The Omagh bombing, with all of its horrors and sadness, has been the cause of equipping our schools with a thoughtful and very helpful set of guidelines on how to respond to a critical incident.

"When Tragedy Strikes", a collaboration between the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and the Ulster Teachers' Union (UTU), aims to provide information, ideas and support which will enable schools to respond to a critical incident in an informed manner. It also seeks to develop a policy for dealing with emergencies, to create a safe school environment and to help "establish positive working relationships and dialogue with outside agencies". Suggested key actions in the event of a critical incident include advice on assessing the needs of the situation and whether evacuation of the building is necessary, co-ordinating the response within the school and notifying appropriate emergency services.

Further information, or copies, can be had from INTO at (01) 8722533 or by e-mail info@into.ie. UTU's telephone number is (028) 9066 2216, e-mail office@utu.edu