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Policy No. 3432PSafety Drills
Each school in the district
shall conduct at least one safety-related drill each month or portion of a
month that school is in session. Schools will conduct the following drills:
Annually at least one of
the drills will use the school mapping system. Records shall be maintained
of required emergency drills and include the following information:
Fire
Fire and Fire Drills: General Instructions A. In the event of a fire: 1. Give the fire alarm signal (one long continuous signal). 2. Call and report the fire. 3. Authority to sound the fire alarm system in the event of a real emergency is possessed by any person who discovers the fire. B. Fire drills 1. Instructions must be given to all students on the FIRST DAY of school in September, each year. 2. A fire drill should be held during the first week of school and six times each year. 3. It is particularly important that kindergarten children, representing the one large group of children new to the schools, be given instructions in fire drill procedures for the building. C. Authority to Call Drills The sounding of a fire alarm for the purpose of a drill is an authority possessed solely by the principal, or someone authorized by him/her. D. Purpose of Fire Drills Fire drills are held to familiarize the occupants of a building with the signals, evacuation routine, and exits so that in case of emergency there shall be no hesitation or confusion in leaving the building. These drills are for the safety of all persons involved, and each person must realize that the success of the drill is dependent upon his/her actions and cooperation. Therefore: 1. All persons in the building must take part in the fire drill. 2. Every fire alarm should be considered as a warning of an actual fire. E. Frequency - Fire Drills in Schools 1. Fire drills shall
be held as often as necessary to assure rapid and orderly evacuation of the
school building. During severe weather, fire drills may be postponed. A
record of all fire drills shall be kept on the premises subject to inspection
by the fire chief. 2. In schools, fire
drills include complete evacuation of all persons from the building. F. Warning Signals - Fire Drills The fire warning signal shall be one long continuous signal, whether by bell, siren or horn. An emergency warning signal, either by whistle or hand siren, should be planned for, and occasionally used, thereby anticipating possible power failure. G. Responsibilities of Staff 1. Principals shall: a. Be in complete charge of all matters pertaining to organizing and conducting fire drills in the building, and shall be responsible for the efficiency of the drill and all corrective actions or punishments taken for violation of the rules and regulations. b. Be thoroughly familiar with the fire alarm system, all fire fighting equipment, all means of egress, and any special features of the building that might prove dangerous to human life, (storerooms, lunchrooms, attic spaces, ventilators, etc.) or where fire may spread quickly. c. Be responsible for notifying custodians, engineers, and lunchroom staff that in case of an actual fire, the ventilating systems, the oil burners, gas meters, ovens, etc., are shut off. d. Appoint all subordinate officers (see E immediately below) and instruct them in the general plan of the drills and details of their specific duties, such as instruction regarding: i. How to send an alarm to the fire department (including how the fire alarm system operates — both electrical and emergency). ii. How to use all in-school fire-fighting equipment. iii. The importance of quick action to send in a fire alarm signal, and to vacate the building — even if in-school fire-fighting equipment is in use. e. Appoint subordinate officers: i. Searchers - These are teachers assigned to inspect sections of the buildings to make sure that everyone is out. Cloakrooms, lavatories, teachers’ room, and all other places frequented by students or teachers must be checked. Searchers shall rejoin their classes as soon as the inspection is completed. ii. Traffic Guards - These are students appointed by the principal to open doors, assist in traffic control, and maintain order. iii. Fire Drill Aides - These are students appointed by either the principal or teachers to assist in any way deemed necessary, and to take the place of teacher searchers in their absence only. They may be used as messengers, or assigned to aid handicapped students or those who are ill or faint. iv. Safety Coordinator - In case of actual fire, during the absence of the principal, it must be clearly understood by the entire staff which person shall be in charge. 2. Teachers shall: a. Be in charge of their respective classes b. Issue all commands relative to participation in the fire drills except as delegated by them to aides. c. Unless assigned as searchers, lead their classes to the designated outside stations. d. Immediately report to the principal, or fire drill aides, if any student is unaccounted for after a visual check of students. H. Drills on Request Occasionally, fire department representatives may come to schools and request an immediate fire drill. In general, this is their method of checking upon the quality of the drill program, and principals are expected to cooperate fully, even to the extent of calling a drill at an inconvenient time. 1. Procedures a. Sound the alarm. b. Call and identify self to fire department officials, directing them to the location of the fire and give them any necessary special information. c. Make a building search. d. Ensure that teachers and students perform all activities assigned to them during fire drills. 2. During Fire Drills - when the alarm begins: a. Teachers shall lead students to the designated exit. b. Students shall walk briskly (no running), with arm’s length spacing, and without talking, laughing, or breaking from the ranks. (No student may leave the line.) c. Students not in the classroom shall join the line of the first group of students met. (The student must not return to the classroom.) d. Teachers shall check roll when assigned area is reached. e. Teachers shall not leave the students gathered at a designated area unless someone is placed in charge. f. Teachers shall notify the principal if any student is missing. g. The principal shall initiate a search for any missing students. 3. After a Fire Drill: a. The principal shall give the all clear signal (a short steady signal). b. Teachers shall lead the students back into the classroom. c. Teachers shall check the roll. d. Students shall not loiter in the halls. e. Teachers shall notify the principal if any student is missing. f. The principal shall initiate a search for any missing students. 4. After a FALSE ALARM the principal shall: a. Notify the fire department of the incident b. Notify school officials of the incident. I: Lockdowns a. In the event the security of a building or the school campus is breached, the staff shall take action to position staff, students and visitors in secure enclosures and isolated from the threat. b. The front office will notify 911 and all staff by alarm system or designated signal and announcement. c. Students and staff outside the building will be notified. d. Staff assigned to the command post, will report to that central location. e. Staff will immediately instruct students within the building to comply with the full lockdown or modified lockdown instructions. A. Modified Lockdown: Staff and students will move quickly from corridors, common areas,
or unsecured areas to the nearest secured area. The outside doors to all
classrooms will be locked and everyone will be moved away from windows and
doors. Exterior building access doors will be locked. Classroom instruction
continues and limited movement within buildings is allowed. Lockdown will end
after a search reveals no hazard or the hazard is removed. The building all
clear signal will be dispatched from the (front
office/command post or law enforcement, based on your safety plan). B. Complete Lockdown: All students and staff will remain out of sight and as quiet as possible. Staff will immediately detain students already in their classroom and direct students in corridors, common areas, or unsecured areas to go into a room. Exterior building doors will be locked. All classroom doors will be closed and locked. Staff will keep students inside their room and as calm as possible until instructions are given or the all clear signal is given. Earthquake
The threat of an earthquake in Each school principal in consultation with staff is required to prepare a plan and conduct an emergency earthquake drill at least twice annually. The building staff is encouraged to contact the district office and the county emergency service department for technical assistance. A. Preparation The principal and building staff shall be responsible for conducting an annual inspection of the building early in the school year for the purpose of identifying potential hazards in the event of an earthquake, e.g., securing all bookcases to wall to prevent collapse. Those hazards that cannot be corrected by building level personnel will be corrected by district maintenance personnel as soon as resources permit. B. Information to Parents Parents should be advised that: 1. If there is an earthquake while children are on their way to school, they should “duck and cover away from power lines, buildings, and trees.” Once the earthquake has stopped, they should proceed to school. If the quake occurs on their way home, after protecting themselves until the quake stops, they should proceed to their home. 2. A parent is advised not to remove a child from the school grounds unless they have first checked with school officials. If a parent were to remove a child without checking out, others could be needlessly hurt while searching for a missing child. 3. They should avoid calling the school. The phones if they are functioning may be needed by school staff. Parents of injured children will be notified first. All schools will have trained staff to help injured children until other medical assistance arrives. Staff members should attempt to account for all students and staff before re-entry, the principal must feel absolutely certain, on the basis of thorough inspection of both structures and utility conduits, that the facility is safe; but no students or staff will be dismissed until procedures have been approved by the superintendent’s office if district-wide communications are in operation. C. General Responsibilities The principal must become familiar with the alarm system, all means of egress, and any special features of the facility which might endanger human life. Staff should be appointed and instructed in the general earthquake plan. The building administrator should carry out all communications functions, coordinate post-quake building inspections, and signal re-entry when safety is assured. Teachers shall see that all members of their respective classes take protective action appropriate to their situations; evacuate classes in an orderly and expeditious manner; maintain order; supervise evacuated students; and, insure orderly re-entry when signaled. Monitors may be appointed from the more mature pupils in each class to assist teachers. Monitors should be assigned to substitute for any teacher who may be injured. The maintenance personnel shall assist in the inspection of the facility, including utility conduits, and shut down mechanical/electrical systems as required. Other staff members shall act as searchers; assist in evacuation and care of injured or disabled individuals; help remove hazardous materials or debris; and, carry out any additional assigned functions. 1. Staff Instructions (During quake) Staff should maintain control in the following manner: a. In a classroom students should get under desk or table, face away from window, away from bookshelves and heavy objects that may fall, crouch on knees close to ground, place head close to knees, cover side of head with elbows and clasp hands firmly behind neck, close eyes tightly and remain in place until instructed otherwise or until the “all clear” signal is given. b. In gymnasiums or assembly areas, students should exit such facilities as expeditiously as possible. Individuals should move to designated areas. c. On a stairway students should move to the interior wall and “duck and cover.” (Individuals should evacuate exterior stairs and move to designated areas.) d. If outdoors, students should move to designated areas, as far away as possible from buildings, poles, wires, and other elevated objects, and lie down or crouch low to the ground. Staff and students should be aware of encroaching danger that may demand further movement. 2. Staff Instructions (After quake) The principal and maintenance personnel should inspect facilities before instructing staff and students to evacuate. Classes should be evacuated through exits to a safe area. Students should move away from buildings and remain there until given further instructions. Responsible student or staff should be posted to prevent re-entry. Following this evacuation, the principal should: a. Check for injuries among students and staff. (Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.) b. Check for fires or fire hazards; c. Check utility lines and appliances for damage. If gas leaks exist, shut off the main gas valves and shut off electrical power if there is damage to the wiring. (Do not use matches, lighters, or open flame appliances until you are sure no gas leaks exist, and do not operate electrical switches or appliances if gas leaks are suspected.) d. Instruct students not to touch power lines or objects touched by the wires. (All wires should be treated as live.) e. Clean up spilled medicines, drugs, chemicals, and other potentially harmful materials immediately. f. Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass. (Liquids may be strained through a clean handkerchief or cloth if danger of glass contamination exists.) g. Check the chimney over its entire length for cracks and damage, particularly in the attic and at the roof line. (Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.) h. Check closets and storage shelf areas. (Open closet and cupboard doors carefully and watch for objects falling from shelves.) i. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. j. Be prepared for “after-shocks”. k. Respond to requests for help from police, fire department and civil defense, but do not go into damaged areas unless your help has been requested. l. Plan for student/staff needs during the time that may elapse before assistance arrives. (e.g. four to eight hours.) Bomb Threats
Most bomb threat messages are very brief. When possible, every effort should be made to obtain detailed information from the caller such as: exact location of the bomb, time set for detonation, description of the bomb and type of explosive used. Details such as: time of call, exact words used, sex, estimated age, identifiable accent, voice description of caller and identifiable background noise should also be noted. A. The Principal or Designees Shall: 1. Notify police and fire departments by calling 911 immediately. 2. Notify the superintendent’s office immediately. 3. Implement a controlled evacuation of the building, directing students and staff to safer areas of campus. DO NOT REENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL AUTHORIZED. Prior to leaving your area of responsibility, check for any unusual objects or circumstances, packages, smoke, fumes, intruders, etc. and report any finding to the command center. 4. No unusual object should be handled in any manner. 5. The recommendation to close school will be made only after consultation with the super- intendent or designee, transportation, police department, and the building administrator or designee. 6. Use cell phones. Do not use two-way radios. 7. In the event of inclement weather, arrangements may need to be made to transport students to other school sites. B. Evacuation Decision If the principal determines that the message is a dangerous threat, law enforcement officers and the district office should be contacted. A routine fire drill should be initiated at least 15 minutes prior to the time of possible detonation. Teaching staff should remain with their classes until such time as the danger of explosion is past. Search procedures should be conducted under the direction of law enforcement officers. A written report should be submitted to the superintendent. 1. What to Look for ALL UNIDENTIFIED PACKAGES FOUND DURING BOMB SEARCHES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS AND LEFT UNTOUCHED, TO BE EXAMINED AND IDENTIFIED BY A QUALIFIED BOMB EXPERT. Bombs come in many shapes and sizes. Some are disguised, while others may be as crude as sticks of dynamite held together with twine or tape. One must be suspicious of any package that cannot be identified. Example: a brown paper package found ticking in an unlocked locker should always be considered dangerous. 2. Search with Evacuation during Valid Bomb Threats When the bomb threat is judged to be valid the building should be cleared immediately of all personnel so that the police can assume the responsibility of conducting the search. A staff member should be stationed at each entrance to prevent unauthorized persons from returning to the building until the area is declared safe. 3. Disposition of Suspected Bombs In the event of the discovery of a suspected bomb, the following steps will be taken: a. DO NOT TOUCH OR ATTEMPT TO MOVE THE PACKAGE IN ANY MANNER. b. Avoid moving any article or articles which in any way may be connected with the bomb to act as a triggering mechanism. Bombs have been set off by turning on a light switch or lifting a telephone receiver. c. Clear the danger area of all occupants. d. Assign staff at entrances to prevent others from entering. The decision of whether or not to evacuate depends on the circumstances of each call. Every call should be handled individually and evaluated separately. If there is doubt as to what action to take, the safety of students and staff must be paramount and evacuation procedures should be followed. Persons to be evacuated from the area should be moved to a minimum of 300 feet from the point of possible explosion. Power, gas, and fuel lines leading to a danger area should be shut off as soon as practical. All flammable liquids and materials should be removed from the surrounding area as well as any portable materials of value. If an actual bomb explosion does occur, the police department should maintain a guard around the area to prevent re-entry by any unauthorized person. However, inspection is necessary to insure the safety of all persons having business in the bombed area. Fire marshals, building inspectors, etc., should be requested to inspect the building regarding supporting walls, damaged overhead structure, broken gas lines, live power lines, etc. Their inspection should precede any police or security investigation and should be designed to prevent any further injury. Shelter-in-Place When a building or neighborhood fire or hazardous materials event occurs, but it is not safe to evacuate, students will be sheltered in place. Shelter-in-place is appropriate when confronted with a fast moving vapor cloud that doesn’t allow evacuation to a safe location; or during other hazardous releases where staying inside will provide sufficient protection from the hazardous material. A school may satisfy the shelter-in-place drill requirements by having staff and students view the OSPI DVD of shelter-in-place procedures, shutting down the school’s heating and ventilation system, if possible, and escorting students to the predetermined sheltering location. During an Incident: Bring everyone inside buildings as quickly as possible; 2) activate the building incident management team and medical team; 3) seal all exit and entrances to the building and ensure that they remain sealed; 4) close all windows, shut vents, and turn off all heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems; 5) To reduce the possibility of toxic vapors, seal all entry routes as effectively as possible, i.e. doors and windows; 6) close drapes, curtains, and shades in case for possible explosion. Advise student(s) to take shallow breaths through a wet or damp cloth or towel if gas or vapor contamination is suspected. Students and staff should avoid contact with any spilled liquid materials, airborne mist or concentrated solid chemical materials; no food or drink that may be contaminated should be consumed. Staff should take attendance and report any unaccounted for students to the office. Do not allow anyone to leave the room. Stay in the “shelter-in-place” until instructed to do otherwise.
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