Admin

806

School Board Policy 806

806 CRISIS MANAGEMENT POLICY

I. PURPOSE

  1. Policy. The school district's Crisis Management Policy has been created in consultation with local community response agencies and other appropriate individuals and groups that wouldlikely be involved in the event of a school emergency.

  2. Building Plans. The school district's administration shall present tailored crisis management plans to the school board for review and approval. The building-specific crisis management plans will include general crisis procedures and crisis-specific procedures. Upon approval by the school board, such crisis management plans shall be an addendum to this Crisis Management Policy. This Policy and the plans will be maintained and updated on an annual basis.

II. GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. Elements of the District Crisis Management Policy

    1. General Crisis Procedures. The Crisis Management Policy includes general crisis procedures for securing buildings, classroom evacuation, building evacuation, campus evacuation, and sheltering. The policy designates the individual(s) who will determine when these actions will be taken. These district-wide procedures may be modified by building administrators when creating their crisis management plans.

      1. Internal Physical Communication System. A communication system will be in place to enable the designated individual to be contacted at all times in the event of a potential crisis, setting forth the method to contact the designated individual, the provision of at least two designees when the contact person is unavailable, and the method to convey contact information to the appropriate staff persons. The alternative designees may include members of the emergency response team. A secondary method of communication should be included in the plan for use when the primary method of communication is inoperable.

      2. Resource. The school district will have access to a copy of the most recent edition of the Comprehensive School Safety Guide to assist in the development of building-specific crisis management plans.

      3. Special Needs Procedures for Staff and Children. All general crisis procedures will address specific procedures for children and staff with special needs such as physical, sensory, motor, developmental, and mental health challenges. The school's crisis management team will meet in the fall of each year to ensure that there are specific procedures for the safe evacuation of each student and staff member with special needs. If an emergency situation/crisis occurs at Nevis School, the assignments made for each student and staff member at the fall planning meeting will be implemented by the assigned staff and will include the school district crisis team's specific procedures for evacuating students and staff with special needs.

        1. The evacuation procedures should include specific procedures for children with special needs, including children with limited mobility (wheelchairs, braces, crutches, etc.), visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other sensory, developmental, or mental health needs. This may include students who do not have a 504 plan or an individualized education program (IEP).

        2. The evacuation procedures should also address transporting necessary medications and medical equipment used by students and staff during the school day.

      4. Lock-Down Procedures. Lock-down procedures will be used in situations where harm may result to persons inside the school building, such as a shooting, hostage incident, intruder, trespass, disturbance, or when determined to be necessary by the building administrator or his or her designee. The building administrator or designee will announce the lock-down over the public address system or other designated system. Code words will not be used. Provisions for emergency evacuation will be maintained even in the event of a lock-down.

      5. Evacuation Procedures. Evacuations of classrooms and buildings shall be implemented at the discretion of the building administrator or his or her designee. The building's crisis management plan will include procedures for transporting students and staff a safe distance from harm to a designated safe area until released by the building administrator or designee. Safe areas may change based upon thespecific emergency situation. The evacuation procedures should include planning for students and staff with special needs related to evacuation as addressed in section c. above.

      6. Sheltering Procedures. Sheltering provides refuge for students, staff, and visitors within the school building during an emergency. Shelters are safe areas that maximize the safety of inhabitants. Safe areas may change based upon the specific emergency. The building administrator or his or her designee will announce the need for sheltering over the public address system or other designated system. The building administrator will submit sheltering plans as part of the building specific crisis management plan.

    2. Crisis-Specific Procedures. The Crisis Management Policy includes crisis-specific procedures for crisis situations that may occur during the school day or at school-sponsored events and functions. These district wide procedures are designed to enable building administrators to tailor response procedures when creating building specific crisis management plans.

    3. School Emergency Response Teams

      1. Purpose. The school's emergency response team serves as a first responder to school emergencies and assists building and district administration in developing and revising district and building level emergency plans. The school emergency response team implements the building level crisis management plan.

      2. Composition. The building administrator will select a school emergency response team that will be trained to respond to emergency situations. All school emergency response team members will receive on-going training to carry out the building's crisis management plans and will have knowledge of procedures, evacuation routes, and safe areas. For purposes of student safety and accountability, to the extent possible, school emergency response team members will not have direct responsibility for the supervision of students. Team members must be willing to be actively involved in the resolution of crises and be available to assist in any crisis situation as deemed necessary by the building administrator. The district will maintain a current list of school emergency response team members which will be updated annually. The building administrator, and his or her alternative designees, will know the location of that list in the event of a school emergency. A copy of the list will be kept on file in the school district office, or in a secondary location in single building school districts. The list may be in an electronic and/or paper format, but must be accessible in the event of a power outage. Members include: Superintendent, Principal, High School Dean of Students, Elementary Dean of Students, and the High School Social Worker.

      3. Leaders. The superintendent or his/her designee will serve as the leader of the school emergency response team and will be the primary contact for emergency response officials. In the event the primary designee is unavailable, the designee list should include more than one alternative designee and may include members of the emergency response team. When emergency response officials are present, they may elect to take command and control of the crisis. It is critical in this situation that school officials assume a liaison role and be available to emergency response officials.

III. PREPARATION BEFORE AN EMERGENCY

  1. Communication of the Crisis Management Plan

    1. District Employees. Teachers generally have the most direct contact with students on a day-to-day basis. As a result, they must be aware of their role in responding to crisis situations. This also applies to non-teaching school personnel who have direct contact with students. All staff shall be aware of the school district's crisis management policy. Employees will receive a copy of the relevant building-specific crisis management plans and shall receive periodic training on plan implementation.

    2. Students and Parents/Guardians. Students and parents/guardians shall be made aware of the school district's crisis management policy and relevant tailored crisis management plans. Each school district's building-specific crisis management plan shall set forth how students and parents are made aware of the district and school-specific plans. Students shall receive specific instruction on plan implementation and shall participate in a required number of drills and practice sessions throughout the school year.

  2. Visitors

    1. Entrance Procedures. The school district shall implement procedures mandating visitor sign-in and sign-out at a specific location and the use of an identifying visitor badge while in school buildings.

    2. Building Entrances. The school district shall implement procedures to minimize outside entry into school buildings except at designated check-in points and assure that all doors are locked prior to and after regular building hours.

  3. Facility Diagrams and Site Plans

    All school buildings will have a facility diagram and site plan that includes the location of primary and secondary evacuation routes, exits, designated safe areas inside and outside the building, and the location of fire alarm control panel, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, hoses, water spigots, and utility shut offs. All facility diagrams and site plans will be regularly updated and whenever a major change is made to a building. Facility diagrams and site plans will be available in the office of the building administrator and in other appropriate areas and will be easily accessible and on file in the school district office. Facility diagrams and site plans will be provided to first responders, such as fire and law enforcement personnel. For single building school districts, a secondary location for the diagrams and site plans is included in the district's crisis management policy.

  4. Emergency Telephone Numbers

    1. External Communication

      The district will maintain a current list of emergency telephone numbers and the names and addresses of local, county, and state personnel who may be involved in a crisis situation. The list will include telephone numbers for local police, fire, ambulance, hospital, the Poison Control Center, county and state emergency management agencies, local public works departments, local utility companies, the public health nurse, mental health/suicide hotlines, and the county welfare agency. A copy of this list will be kept on file in the school district office, or at a secondary location for single building school districts, and updated annually.

    2. Internal Building Communication

      School district plans will set forth a process to internally communicate an emergency, using telephones in classrooms, intercom systems, or two-way radios, as well as the procedure to enable the staff to rapidly convey emergency information to a building designee. Each plan will identify a primary and secondary method of communication for both internal and secondary use. It is recommended that the plan include several methods of communication because computers, intercoms, telephones, and cell phones may not be operational or may be dangerous to use during an emergency.

  5. Warning and Notification Systems

    1. Maintenance of the District Warning System. The school district shall maintain a warning system designed to inform students, staff, and visitors of a crisis or emergency. This system shall be maintained on a regular basis under the maintenance plan for all school buildings. The school district should consider an alternate notification system to address the needs of staff and students with special needs, such as vision or hearing.

    2. Notification of the District Warning System to Staff and Students. It shall be the responsibility of the building administrator to inform students and employees of the warning system and the means by which the system is used to identify a specific crisis or emergency situation. The school's crisis management plan will include the method and frequency of dissemination of the warning system information to students and employees.

  6. Early School Closure Procedures

    1. Decision Making by Superintendent. The superintendent will make decisions about closing school or buildings as early in the day as possible. The early school closure procedures will set forth the criteria for early school closure (e.g., weather-related, utility failure, or a crisis situation), will specify how closure decisions will be communicated to staff, students, families, and the school community (designated broadcast media, local authorities, e-mail, or district or school building web sites), and will discuss the factors to be considered in closing and reopening a school or building.

    2. External Communication Methods for Parents and Guardians. Early school closure procedures also will include a reminder to parents and guardians to listen to designated local radio and TV stations for school closing announcements, where possible.

  7. Media Procedures

    The superintendent has the authority and discretion to notify parents or guardians and the school community in the event of a crisis or early school closure. The superintendent may designate a spokesperson who will notify the media in the event of a crisis or early school closure. The spokesperson shall receive training to ensure that the district is in strict compliance with federal and state law relative to the release of private data when conveying information to the media.

  8. Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Procedures

    1. Short-Term Intervention Procedures. Behavioral health crisis intervention procedures will set forth the procedure for initiating behavioral health crisis intervention plans. The procedures will utilize available resources including the school psychologist, counselor, community behavioral health crisis intervention counselors, or others in the community. Counseling procedures will be used whenever the superintendent or the building administrator determines it to be necessary, such as after an assault, a hostage situation, shooting, or suicide. The behavioral health crisis intervention procedures shall include the following steps:

      1. Administrator will meet with relevant persons, including school psychologists and counselors, to determine the level of intervention needed for students and staff.

      2. Designate specific rooms as private counseling areas.

      3. Escort siblings and close friends of any victims as well as others in need of emotional support to the counseling area.

      4. Prohibit media from interviewing or questioning students or staff.

      5. Provide follow-up services to students and staff who receive counseling.

      6. Resume normal school routines as soon as possible.

    2. Long-Term Recovery Intervention Procedures. The following components may involve both short-term and long-term recovery planning:

      1. Physical/structural recovery

      2. Fiscal recovery

      3. Academic recovery

      4. Social/emotional recovery

  9. Planning and Preparing for Fire

    1. Safe Area. Designate a safe area at least 100 50 feet away from the building to enable students and staff to evacuate. The safe area should not interfere with emergency responders or responding vehicles and should not be in an area where evacuated persons are exposed to any products of combustion. (Depending on the wind direction, where the building on fire is located, the direction from which the fire department is arriving, the location of fire equipment, the distance may need to be extended.)

    2. Accessibility of Building Facility Diagram and Site Plan. Each building's facility diagram and site plan shall be available in appropriate areas of the building and shall identify the most direct evacuation routes to the designated safe areas both inside and outside of the building. The facility diagram and site plan must identifythe location of the fire alarm panel, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, hoses, water spigots and utility shut offs. (See III. C. above).

    3. Staff Training on Evacuation Routes. Teachers and staff will receive training on the location of the primary emergency evacuation routes and alternate routes from various points in the building. During fire drills, students and staff will practice evacuations using primary evacuation routes and alternate routes.

    4. Additional Staff Training. Certain employees, such as those who work in hazardous areas in the building, will receive training on the locations and proper use of fire extinguishers and protective clothing and equipment.

    5. Conducting Fire Drills. Fire drills will be conducted periodically without warning at various times of the day and under different circumstances, (e.g., lunchtime, recess, and during assemblies). State law requires a minimum of five drills each school year, consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 299F.30. See Minn. Stat. §121A.035.

    6. Fire Drill Schedule and Log. A record of fire drills conducted at the building will be maintained in the building administrator's office.

    7. Preparation and Planning for Sites. The school district has prearranged sites for emergency sheltering and transportation as needed. The two sites are Bethany Lutheran Church and Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church.

    8. Essential Staff Functions. The school district will determine which staff will remain in the building to perform essential functions if safe to do so (e.g., switchboard, building engineer, etc.). The superintendent or his or her designee will meet local fire or law enforcement agents upon their arriva

NEVIS SCHOOL DISTRICT CRISIS PROCEDURES

  1. Emergency Dismissal/Building Evacuation

    This procedure provides for early dismissal, and when the dismissal must be delayed as authorized by the superintendent or principal.

    The superintendent or principal shall establish a communications network when implementing emergency dismissal and include the intended communications with staff, students, and parents.

    1. Early/Immediate Dismissal

      The superintendent/principal shall coordinate the dismissal, directing all persons in the school building to go directly home. A SchoolReach instant parent contact message will be sent to all households.

      1. Those having private automobiles would be permitted to use them in returning home.

      2. Those having bicycles would be encouraged to use them in returning home.

      3. Superintendent/principal will contact the transportation department to coordinate busing. Service is provided for all eligible transported students, including special education, who normally ride the school bus.

      4. All others would walk home.

    2. Delayed Dismissal

      When dangerous conditions are imminent, such as a tornado, all personnel should remain in the building until the danger has passed.

      1. The superintendent/principal shall implement safe harbor procedures, directing persons to protected locations (safe harbors) within the building.

      2. After the danger has passed, Section 1 of this procedure may be implemented at the discretion of the superintendent or principal.

  2. Medical

    General Medical Guidance

    Every school has:

    1. Comprehensive written emergency care policies - found in the school Health Office - Minnesota School Health Guide and Protocols and standing orders.

    2. Adequate first aid supplies readily available in the school health office.

    3. Nurse or other designated staff members competent to provide first aide.

    4. Procedures for notifying the school nurse or other designated staff member of all medical emergencies.

    Specific Medical Guidance

    1. Let the nurse or an experienced first aider assume responsibility. If no other better qualified person is available, take charge yourself. (Call emergency 911 when deemed necessary).

    2. Look for breathing, serious bleeding, pulse and poisoning.

    3. Treat any severely injured person for shock.

    4. Do not move the patient unless there is real danger of further injury at the scene.

    5. Keep calm and reassure the patient.

    6. Never attempt to give liquids to an unconscious person.

    Epidemics

    1. The MN Dept. of Health is responsible for all regulations governing the control of communicable disease.

    2. At the first sign of contagion that could reach epidemic proportions:

      1. Call Health Services

      2. Health Services department will take necessary action.

    Serious Accidents and Acute Illness

    1. Dial 911 for emergency.

    2. Administer needed first aid.

    3. Check for medical identification; wrist, neck or ankle. (Check purse or wallet only in the presence of another witness).

    4. Contact a relative.

    5. Call appropriate supervisory office if victim is staff member.

    6. When student circumstances warrant the use of an ambulance, parents will be responsible for the expenses incurred. Call 911 for an ambulance.

    Minor Accidents and Illness

    1. Contact parent at home or work.

    2. Contact a designated neighbor or relative and ask that they care for the child until parents can be reached.

  3. Fire

    4. During School Hours:

    1. Activate alarm and/or notify principal's office of exact location of fire.

    2. Evacuate building according to individual building and fire drill procedures. Building diagrams are posted in every room.

      1. Close all windows and doors.

      2. Keep all personnel at least 100 feet from the building.

    3. Call fire department, 911, and give exact location of fire.

    4. Designate staff member to meet Police and Fire personnel at main entrance, with master keys for entire building.

    5. Each teacher is expected to use reasonable effort in keeping in a group the students for which he or she is responsible.

    6. Attempt to extinguish the fire only if trained and when it can be done safely.

    7. The principal is to notify the superintendent or maintenance supervisor.

    After School Hours:

    1. Evacuate the building according to individual building and fire drill procedures.

    2. Notify Nevis Fire Dept., 911, (police and fire emergency).

    3. Designate person to meet police and fire personnel at main entrance with master keys for entire building.

    4. Custodial staff shall notify building and grounds/reservation personnel.

    5. Custodial staff shall notify the school superintendent.

    Procedures for Fire Drills:

    Minnesota statutes state that we are to hold five fire drills during each school year. Therefore the following rules will prevail for all personnel:

    1. Rules governing fire drills:

      1. Walk out in an orderly manner at the sound of the fire alarms.

      2. Do not stop at lockers, for a drink of water, or the restrooms.

      3. Do not run, push, or talk loudly.

      4. The last person out of the room should turn off the lights, do not lock the door.

      5. The first two students to the outside doors should hold the doors open for all the students coming out that door.

      6. Clear all exits. Staff/students should proceed to designated area and group by the class you are in at the time of the alarm. If the alarm sounds during passing time, group with the previous class; if the alarm sounds during lunch, group with the 4th hour class, and if the alarm sounds before school, group with the 1st hour class. Get completely away from the building and group together by class.

      7. Elementary students proceed to the practice field on the east side of the building.

      8. High school students proceed to the west parking lot away from the fire hydrant.

      9. Re-enter the building when told and proceed to your classrooms.

      10. Follow specialized evacuation procedures for disabled persons as outlined in the building fire safety and evacuation plan or the student's IEP.

    2. Students and classroom exits:

      1. Rooms 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 109, 114, 115, and 116 exit the south high school main doors, EXIT #5, and follow the sidewalk to the west parking lot area.

      2. Rooms 118, 119, 121, 122, 131, and 132 exit the east band/choir hallway doors, EXIT #9 or Exit #10, and proceed to the football field.

      3. Rooms 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129 and 130 exit the northeast doors, EXIT #11, on the elementary side and proceed to the football field.

      4. Tiger Arena - room 138, rooms 150, 153, and room 166 exit the west lobby doors, EXIT #7, and proceed to the west parking lot.

      5. Rooms 152 and 160 exit the west high school doors, EXIT #7 and proceed west to the parking lot.

      6. Rooms 154 and 168A, exit out emergency exit door in room 154, and proceed west to parking lot.

      7. Rooms 161, 168, 189, 190, and 191, exit the south high school doors, EXIT #5 and follow the sidewalk to the west parking lot area.

      8. Rooms 158, 158A, boys' locker room - 159, 163 and 164 exit north side doors, EXIT #8 and proceed to the west parking lot.

      9. Rooms 170, 171, 181, 182, 183, 184, 186, 187 and 188 should exit the west secondary wing, EXIT #6, to the west parking lot area.

      10. Rooms 174 and 175 exit the emergency exit door in room 175 and proceed to west parking lot.

      11. Rooms 192, 193 and 194 exit the south high school main doors, EXIT #7, and follow the sidewalk to the west parking lot area.

      12. Rooms 204, 207 and girls' locker room exit north side doors, EXIT #8 and proceed to the west parking lot.

      13. Rooms 215, 219, 222 and 223 exit the east band/choir hallway doors, EXIT #9 and proceed to the football field.

      14. Rooms 230, 230A and 230B, exit out the emergency exit door in room 230 and proceed to the football field.

      15. Rooms 231, 231A, 231B and 231C, exit out the emergency rxit door in room 231 and proceed to the football field.

      16. Original gym - room 225, and stage area exit the east band/choir hallway door, EXIT #9 and proceed to the football field.

      17. Rooms 301 and 301A exit out emergency exit door in room 301 and proceed to the football field.

      18. Rooms 302, 302A, 303, 303A exit out the emergency exit door in room 303 and proceed to the football field.

      19. Boys' football locker room and vistors locker room exit emergency doors in the locker rooms.

      20. Community Education Center, exit door into west parking lot.

      21. Custodians and cooks should depart by the nearest exit and proceed to the football field.

      22. Fitness Center/garage, exit out nearest door to the west parking lot.

      NOTE: Any staff member who is serving a physically disabled student when the alarm goes off should instruct the regular class about which exit to depart and proceed to assist the disabled student out the nearest accessible exit.

      TEACHERS ARE TO HAVE THEIR CLASS RECORD BOOKS WITH THEM AS THEY EXIT THE BUILDING. ATTENDANCE SHOULD BE TAKEN OUTSIDE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ABSENTEES REPORTED TO THE SUPERVISOR WHO WILL COME AROUND TO EACH GROUP.

      At the safe area:

    1. When the group arrives at the safe area, check for any missing students and report them to the building administrator.

    2. Do not block any door or gate that may be used by emergency response personnel.

    3. While at the safe area, teachers supervise the group closely.

    4. Do not re-enter any school buildings until fire department officials declare them safe.

    5. Transport students as needed.

  4. Utility Dangers

    1. Electric Power Failure

      1. Call Minnesota Power Company (1-800-228-4966).

      2. Notify buildings and grounds personnel.

      3. Custodial staff will notify school superintendent

      4. The superintendent shall notify the principal as deemed necessary

    2. Gas Line Break

      1. During and After School hours

          2. 1) Clear immediate area.

          2) Notify superintendent or person in charge of evening or night activities.

          3) Clear building if necessary (superintendent's decision).

          4) Call Fire Department - 911.

          5) Call Gas Service Co. (218-732-5397)

          6) Superintendent notifies principal. (If no administrator is available, contact supervisor of building.)

    3. Water Main Break

      1. During school hours

          2. 1) Notify building custodian supervisor.

          2) Shut off water.

          3) Call City Clerk. (218-652-3866)

          4) If flooding occurs and pumping is needed, notify Don Umthun or City Hall. (218-652-3866).

          5) Call buildings and grounds personnel. (Ext. 221)

          6) Notify superintendent in charge of building. (Ext. 103)

      2. After school hours

          3. 1) Custodian call 911.

          2) Call buildings and grounds personnel.

  5. Dangerous Weather

    The superintendent is responsible for developing a comprehensive emergency plan for the school. The superintendent shall establish a communications network when implementing emergency procedures and include the planned communications with the staff, students and parents.

    1. Severe Thunderstorms - The Weather Service Monitor may not sound a warning for severe thunderstorms. An alert to all schools may come from the superintendent's office with special instructions regarding dismissal.

      1. School warning system

      2. Inform students before the spring tornado season, regarding hazards, flooding, loose or downed electrical wires, danger from lightning.

      3. If storm occurs at dismissal time, it may be desirable to hold students until danger has passed.

    2. Flooding/Evacuation - These procedures are for any weather situation which requires students and staff to evacuate the building.

      1. Procedures for the building administrator if a building is in a area where a flood watch has been issued:

          2. 1) Monitor weather conditions by using weather alert radios, an AM/FM radio, or contact local emergency management officials regarding the emergency condition.

          2) Keep staff posted of changes or emergencies.

          3) Review evacuation procedures with staff and prepare students.

          4) Check relocation centers and secure transportation to them.

      2. Procedures for building in an area where a flood warning has been issued.

          3. 1) If advised by local emergency management officials to evacuate, do so immediately.

          2) Follow evacuation procedures; teachers take class rosters.

          3) Turn off utilities in the building and lock the doors.

          4) Take attendance after evacuation to the shelter. Report any missing students to the building administrator.

          5) Notify parents or guardians per school district policies.

          6) Stay with the students until released to a parent or guardian.

    3. Blizzards - Public warnings are issued by the Weather Bureau through radio, T.V., by weather monitor when a blizzard is anticipated, and by phone for school announcements. Call 218-652-3500, press 5, then 2 for message about school cancellation or late starts. Weather related announcements are posted on the school's website. In the event of a late start, school cancellation or early dismissal, all parents will be notified by the SchoolReach instant parent contact system.

      The superintendent or designated person shall warn students to:

      1. Go directly home after school day. (School personnel should be aware of individual students who are authorized to go to residences other than their own homes).

      2. Be cautious of low visibility in crossing streets, etc.

    4. Tornadoes (Take Cover)

      1. Sources of Public Warning Signal - indoor siren at school - outside sirens and weather alert monitor.

        The Weather Alert Monitor is activated by the Weather Service whenever there is a tornado warning, severe weather, or indication of winds over 70 MPH. An "all clear" message may be given at the termination of the warning period. When the termination time is reached, it can be assumed that the warning period is over, unless a subsequent warning has been issued extending the time.

        The Weather Service can not, in all instances, issue an "all clear: because there usually are other severe weather cells moving toward our area, and maintaining a watch on these conditions is their prime concern.

      2. School Warning Signal

          3. 1) The superintendent or designated person will activate the building notification system as posted in the classroom when all persons are to seek shelter in the protected area of the building.

          2) Monitor Emergency Alert Stations

          3) Bring all persons inside the building. Keep students, staff and visitors inside the building.

          4) Close windows and blinds.

          5) Review tornado drill procedures and the location of the safest areas.

          6) Review "drop and tuck" procedures with students.

      3. Tornado Drill Procedures:

          4. In the event of a tornado drill or an actual tornado warning, it is wise to have a set procedure to follow for the purpose of protecting our staff and students within the school building. For tornado drills or warnings, the following procedure will be followed:

          THE WARNING SIGNAL WILL BE A LOUD, CONSTANT 30-SECOND SIREN, AND THE ALL CLEAR SIGNAL WILL BE THREE SHORT SIREN BLASTS.

          Upon the sounding of the tornado alarm, staff and students should walk quickly and QUIETLY to the following designated areas. DO NOT TALK; do not return to class until the all clear signal has been sounded. Teachers and staff should extend their responsibility to check each room to see if any children are left in the rooms, then shut lights off as an indication that the room has been cleared. Do not sit in front of doors.

          1) AREA: If outside, return to the school immediately and be seated in the safest area. If outside and you are not able to get to the building, find the lowest spot available and lay down.

          2) AREA: COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER

          Move to the basement storm shelter in the Community Education building.

          3) AREA: CUSTODIAL AREA

          Personnel should move into the janitorial area which does not have windows.

          4) AREA: FITNESS CENTER/GARAGE

          Move to the basement in the Community Education Center and be seated in the storm shelter.

          5) AREA: KITCHEN/LUNCH ROOM - ROOM 151

          Students and staff should remain in their respective areas. If elementary or secondary students occupy the cafeteria at the time of the alarm, they should move to their respective hallways and be seated.

          6) AREA: LOCKER ROOMS

          Students and staff will remain in the room and be seated along the locker areas.

          7) AREA: ORIGINAL GYM - ROOM 225

          Students and staff should report to the north hall by the girls' locker room and be seated along the west wall.

          8) AREA: STAGE

          Students and staff should report to the boys' football locker room and be seated along the locker area.

          9) AREA: TIGER ARENA

          Students and staff should move to the boys' locker room next to Tiger Arena and be seated along the locker area..

          10) AREA: ROOMS 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 109, 114, 115, 11 7

          Personnel and students should move to room 109.

          11) AREA: ROOM 118

          Students and staff should remain in the room and be seated along the north wall.

          12) AREA: ROOM 119

          Students and staff should be seated on the southwest wall in respective classroom.

          13) AREA: ROOM 121

          Students and staff should leave room 121 through the north door, and enter Room 132 through the south door. Students and staff should be seated along the west wall.

          14) AREA: ROOMS 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131

          Students and staff should be seated against the walls of the elementary hallway.

          15) AREA: ROOMS 132 AND 137

          Students and staff should remain in their respective rooms seated along the west wall.

          16) AREA: ROOM 150 AND 153

          Students and staff should exit the room and be seated on the north and south side of the junior high hallway against the lockers.

          17) AREA: ROOM 152

          Students and staff should remain in the room and be seated against the west wall.

          18) AREA: ROOM 154

          Students and staff should report to room 152 and be seated against the west wall.

          19) AREA: ROOMS 158 AND 158A

          Students and staff move to the boys' locker room area and be seated along the locker area.

          20) AREA: ROOM 160

          Students and staff should remain in the room and be seated against the north wall.

          21) AREA: ROOM 161

          Students and staff should remain in the room and be seated on the west wall.

          22) AREA: ROOM 162, 163 AND 164

          Students and staff should remain in the classroom.

          23) AREA: ROOM 166

          Students and staff should exit the room and be seated on the south side of the junior high hallway against the lockers.

          24) AREA: ROOM 168

          Students and staff should be seated against the west wall in the room.

          25) AREA: ROOMS 170

          Students and staff should remain in the room and be seated against the walls.

          26) AREA: ROOM 171

          Students and staff should exit the room and be seated along the north and east walls. The photography room should be used if needed.

          27) AREA: ROOMS 174, 175 AND 181

          Students and staff will take cover in room 174 and be seated along the south and west walls..

          28) AREA: ROOMS 182, 183 AND 184

          Students and staff will take cover in room 171 and be seated along the north and east walls. The photography room should be used if needed.

          29) AREA: ROOM 186

          Students and staff will take cover in room 170 and be seated against the walls.

          30) AREA: ROOMS 187 AND 188

          Students and staff will take cover in room 168 and be seated along the walls..

          31) AREA: ROOMS 189

          Students and staff will take cover in room 161 and be seated along the west wall.

          32) AREA: ROOMS 190

          Students and staff will take cover in room 161 and be seated along the north wall.

          33) AREA: ROOM 191

          Students and staff will take cover in room 160 and be seated along the west wall.

          34) AREA: ROOM 192, 193, 194

          Students and staff remain in room 193and be seated along the east walls.

          35) AREA: ROOM 204, 207

          Students and staff will remain in the room and be seated along the locker areas.

          36) AREA: ROOM 215

          Personnel should move out of the room and be seated against the south side hallway by Exit #9.

          37) AREA: ROOM 219

          Students and staff should move out of the room and be seated against the south side hallway by Exit #9.

          38) AREA: ROOM 222

          Students and staff will remain in the room and be seated against the east wall.

          39) AREA: ROOM 223

          Students and staff remain in the room and be seated against the wall.

          40) AREA: ROOMS 230 AND 231

          Students and staff should move to the hallway adjacent to Exit #9 and be seated along the east wall.

          41) AREA: ROOMS 301, 302 AND 303

          Students and staff should move to interior ramp area near rooms 301, 302 and 303 and be seated along the walls.

  6. Evacuation Plan for Bomb Threats Or Other Similar Emergencies

    Upon notification of a bomb threat or other similar threat to the school, the following procedure shall be followed:

    1. The threat shall be reported immediately to the building administrator or assigned supervisor when the building administrator is not available.

    2. The administrator/supervisor shall report the incident immediately to the law enforcement officials, then proceed with building evacuation.

    3. Building Evacuation Plan

      1. If appropriate, the Public Address System shall be used to announce that a "building evacuation" will begin immediately, otherwise a hand notice will be given.

      2. Upon this notice, all teaching staff will be in complete control of the student group or individual assigned to them at the time of the announced evacuation. The teacher, with assistance from instructional aides, will direct students to exit from the building as follows:

          3. 1) All elementary students and staff will utilize their closest exits and walk quickly and quietly to Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church located one block south of the front entry to school, where they will enter the church and be seated by teacher groups in the available seating areas. The students and staff will remain there until directed by the administrator/supervisor to either return to school or board the bus and go home. Town students released with parental permission. (Title I and/or Special Education staff members shall be responsible to assist in traffic control as students cross the streets.)

          2) All secondary students and staff will utilize their closest exits and walk quickly and quietly down 3rd Avenue to the Bethany Lutheran Church located one and one-half blocks south of the front entrance to school. Students and staff will enter the church and be seated by teacher groups in the seating areas available. The students and staff will remain there until directed by the administration/supervisor to either return to school, be dismissed (town), or board the bus and go home.

      3. The district office personnel will have a key for each church building and will be responsible to open the churches or they will provide the key to an adult supervisor who will be assigned to precede the student body to the churches and have the doors unlocked and lights turned on. This person will also direct teacher/student groups as to where to sit at the churches. This person shall also assume the position of "liaison" between the district administration/supervisor and the staff located in that building so all communications can be conveyed in a timely and least confusing manner.

    4. The building administration/supervisor will confer with law enforcement officials and make the determination regarding school closure, subsequent transportation provisions and announcements for TV and radio stations.

    5. The building administration/supervisor will be the only person responsible for making statements to the press.

    Bomb Threats or Similar Threats by Phone Call

    1. Person receiving call should seek the following information from the caller:

      1. Time bomb is set to explode

      2. Exact location of the explosive

      3. How many explosives are involved

      4. Size of the explosive

    2. Person answering phone attempt to recognize certain characteristics of the caller:

      1. Voice tone/accent

      2. Sex of caller

      3. Age of caller

      4. Background noise

    3. Person answering phone should not hang up even if caller breaks connection (caller ID, if available should be installed).

    4. School Administrator or Supervisor in charge of the district at that time should be notified immediately. If none available, 911 call should be made to report the incident. (This would also be the first step if a suspicious object were located in the building and no phone call was received or threat is made by note, Internet, or any other means than phone.)

    5. Evacuate the building according to preset evacuation procedures (see attached). Direct the evacuation route away from the object (if one is located).

    6. Notify custodial staff of door security once the building is evacuated.

    7. Two way radios, walkie talkies or cell phone should be shut off immediately upon being informed of the bomb threat or the location of a suspicious object.

    8. School personnel should not search for or touch any unfamiliar object before, during or after the evacuation of the building.

    Setting Up a Command Post for Administration to Communicate with Parents and Law Enforcement Officials

    1. A predetermined location will be established for all school staff and students to report.

      1. Churches or other nearby safe facilities can be considered and included in the evacuation plan.

      2. Teachers and aides will be responsible for controlling and supervising student groups or individuals assigned to them at the time of the alarm. An accurate roll call should be made immediately after exiting the building. Any unaccounted for students or staff should be reported to the administrator or supervisor in charge for that day.

    2. Using an outside phone, i.e., located at the temporary holding site, the administrator/supervisor shall call the phone company for immediate assistance in channeling all phone calls coming into the school to the temporary holding site or to a phone controlled by the chief law enforcement/fire chief official near the school grounds. (This can be done by calling the local phone company.) Also, call other officials for school closure announcement.

    3. From the holding site, the administrator in charge should call the transportation director and request that all bus drivers report to the holding site for student transportation home (after radio and TV school closure announcements have been made -- the standard procedure is to have the building evacuated and secured for twelve hours, unless it is determined by law enforcement to open it sooner.)

    Re-Opening of School

    1. Clearance must be obtained from the emergency officials in order for anyone to reenter the building.

    2. Upon return to the school, staff and students should be informed of basic facts of what occurred and the consequences for the perpetrator. No names should be used so data privacy laws are not violated. Counseling should be available, if necessary, for all staff and students.

    3. Review of procedures for bomb threat drills should be done on a regularly scheduled basis and actual drills should be completed at the beginning of each school year.

  7. Dangerous Incidents

    1. Assault/Fight

      These procedures apply to close contact physical confrontations including fist-fights, knife assaults, and the use of other weapons which require close proximity to result in a significant physical threat.

      Procedures:

      1. Ensure the safety of all students and staff.

      2. Contact the building administrator, police liaison, or 911, if necessary.

      3. Approach in a calm and controlled manner. If possible, address the combatants by name and use a distraction to defuse the situation.

      4. Control the scene and demand that the combatants stop; clear onlookers.

      5. Contact CPR/first aid certified persons in the school building to handle medical emergencies until local law enforcement agents arrive, if necessary.

      6. Escort the combatants to the office keeping them away from each other and other students.

      7. Seal off the area where the assault took place.

      8. Notify the building administrator. The building administrator will:

          9. 1) Notify the superintendent and combatants' parent(s) or guardian(s), as appropriate.

          2) Investigate by means such as obtaining statements from the combatants and witnesses; deal with the situation in accordance with school district discipline and harassment and violence policies, as appropriate.

          3) Notify law enforcement or school liaison officer, as appropriate, if a weapon was used, the victim has a physical injury causing substantial pain or impairment, or the assault involved sexual contact (intentional touching of anus, breast, buttocks, or genitalia of another person in a sexual manner without consent, including touching of those areas covered by clothing).

      9. Assess counseling needs of victim(s) or witness(es). Initiate the grief-counseling plan, if necessary.

      10. Document all activities.

    2. Demonstration or Disturbance

      These procedures are for dealing with anyone causing or participating in a demonstration or disturbance at the building: individual students, student groups, or outside individuals or groups not associated with the building.

      Procedures:

      1. Notify the building administrator of the disturbance.

      2. During the disturbance, the building administrator will take corrective action, such as:

          3. 1) Ask the demonstrators to disperse.

          2) Notify the superintendent.

          3) Notify the local law enforcement agency, if necessary.

          4) Contain the disturbance by sealing off the area, to the extent possible.

          5) Secure the building, if necessary.

          6) Shut off bells, if appropriate.

          7) Relocate people involved in the disturbance to an isolated area, to the greatest extent possible.

      3. During the disturbance, teachers should:

          4. 1) Keep students in classrooms and lock the door. Do not allow students out of the classroom until the building administrator gives an all-clear signal.

          2) Make a list of students absent from the class.

    3. Suicide

      Procedures for a suicide attempt:

      1. Intervene prior to an attempted suicide, as appropriate. Try to calm the suicidal person.

      2. Prevent others from witnessing a traumatic event, if possible. Isolate the suicidal person or victim from other persons. Remain calm and reassure students.

      3. Call 911 if the person dies, needs medical attention, has a weapon, or needs to be restrained.

      4. Notify the school psychologist or counselor, building administrator, or appropriate crisis intervention or mental health hotline.

      5. The building administrator will activate the crisis response team.

      6. Stay with the person until counselor/suicide intervention arrives. DO NOT LEAVE A SUICIDAL PERSON ALONE.

      7. Designate a responsible adult to meet with emergency personnel upon arrival.

      8. The building administrator will notify the superintendent and the parent(s) or guardian(s) if the suicidal person or victim is a student, or a family member if the person is a staff member.

      9. The building administrator may arrange a meeting with parents and the school psychologist or counselor to determine a course of action.

      10. Determine method of notifying students, staff and parents, as appropriate.

      11. Initiate the grief-counseling plan, if appropriate.

    4. Weapons

      If a student or staff member is aware of a weapon brought to school:

      1. Immediately notify the building administrator, teacher, or police liaison.

      2. Tell them the name of the person suspected of bringing the weapon, where the weapon is located, if the suspect has threatened anyone, or any other details that may prevent the suspect from hurting someone or himself or herself.

      3. If a teacher suspects that a weapon is in the classroom, he or she should confidentially notify a neighboring teacher or the building administrator. Do not leave the classroom.

      Procedures for the building administrator if a weapon is suspected:

      1. Call the local law enforcement agency if a weapon is reasonably suspected to be in the building or on school grounds.

      2. Isolate the suspect from the weapon, if possible. If the suspect threatens with the weapon, do not try to disarm the suspect. Back away with arms up. Stay calm.

      3. Ask another administrator or police liaison to join in questioning the suspected student or staff member.

      4. Accompany the suspect to a private office and wait for local law enforcement agents.

      5. Inform the suspect of his or her rights before you conduct a search of their property, if appropriate.

      6. Document the incident and report it, if appropriate. (Minn. Stat. § 121A.06 - Reports of dangerous weapon incidents in school zones.)

      7. Notify parents or guardians if the suspect is a student and explain to them why a search was conducted and the results of the search.

  8. Dangerous Incident Reporting

    1. Superintendent
      When a disturbance is imminent, the superintendent along with the administrative staff (including the police liaison officer) should assess the situation to determine its seriousness and its seriousness and its effect on the safety of students and staff before taking any action. Upon determination that the situation is threatening to the safety of students and staff, the following procedures should be follows:

      1. Put into effect the prearranged individual building emergency plan.

      2. Notify principal.

      3. Notify Nevis Police Department, telephone 911 (if uniformed police are used, designate an entrance and room where they may enter and remain until needed as precautionary measure).

      4. Keep faculty informed of the situation through phone call chain or public address system.

    2. Faculty

      1. Notify superintendent immediately of possible demonstrations or disturbances.

      2. Assist in communication through telephone chain and keep fully informed of the situation.

      3. Perform assigned duties and responsibilities as prearranged: i.e., carry on with their class; teachers on preparation time move to assigned entryways.

      4. File an Incidents Report on all damage, violence, theft, arson, occurring in their vicinity with names, time, place and action taken.

      5. Help minimize the disturbance by remaining clam, using good judgment and care not to communicate personal fears and emotions to students.

    3. Student Relations

      1. Meet and confer with student representatives to dispel rumors, clam fears, and provide as near normal operation as possible.

      2. Keep students informed of situation through normal channels of communication.

      3. Encourage students to remain in their classrooms.

      4. Advise students of the threat to their welfare if they should leave the room or building.

      5. Do not utilize students or student groups to quell a disturbance when it might jeopardize their safety or normal relationship with their peer group.

    4. Custodial Staff

      1. Report to preassigned stations to secure the physical plant; i.e., utilities, fire alarm system, etc.

      2. Lock lavatories and seal off traffic flow to disturbance area.

      3. Keep storage closets with volatile substances, mop and broom handles, locked at all times.

    5. Clerical staff

      1. Place all monies and essential records in the vault and lock.

      2. Keep switchboard clear for emergency calls.

      3. Secure or lock public address or communications room.

    6. Closing of Schools

      Only the superintendent can legally authorize the closing of a school. If the decision to close school is made:

      1. Parents should be informed as quickly as possible through the SchoolReach instant parent contact system, radio or TV or calling the school at 218-652-3500, press 5, then press 2 for message.

      2. Students and staff notified through normal communications.

      3. Notify transportation office of emergency dismissal.

      4. Transportation office will notify other schools of possible change in their bus schedules.

  9. Lock Down Procedures

    There are two (2) types of lock downs:

    1. Lock down for an emergency situation

    2. Lock down with an intruder

    Either of these situations could be a "drill" or an actual event. Code words are no longer used - announcements will say exactly what type of event is occurring and all announcements will be repeated three (3) times.

    SCHOOL POLICY CALLS FOR ALL CLASSROOM DOORS TO BE LOCKED AT ALL TIMES.

    1. Lock Down for Emergency Situation
      This type of lockdown is used for such things as medical emergencies, broken gas lines or other events that have occurred inside or outside of the building.

      1. These situations are not life threatening.

      2. Clear the halls, close all windows.

      3. Staff should continue with regularly planned activities.

      4. There is to be NO staff or student traffic in the halls.

      5. Outdoor classes should return to the nearest classroom in the school.

        Announcement - Lock Down for an Emergency Situation
        "This is a drill. We have an emergency situation. All staff and students are to evacuate the halls and remain in their classes until further notice." Repeated three (3) times.

        OR

        Announcement - Lock Down for an Emergency Situation
        "This is not a drill. We have an emergency situation. All staff and students are to evacuate the halls and remain in their classes until further notice."
        Repeated three (3) times.

        Announcement - Ending the Emergency
        "This ends the (drill/emergency)."
        Repeated three (3) times.

    2. Lock Down and Cover
      This type of lockdown is used when there is any type of life threatening situation in the school.

      1. All teachers are to clear the halls of all student traffic.

      2. Doors are locked, windows are covered and lights are out.

      3. Everyone is to sit on the floor along the classroom walls away from the door.

      4. Outdoor classes should proceed to an alternate location.

      5. Evacuation while in lockdown will involve law enforcement and the use of "Safety Cards".

        Announcement - Lock Down for an Intruder
        "This is a drill. We have an intruder in the school. All staff and students are to evacuate the halls and remain in their classes under cover until further notice."
        Repeated three (3) times.

        OR

        Announcement - Lock Down for an Intruder
        "This is not a drill. We have an intruder in the school. All staff and students are to evacuate the halls and remain in their classes under cover until further notice."
        Repeated three (3) times.

    3. Intruder/Hostage

      Individuals who pose a possible threat could include a sniper on campus, someone who may attempt to abduct or injure a student, or any unauthorized visitor without a legitimate purpose. It may be a law enforcement agency who notifies the school or school district of the dangerous situation, or it may be school personnel who first recognize the danger.

      Procedures before the emergency:

      1. Implement lock-down procedures to secure the school building, to keep students inside and keep the danger outside of the building away from students and staff.

        Procedures for the staff member who sees an unauthorized intruder:

      1. If possible, have another staff person accompany you when approaching an intruder that does not indicate a potential for violence.

      2. Politely greet the intruder and identify yourself.

      3. Ask the intruder to identify himself or herself and to state what is the purpose of his or her visit.

      4. Inform the intruder that all visitors must register at the main office.

      5. If the intruder's purpose is not legitimate, ask him/her to leave and accompany intruder to an exit if possible, or arrange for someone else to accompany the intruder.

      6. If the intruder refuses to leave or is a repeat offender, warn him or her of the consequences of staying on school property. Inform him or her that the police will be contacted.

      7. If the intruder still refuses to comply, notify building administrator or police liaison and give as complete a description of the person as possible.

      8. Walk away from the intruder if the intruder indicates a potential for violence. Do not attempt to disarm anyone with a weapon or physically restrain anyone who may be capable of inflicting bodily harm.

      9. Monitor the intruder leaving campus, if possible.

      10. Call 911 and provide law enforcement agents with as much identifying information as possible (physical description, location in the school building, where the person is going, if the intruder is armed).

      Witness to a hostage situation:

      1. If the hostage taker is unaware of your presence, do not intervene.

      2. Call 911 immediately, if possible. Give the dispatcher details of the situation, ask for assistance from the hostage negotiation team.

      3. Seal off the area near hostage situation, to the extent possible.

      4. Notify the building administrator who may elect to evacuate the rest of the building.

      5. The police or hostage negotiation team will assume command and control of the situation when they arrive.

      If taken hostage:

      1. Follow instructions of the hostage taker.

      2. Try not to panic. Calm students if they are present.

      3. Treat the hostage taker as normally as possible. Be respectful. Ask permission to speak. Do not argue or make suggestions.

      Procedures after the emergency:

      1. Designate a spokesperson to handle media calls, questions, and contacts.

      2. Prepare a news/information release, as appropriate.

      3. Prepare a parent and guardian letter, as appropriate.

      4. Hold an information meeting with all staff.

      5. Initiate the grief-counseling plan, if appropriate.

    4. Shooting

      These procedures apply to snipers inside or outside of the school building or any other firearm threat that poses an immediate danger. The threat may also result from an intruder or from participants in a demonstration.

      Procedures for staff and students if a person threatens with a firearm or begins shooting:

      1. If outside, staff and students should go inside the building as soon as possible. If staff or students cannot get inside, they should make themselves as compact as possible, put something between themselves and the shooter, and not gather in groups.

      2. If inside, staff, students and visitors should turn off the lights, lock all doors and windows, and close the curtains, if it is safe to do so.

      3. If safe to do so, staff should check the halls for wandering students who are not the threat and bring them immediately into a classroom, even if they are from another classroom.

      4. Staff, students and visitors should crouch under desks without talking and remain there until an all-clear signal is given by the building administrator.

      5. Take roll call and notify the building administrator of any missing students or staff.

      Procedures for the building administrator or police liaison if a person threatens with a firearm or begins shooting:

      1. Assess the situation as to:

          2. 1) Shooter's location,

          2) Injuries, and

          3) Potential for additional shooting.

      2. Call 911 and give them as much detail as possible about the situation.

      3. Secure the school building, if appropriate.

      4. Assist students and staff in evacuating from immediate danger to a safe area.

      5. Care for the injured to the extent practicable until emergency personnel arrive.

      6. Refer media calls, contacts, and questions to the school district spokesperson.

      7. Meet with the superintendent to prepare a news or information release.

      8. Notify parents and guardians per school district policies, if appropriate.

      9. Hold an information meeting with all staff, if appropriate.

      10. Initiate the grief-counseling plan, if appropriate.

  10. Hazardous Substances

    The Nevis Public School has attempted to identify the various hazardous substances located in the school. Information concerning the substances is available to the public and can be obtained from the "MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS" (MSDS sheets) and survey documentation located in the maintenance department.

    Procedures for on-site chemical accidents:

    1. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE EXPOSURES - School Response

      If you suspect that you may have been exposed to a hazardous substance, the following steps should be followed:

      1. Check labels for emergency or accidental exposure instruction.

      2. Follow instructions on the label completely. Seek medical attention, if necessary.

      3. Consult "MSDS sheets" for additional information or survey documentation located in the school office Safety Center or maintenance department.

      4. If the item is not identified, contact the Health & Safety Office for the technical data.

      5. Notify your supervisor and the school's safety representative of the incident/accident requiring medical attention or your continued concern regarding potential hazardous exposure.

    2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR RESOURCES

      1. Unlabeled, outdated, used, or discontinued chemicals should be identified for disposal. Contact the Health & Safety Office for assistance.

      2. After hours access to the "Safety Center" can be arranged with the school office.

    3. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ACCIDENTS - Community Response

      Notification of hazardous material accidents may originate from Local or State Emergency Response professionals. The incident could involve an overturned tanker truck, derailed train, and broken fuel or natural gas lines, etc. The accident can affect the surrounding communities.

      In the event of such an occurrence, the following procedure should be followed:

      1. The superintendent will establish a communications network with staff, students, and the principal of schools.

      2. The superintendent will determine the need for evacuation in conjunction with the principal and local authorities.

      3. If the school is not considered a safe harbor and evacuation is necessary, the superintendent shall implement "EMERGENCY DISMISSAL" procedures. Consideration and direction should be given to the movement of students and staff. Moving in a direction across the wind path reduces exposure to airborne contaminant. NEVER move directly into or against wind which may be carrying toxic fumes.

      4. If first aid is necessary, the superintendent shall implement the "MEDICAL" emergency procedures. Remember, persons may be carrying toxic vapors and fumes that can effect first- aid responders.

Legal References:

42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq. (Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 12 and 12A (Emergency Management and Natural Disasters)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.06 (Reports of Dangerous Weapon Incidents in School
Zones)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.035 (Crisis Management Policy)
Minn. Stat. § 326B.02 Subd. 6 and 326B.106 (Fire Code and General
Powers Comm. Labor and Industry)
Minnesota Rules Chapter 7511 (Minnesota State Fire Code)
Minn. Stat. § 299F.30 (Fire Drill in School)
Minn. Stat. § 609.605, Subd. 4 (Trespasses on School Property)
Title IX, Part E, Subpart 2, Section 9532 (No Child Left Behind)
20 U.S.C. § 7912 (Unsafe School Choice Option

MEDIA PROCEDURES

All staff must refer media contacts to district spokesperson.
The school district, in coordination with assisting agencies, assumes responsibility for issuing public statements during an emergency.

  • Superintendent serves as district spokesperson unless he/she designates a spokesperson. If spokesperson is unavailable, an alternate assumes responsibilities.
District spokesperson: _________________________ _______________

Name Contact Number

Alternate spokesperson:

_______________________

_______________

Name Contact Number
  • District Public Information (PI) person helps district spokesperson coordinate media communications.
District PI: ______________________________ ___________________

Name Contact Number

Alternate PI:

_____________________________

___________________

Name Contact Number

Media checklist:

  • Building administrator relays all factual information to superintendent and public information person.

  • Establish a media information center away from the affected area. Consider:

    • Media need timely and accurate information. However, protect the privacy of staff and students when necessary and justified.
    • Media will want to be close enough to shoot video footage and photographs, but they should not be allowed to hinder responders.

  • Before holding a news conference, brief the participants and coordinate information.

    • Determine the message you want to convey. Create key messages for target audiences: parents, students and the community.
    • Emphasize the safety of students and staff.
    • Engage media to help distribute important public information. Explain how the emergency is being handled.
    • Respect privacy of victims and families of victims. Do not release names to media.

  • Update media regularly. DO NOT say "No comment."; Ask other agencies to assist with media.

  • Maintain log of all telephone inquires for future use.

CHECKLIST FOR TELEPHONE THREATS

If you receive a telephoned threat (bomb/chemical/other):

  • Remain calm.
  • Do not hang up. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible and listen carefully.

Ask the following questions:

    Where is the bomb/chemical or other hazard?
  • When will it explode/be activated?
  • What does it look like?
  • What kind of bomb/hazard is it?
  • What will cause it to explode/activate?
  • What is your name?
  • Did you place the bomb/hazard?
  • WHY? Where are you?

Exact wording of the threat: ______________________________________________________

If voice is familiar, who did it sound like? ___________________________________________

Caller ID information:

male

female

adult

juvenile

age

Caller origin:

local

long distance

internal

Cell phone

Caller's voice: Note pattern of speech, type of voice, tone. Check all that apply.

Calm

Excited

Loud

Soft

Deep

Nasal

Raspy

Distinct

Slurred

Normal

Crying

Laughter

Slow

Rapid

Disguised

Accent

Lisp

Stutter

Drunken

Familiar

Incoherent

Deep breathing

Background sounds: Check all that apply.

Voices

Airplanes

Street noises

Trains

Quiet

Bells

Clear

Static

Animals

Party

Vehicles

Horns

House noises

PA system

Music

Factory Machines

Motor

Phone booth

Other:

Threat language: Check all that apply.

Well-spoken

(educated)

Foul

Taped

Incoherent

Irrational

Message read from script

Did caller indicate knowledge of the building? Give specifics: __________________________
Person receiving call: __________________ Phone number where call rec'd: ______________

LEAVE YOUR PHONE OFF THE HOOK. DO NOT HANG UP AFTER CALLER HANGS UP.

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