It’s essential that parents, staff and the community be given notice and instructions in the event of a public school emergency. Notification systems involving phone calling, text messaging and emailing have proven critical in emergencies. That’s why I supported the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act (Ch. 31 of 2009).

Recent school closings due to swine flu outbreaks and the unfortunate lockdown in a Queens school in 2007 showed the difficulty with getting accurate information to parents in a quick fashion. This new law enhances public safety and improves the handling of school emergencies.

What the Public Schools Emergency Alert Act will do:

• Provide parents, teachers, staff and elected officials who participate with information during emergencies that concerns the health or safety of those involved

• Release accurate, quick information regarding public school emergencies via phone calls, emails and text messages

• Enable emergency response personnel to better perform their duties while concerned parents are kept informed

If you have any questions about the alert system, contact my district office at 718-648-4700.