Press Release Headlines

Emergency Planning for Schools: Many Educators Fail to Keep Children Safe in Disaster Situations, Report Shows

New "Emergency School Planning Guide" helps campus security administrators protect children during lockdowns, natural disasters and violent crimes

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — A shocking report shows that half of the states don't require schools and day care centers to have a disaster plan. The report from Save the Children, as quoted in USA TODAY, says that many states also don't require evacuation plans and don't have a system for reuniting children with parents after a disaster.

"Schools that don't have an emergency plan are failing their students and putting their lives on the line," said Ben Burns, Chief Executive of Discount Two-Way Radio which has created a comprehensive "Emergency School Planning Guide" so school administrators can communicate with confidence. To get the free guide, go to http://www.discounttwo-wayradio.com/sepg

"We're in the business of saving children's lives," he said. "We are experts in creating the right life-saving communications systems for schools and businesses and we take our responsibility seriously," he said.

"Many schools make horrible mistakes when buying communications systems. They are easily misled by companies that sell complicated equipment that is difficult to learn – and hard to use when an emergency strikes," he said. "We're the Switzerland of communications professionals. We offer radio systems from many leading, name-brand manufacturers, so we can tailor a responsible communications system that matches the needs and the budgets of any university, school district or day-care center."

The comprehensive Emergency Planning Guide will help schools follow a thorough response plan with 50 pages of guidelines, forms and checklists, including:

  • A drill schedule for every emergency, including lockdowns
  • A "phone tree" contact list so that each responder knows who they should report to
  • Forms to assist responders on how to turn off utilities
  • Instructions on how to set up a communication system with two-way radio response and "base" for the orderly dispatch of information
  • Procedures to identify areas requiring patrol, first aid centers, and monitoring
  • Step-by-step instructions to create an evacuation plan including routes, maps, transportation and destination points, and student release

This downloadable document is an extremely comprehensive guide that removes the randomness from security planning. Directors are taken through every stage and consideration of emergency response and lock down planning.

He advises school districts to get safe and reliable systems that are also easy to learn and to use.

"The worst time to learn how to use equipment is when a gunman is staring you in the face, or a tornado has just blown the roof off your school building," he said.

For more information about the free resources, product line, call 800-895-5122 or go to http://www.discounttwo-wayradio.com 

About Discount Two-Way Radio

Discount Two-Way Radio is the leading provider of two-way radio communication systems with a full line of accessories. They feature fast, live customer service to answer all of your sales and repair needs.

Discount Two-Way Radio, was founded in 1997 in a small apartment by Ben Burns and his father. They started with a passionate enthusiasm to build something different. With no customers, no contacts, no money, and no product line, Discount Two-Way Radio has achieved considerable success growing the company to serve over 62,000 customers using a direct, straightforward approach that cuts through the hype that can sometimes surround advancements in technology.

They wanted to offer customers a respectful experience; to be the source of quality radio products, the best prices, and technological service that is more like working with friends and family. With an honest, almost old-fashioned work ethic that primarily consisted of "pounding the pavement" with a reliable product and personable customer care, the company grew from the ground up to a thriving corporation that maintains a dynamic, full-time staff and 25,000 square-foot warehouse.  Discount Two-Way Radio has been listed as one of Inc. 5000's fastest growing companies since 2007.

The company is committed to selling the best radios, at the best price, with the best service.

As an RCA award-winning distributor known for superior technical and sales expertise, the company slogan is, "We know radios so you don't have to."