Emergency Procedures

In Case of a School Emergency

Although your first reaction may be to call the school or rush to pick your child up, please do not do either.

  • DO NOT call or rush to the school.
    • Telephone lines and staff are needed to handle emergency actions.
    • Driving to the school will block roads and limit access for emergency vehicles.
  • DO NOT call or text message your child in school.
    • For safety reasons, students and staff are urged not to use telephones.
    • Cell towers are needed for emergency and school staff communications.
    • Cell towers may become overloaded if several hundred parents and students make calls.

Parent Actions in an Emergency

  • Official school announcements and instructions will be delivered by SchoolMessenger and posted on the District website.
  • Listen for information regarding parent-child reunification procedures.
  • Students will ONLY be released to parents/guardians who are documented emergency contacts and present photo ID such as a driver's license, government issued ID card or a passport.
  • A designated area will be assigned so you are able to pick up your child(ren) more efficiently.
  • If a legal guardian is not available to pick-up a child, the child will remain at the reunification site under the supervision of school personnel

See www.readypa.org for more information on family preparedness.

How You Can Help

  • Ensure that your child's emergency contact information is accurate and current.
  • Sign up for parental/guardian alerts in SchoolMessenger.
  • Become familiar with the parent reunification portion of your child's school emergency plan.
  • If your child has any medical conditions, allergies or requires medications please speak with the school nurse. This information may be critical in an emergency.

Planning + Preparedness = Success

While it is unsettling to think about emergencies happening to our children, frequent review and practice of emergency procedures at home and at school, will help everyone to be prepared.

Throughout the school year, students will be trained in emergency procedures and will be taught how to react, where to assemble and what to expect in an emergency situation.

Formulate your own emergency plans and teach your child(ren) what to do in case of emergencies at home. Provide instructions for what to do and who to go to if you are not available in an emergency.

Parent Actions in an Emergency

  • Official school announcements and instructions will be delivered by SchoolMessenger and posted on the District website.
  • Listen for information regarding parent-child reunification procedures.
  • Students will ONLY be released to parents/guardians who are documented emergency contacts and present photo ID such as a driver’s license, government issued ID card or a passport.
  • A designated area will be assigned so you are able to pick up your child(ren) more efficiently.
  • If a legal guardian is not available to pick-up a child, the child will remain at the reunification site under the supervision of school personnel

  • See www.readypa.org for more information on family preparedness.

School Safety Terms

  • Evacuation: Certain emergencies will require students to exit the school building. Off-site evacuations may be conducted when it is not safe to remain on campus. If an evacuation occurs or one is in progress, please wait for instructions on where and how to be reunited with your child.
  • Lockdown: A lockdown may take place if an actual or potential internal threat is identified at or near the school. All school doors will be locked and access to the building and classrooms will be controlled. NO ONE will be permitted to enter or leave the school until the situation is resolved.
  • Restricted Movement: Occasionally student, staff and visitor movement may be limited in a school. This usually involves a pre-planned event (such as a drug dog search) or a medical emergency. Students will not be permitted to move freely during these events, but no immediate danger exists.
  • Severe Weather: In the event of a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning where danger to students is imminent, students will be moved to safer locations within the school to maximize their safety from high winds and potential building damage.
  • Shelter in Place: Certain emergencies, most notably hazardous materials releases near the school, may require students and staff to take refuge in the school for protection. NO ONE will be permitted to enter or leave the school until the situation is resolved.
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