3432 - Emergencies

Drills:

1. Fire Evacuation

Students shall receive instruction so that in case of fire or sudden emergency they shall be able to leave their particular building in the shortest time possible, or take such other steps as the particular emergency demands, and without confusion or panic. Fire drills shall be held three times each year.

2. Lockdowns

Students will receive instruction so that in the event of the breach of security of a school building or campus; staff, students and visitors will be able to take positions in secure enclosures. Lockdown drills will be held three times each school year.

3. Evacuations

Students will receive instruction so that in the event the school or District needs to be evacuated, they will be able to leave the building in the shortest time possible and take the safest route possible to another school or facility.

4. Shelter-in-Place

Students will receive instruction so that in the case of a hazardous vapor release that doesn’t allow time to evacuate the campus, they will be able to remain inside, and take the steps necessary to eliminate or minimize the health and safety hazard. A shelter-in-place drill shall be held at least once each school year.

Annually, at least one drill will be conducted using the school mapping system.

5. Earthquakes

The District recognizes the importance of protecting staff, students and facilities in the event of an earthquake. Facilities shall be designed and maintained in a manner that recognizes the potential danger from such an occurrence. Likewise, staff must be prepared to take necessary action to protect students and staff from harm.

6. Emergency School Closure or Evacuation

When weather conditions or other circumstances make it unsafe to operate schools the superintendent is directed to determine whether schools should be started late, closed for the day or transportation will be provided only on emergency routes. Those decisions will be communicated through community media resources pursuant to a plan developed by the superintendent or designee.

7. Pandemic/Epidemic

The District recognizes that a pandemic outbreak is a serious threat that could affect students, staff and the community. The superintendent or a designee shall serve as a liaison between the school District and local health officials. The District liaison, in consultation with local health officials, shall ensure that a pandemic/epidemic plan exists in the District and establish procedures to provide for staff and student safety during such an emergency.

When an emergency within a school or its surrounding area necessitates evacuation and/or total or partial closure of the schools within the District, staff shall be responsible for aiding in the safe evacuation of the students within the endangered school or its surrounding area.