Congressman Cohen Announces $491,308 Grant for Memphis City Schools for Emergency Preparedness

“I am grateful to the Department of Education for awarding these funds to the Memphis City Schools system to improve emergency preparedness operations for our children,” said Congressman Cohen. “Our schools have a strong record of crisis management that has been recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education, and these monies will help school officials improve on an already solid foundation.”

The REMS discretionary grant program will enable school districts to develop improved plans that address all four phases of emergency management: prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. In accepting this grant, MCS is required to work with community partners that include local law enforcement, local government, public safety, public health and mental health. Plans include training for school staff and students, a plan for communicating emergency management policies and procedures to parents, the implementation of the National Incident Management System. MCS has also committed to developing a written plan designed to prepare schools for a possible infectious disease outbreak, such as an influenza pandemic. The funding will also allow for MCS to review and revise existing emergency management plans, conduct vulnerability assessments of schools and other district facilities, provide training and engage in crisis simulation drills.

Congressman Cohen added, “After the devastating and tragic earthquakes in China, the world was once again reminded of the paramount importance of emergency preparedness. I’m sure that parents in the 9th District will be glad to know that we at all levels of government are doing everything we can to ensure that our children stay safe in the event of an emergency.”

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265