Cathryn,
Most teachers have a host of skills needed in a disaster situation. Since we would be at a school and these schools are collection points in the community for disaster workers and relief efforts, the state felt we could be of help as we were already there. My last school was also a desinated helicopter evacuation point for critical injuries. In the ten years I taught there we hadfive or six landings each year. As a rescue team leader, I had keys to all the gates in part just for this reason.
The LAUSD realized that not all children would be picked up by parents or desinated friends in a bad earthquake. The school had food and water for several days and could keep the children until they were moved or collected. We also knew the possibility that parents could have been killed in a bad situation. In light of recent days, not a bad idea. As a central locality in the community, the school was a logical place to go to for help. Thus the need to hold the staff. We were given help in making the neccessary arrangements for our children since we might not get home for days. Interschool communications by walky talky and radio really made it easier to handle.
I have been trained in earthquake search and rescue and my wife and I were certified in first aid by the Red Cross.
If we have a quake and we are able, we will head for our nearest school and help where needed. Once a teacher, always a teacher.
Still preparing in Woodland Hills,
Bob Baum