Schools Fall Short in Emergency Preparedness

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When it comes to preparing for emergencies, the nation's schools could be getting better grades.

While most school districts have plans for dealing with emergencies such as terrorist attacks, hurricanes or flu pandemics, those plans often fall short of what is needed, according to an analysis by the congressional Government Accountability Office.

50% of school districts don't have plans for continuing to educate students in the event of a lengthy school closure.

28% of school districts with emergency plans do not have specific provisions for evacuating students with disabilities in an emergency.

70% of school districts reported a lack of expertise and equipment, such as two-way radios and adequate locks for school buildings, as impediments to emergency planning.