In 1993, KCDEM offered KPREP (Kitsap Practices Responsible Emergency Preparedness) training to the community, teaching our neighborhoods the importance of being self sufficient in the event of a disaster.  By organizing our neighborhoods into a similar response team structure and teaching our citizens how to be prepared, we indirectly strengthen our school program by adding neighborhood resources and support to the schools within the neighborhoods.

With each disaster or incident that schools have faced, there has been one obvious lesson learned; Police and Fire Departments, Schools and Emergency Management need to be able to work together when an unusual event happens on a school campus.  

In order to create a more efficient working relationship with first response agencies, the Circle of Eight program has been modified to more closely resemble the Incident Management System, also known as IMS.  IMS is an organizational framework designed to manage any event, small to large.  It is a system that has been used by Police and Fire departments for several years.  We are moving to IMS in an effort to create seamless transition and cooperation when help does arrive. 

This training offers an outstanding opportunity to improve our program, clarify responsibilities and create or enhance relationships between schools, police and fire departments, emergency management and the community.