Third, preparation must include the anticipation of very specific procedures and policies, such as guidelines for when children may not attend school, staff absentee policies and school closure guidelines. Many additional issues, such as what happens when children miss mandatory standardized tests, must be considered.

This preparation includes having multiple communication strategies in place, including toll-free hot lines, telephone trees, e-mail, fax, cell phones and broadcast, to inform staff and families about the status of the pandemic and district actions.

Fourth, plan for the long haul to educate the children after schools are closed after an outbreak. A menu of possibilities can be considered including home instruction using parents as teachers with materials sent to the home or provided through online distance learning.

"While no one ever wants to plan for these types of situations, preparing in advanced can help everyone remain calm and able to respond in an effective way," Griffin said.

SOURCE McGraw-Hill Education