School emergency - what's your take?

[caspi]

So yesterday the kids here were put on lockdown at school during the tornado warning and severe weather that came through the area. They were told to get on their knees, bend over and cover their heads. I don't have a problem with that. My issue was the fact that they made them stay in this position for AN HOUR! :eek: The storm came through the area quickly and the tornado warning was dropped at 3 pm, however the kids were like this from 2:30 to 3:30. I think that's a little excessive for ANY child to sit like that for an hour, but also think about the circulation issues with a diabetic child.

Just wondering what others thought about this! :cwds:

[Flutterby]

I do think that sitting like that for an hour isn't good for anyone.. I could see as the strom came through, but to keep it like that afterwards.. where we live, we never had to do any of that (not to many tornados around here:) ) but I would think that would be awefully difficult for anychild..

[MamaC]

Ah yes, the Tornado Drill. They absolutely should have been released from the position as soon as the warning was dropped.

~~Becky~~ (glad my kid was released before the warning was issued)

[Kaileen]

Better safe than sorry, I feel. But they should be released from the position as soon as the threat passes.

We had a tornado come through this April. We had just arrived at school and given Deirdre her injection when the warning was issued. I went with Deirdre's class and was able to look out for her that way. Her teacher had to grab two emergency kits: hers and another child's who had asthma. Even though the kids were head down, I was able to give her a snack if needed, and her teacher did let her sit up for a period of time.

By reading these boards, I realize how fortunate we are with our public schools.