DOE updating plan for deal with terrorism

By Walter Wright
Advertiser Staff Writer

Although they are aware of no specific threat, Hawai'i public school officials are updating their emergency procedures to prepare for the possibility of terrorist attack.

Response plans, similar to those developed for natural disasters or industrial accidents, include options such as locking down schools, using schools as shelters-in-place, or evacuation, according to a memo sent to Gov. Linda Lingle's office late last month by state schools Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto.

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security announced $30 million in financial assistance for schools nationwide. The state Department of Education is aware of the aid, and may apply once forms become available, said DOE spokesman Greg Knudsen. "Even if we were to get our proportionate share of the $30 million, it would amount to only about 70 cents for each of our 183,000 students, less than the cost of two first-class stamps," he said.

In announcing the financial assistance, U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge sought to address critics' claims that schools have been forgotten in the homeland-security debate and that the government has failed to offer enough direction.

The two agencies said they will soon release an emergency crisis plan intended to guide local leaders on how to respond to terrorism such as biological and chemical attacks, and on possible collateral impacts if attacks occur elsewhere.

A new Web site, ed.gov/emergencyplan, serves as a clearinghouse for federal guidance on dealing with disasters. Federal officials say many of the nation's 15,000 school districts are not as prepared as they should be.

In Hawai'i, Hamamoto has advised the governor that all schools and offices have been asked to convene their safety committees and crisis-response teams to discuss communications, security, stockpiling of three to five days worth of food and supplies, and protection of water and other utility systems.

"With the possibility of war or terrorist action, we are reminding our schools to expect and prepare for disruptions, including the possible need to close schools on short notice," Hamamoto said.

Many schools are designated as civil-defense shelters, and could also serve as vaccination centers if immunization against biological agents is required, she said.

Nine public schools operated by the state within military bases in Hawai'i present a special situation. Most of them were closed for a few days after the Sept. 11 attacks, and plans have been developed to address the concerns of such schools and of the 15,000 military family members who attend, Hamamoto said.

While there is a need to be prepared for anything, and to react flexibly to individual family needs, one of the major contributions the department can make in the event of a war or national emergency is to keep schools open to the extent possible, said Hamamoto. "Schools can provide a sense of stability and security during unstable and threatening times."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.