CDC: Pandemic Flu Checklist: K-12 School Administrators

Before a pandemic: PLAN

• Connect with your local board of education and health department to review or develop a pandemic flu plan for your community.

• Create an emergency communication plan for your school.

• Share plans with staff, parents, and students

• Support flexible attendance and sick leave policies for students and staff

• Develop a monitoring system to alert the local health department about large increases in absenteeism.

• Identify strategies to continue educating students if schools close (for example, web-based instruction and e-mail).

• Plan ways to continue student services (such as, meal and social services) if schools close.

During a pandemic: TAKE ACTION

• Put your plans into action, as needed.

• Track student absenteeism due to flu-like symptoms.

• Encourage students and staff to practice healthy behaviors (for example, staying home when they’re sick, covering their coughs and sneezes, and washing their hands often).

• Provide supplies (such as tissues and soap).

• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (such as computers and door knobs).

• Designate a room and transportation for sick students and staff.

After a pandemic: FOLLOW UP

• Discuss and note lessons learned.

• Improve your plans accordingly.

• Maintain community partnerships.

• Test and update your plans regularly.