information about pandemics, including avian flu as well as numerous subsections specific to state and local governments, individuals, businesses, schools, health care providers, communities, and agriculture.

The school subsection assists local educational agencies in developing and/or improving plans to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.  

Please note: The Pandemic Plannng Toolkit for Schools is currently being revised and is not available at this time.