MOUNT VERNON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT - EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN 2019-2020 (As of October 2019)
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MOUNT VERNON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
2019-2020
(As of October 2019)What is a Board of Education?
The Board of Education is the official policy-making body of the school district,
and is comprised of nine members, elected by the public, who serve three-year
terms of office without paid compensation.
The areas of Board responsibility include:
o Exercising educational leadership and drafting policies for the effective
operation of the Mount Vernon City School District.
o Employing the Superintendent of Schools.
o Confirming appointments of administrators, teachers and other district
staff members.
o Setting goals for educational standards.
o Adopting a yearly budget and authorizing certain expenditures.
o Expressing and representing the views of the community in matters
affecting educational programs and needs of the community.
The Board of Education works in concert with the Superintendent of Schools and
his cabinet to discharge these varied and necessary responsibilities.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 22017 - 2020 Mount Vernon Board of Education
Trustee Term Committees
Arlene Torres 2017-2020 Budget (Chair)
President
Darcy Miller 2018-2021 Facilities (Chair), Policy
Vice President
Dr. Serigne M. Gningue 2019-2020 Education (Chair)
Warren Mitchell 2016 -2019 Family & Community
Engagement (Chair)
Micah J.B. McOwen 2018 -2021 Policy (Chair)
Wanda White 2018 -2021 Facilities (Chair), Education
Melissa Muñoz-Patterson 2017 -2020 Audit (Chair)
Adriane Saunders 2016 -2019 Health, Safety & Wellness
(Chair)
Special Ed. Advisory Council
(Chair)
Israel Williams 2017 -2020 Student Activities (Chair)
Nicholas Justino 2019-2020 TBD
Student Trustee
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 3MOUNT VERNON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY PLAN
IN THE EVENT OF A SCHOOL CRISIS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
6-9 Mission Statement & Summary of District Comprehensive Safety Plan
10 Introduction
11 MVCSD Incident Command
12 District-Wide Crisis Response Team
13 District Emergency Phone Tree AND Phone Tree Script
14-15 Abduction
16 Altercation/Violence between Students /Assault of a Student on Campus
17-19 Bomb Threat
20 Building Schematics &Floor Plans
21 Child Abuse or Neglect Policy
22 Child Abuse (Level 1)
23-26 Child Abuse or Neglect (Accusation Against School Personnel -Level 2)
27 Community or Political Protest Activity
28 Contagious Disease
29 Dangerous or Irate Person on Campus
30 Death at School: Natural, Accident or Homicide
31-32 Death of Student Family Member Off Campus: Natural, Accidental or Homicide
33 Declaration of War or National Incident
34 Earthquakes
35-36 Environmental Hazards
37 Evacuation Procedures
38 Evacuation of Disabled Students &Staff
39 Explosion, Fire or Plane Crash into Building
40-43 Fire Drill and Evacuation
44 Gas Leak
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 4MOUNT VERNON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY PLAN
FOR SCHOOL CRISIS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
44 Hurricanes
45-47 Lockdown Procedures
48 Lockout Procedures
49 Media Policy
50-51 Multiple Casualty Incidents with Severe Injuries or Fatalities
52 Post Crisis Evaluation and Debriefing
53 Preservation of Crime Scene
54 Review & Conduct of Drills to Test Comprehensive Safety Plan for School
55 School Bus Accident with Injuries (Accident Occurs in Transit)
56 Serious or Terminal Illness of Student or Faculty Member
57 Severe Weather
58 Winter Storm
59 Thunderstorm Safety
60 Attachment 1 (Lightening)
61 Attachment 2 (Tornado)
62 Suicide Attempt
63 Suicide (Cluster)
64 Suicide Threat (High Risk)
65 Taking Hostages or Sniper Gunfire
66 Trespassing
67 Violent Behavior of a Student
68 Visitors Policy
69 Weapon on Campus
70-73 Appendix: Drill & Emergency Evaluation Form, Project S.A.V.E. List of
Committee Members, List of Community Phone Numbers
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 5MISSION STATEMENT &
SUMMARY OF DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY PLAN
I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS & PLANNING GUIDELINES
A. Purpose
The Mount Vernon City School District's Comprehensive Safety Plan for School Crisis was
developed pursuant to Commissioner's Regulation 155.17. At the direction of the Mount
Vernon City School District Board of Education, a District-wide School Safety Team was
established and charged with the responsibility and maintenance of the District's
Comprehensive Safety Plan for-School Crisis.
B. Identification of District Teams
The Mount Vernon City School District has developed three Emergency Teams:
1. District-wide School Safety Team
2. District-wide Crisis Response Team (CRT)
3. School-based Building Response Teams (BRT)
C. Concepts of Operation
The initial response to all emergencies within the District will be by the Principal or his/her
designees who will determine whether the CRT needs to be convened. Upon the activation
of the CRT, the Superintendent of Schools and his designee will be notified and, where
appropriate, local emergency officials will also be notified. Where necessary, efforts may
be supplemented by county and state resources through existing protocols.
D. Plan Review & Public Comment
• The plan will be reviewed periodically during the year as well as after crisis situations
and will be maintained by the District. The required annual review will be completed
on or before July 1st of each year after its adoption by the Board of Education.
• Pursuant to Commissioner's Regulation 115.17(e)(3), a summary of this plan will be
made available for public comment at least 30 days prior to its adoption. The District
plan as well as the building-level plans may be adopted by the School Board only after
at least one public hearing that provides for the participation of school personnel,
parents, students and any other interested parties. The plan must be formally
adopted by the Board of Education.
• The District and building-level plans are 'CONFIDENTIAL" and shall not be made
available for public disclosure under Article 6 of the Public Officers Law or any other
provision of law, in accordance with Education Law Section 2801.
• Full copies of the Comprehensive Safety Plan for School Crisis will be supplied to both
local and state police within 30 days of adoption.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 6II. RISK REDUCTION/PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
A. Designation of CRT and BRT Teams
A1. Crisis Response Team (CRT): A District-wide Crisis Response Team (CRT), including
the members required by regulation, has been created. Members of the team include: school
safety personnel; local law enforcement officials; representatives of teacher, administrator, and
parent organizations; local ambulance and other emergency response-agencies; community
members; other-school personnel; and other representatives appointed by the Board of
Education.
A2. Building Response Team (BRT): Each school is directed to create a Building
Response Team (BRT). The BRT, including the members required by regulation, has been
created. Members of the team include: school safety personnel; local law enforcement officials;
representatives of teacher, head custodian, administrator, and parent organizations; school
nurse, local ambulance and other emergency response-agencies; community members; other-
school personnel; and other representatives appointed by the Principal, whose chief
responsibility in times of crisis is to manage crisis in the building.
B. Prevention/Intervention Strategies
• Training for emergency teams and safety officers, including de-escalation training, has
been conducted as determined in the district-wide plan.
• Procedures for an annual review and the conduct of drills and exercises to test
components of the District's plan, including the use of practice exercises, in coordination
with local and county emergency responders and preparedness officials have been
developed and will be implemented.
• The District-wide Comprehensive Safety Plan for School Crisis requires annual multi-
hazard training for students and staff.
C. Identification of Sites and Potential Emergencies
The Comprehensive Safety Plan for School Crisis requires an identification of sites of potential
emergency. The District's Safety Team has identified both internal and external hazards that
may warrant protective actions, such as the evacuation and sheltering of the school population.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 7III. RESPONSE
A. Assignment of Responsibilities
• A chain of command will be used in response to an emergency in the District. In the
event of an emergency, the District's CRT may adapt the Crisis Team Response Plan
based on the needs of the incident.
B. Continuity of Operations
• The District has developed procedures to continue operations during an emergency.
C. Access to Floor Plans
• Procedures have been developed to ensure that crisis response, fire and law
enforcement agencies have access to floor plans, blueprints, schematics, or other maps
of the schools' interiors, school grounds and road maps of the immediate-surrounding
area.
D. Notification and Activation
• Internal and external communication systems have been developed that will be used in
emergencies.
• Procedures are in place for notification and activation of the District's Comprehensive
Safety Plan for School Crisis.
E. Hazard Guidelines
The District-wide Comprehensive Safety Plan for School Crisis includes multi-hazard response
plans for taking actions in response to an emergency. The District's plan includes specific
guidelines for the following types of emergencies:
Abduction Hurricanes
Altercation/Violence between students Lockdown Procedures
Assault of a Student on Campus Media Policy
Bomb Threat Multiple Casualty Incident/Severe Injuries or Fatalities
Child Abuse or Neglect School Bus Accident with Injuries
Community Protest or Political Activity Serious/Terminal Illness of Student or Faculty Member
Contagious Disease Severe Weather
Dangerous or Irate Person on Campus Suicide Attempt
Death at School Suicide - Cluster
Death of a Student Family Member Suicide Threat
Death off Campus Taking Hostages/Sniper Gunfire
Declaration of War/National Incident Trespassing
Earthquakes Violent Behavior of a Student
Environmental Hazard Visitors Policy
Evacuation of Disabled Students Weapon on Campus
Explosion, Fire, Plane Crash into Building
Fire Drill and Evacuation
Gas-Leak
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 8F. Evacuation Procedures
• Policies and procedures have been developed for the safe evacuation of students,
teachers, other school personnel and visitors to the schools in the event of a serious
incident which include the following:
1. Evacuation before, during and after school hours (including security during
evacuation)
2. Evacuation routes (internal and external)
3. Sheltering sites (internal and external)
4. Procedures for addressing medical needs
5. Transportation
6. Emergency notification of persons in parental relation to the students
7. Other procedures as determined by the District-level CRT.
G. Security of Crime Scene
• Policies and procedures have been established for securing and restricting access to the
crime scene (See page 54) in order to preserve evidence from being disturbed or
destroyed in cases of violent crimes on school property.
IV. POST-INCIDENT RESPONSE
The District's Comprehensive Safety Plan for School Crisis will be coordinated with the
statewide plan for disaster. (See: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/planning/cemp/) Mental health
services will be available to assure that the school has access-to federal, state, and local mental
health resources in the event of a violent incident.
Short term actions for recovery include:
• Mental health counseling (students and staff)
• District and Building security
• Facility restoration
• Post-incident response critique
• Long term actions for recovery include:
• Mental health counseling for post-traumatic stress behavior
• District and Building security
• Mitigation to reduce the likelihood of occurrence and impact if it does occur again
• Other
Appendices include:
• Mount Vernon City School District Street Map
• Floor Plans and Schematics
• Name, address and contact numbers of District staff
• Script for Phone Tree Conversation
• Mount Vernon City School District's resources' telephone numbers
• Local resources' telephone numbers
• Internal District phone lists
• District Chain of Command
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 9INTRODUCTION The Comprehensive Safety Plan for School Crisis is part of the Project SAVE Legislation and the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act, passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Pataki at the end of the 2000 Legislative session. The law is an outgrowth of four years of negotiations and an in-depth report by Lieutenant Governor Donoghue's Task Force on School Violence. The primary goal of Project SAVE is to stop school violence before it happens. Project SAVE requires every school in the State of New York to work with local law enforcement officials and members of the Community to develop a comprehensive Safety Plan that will limit the damaging effects of a violent incident. As part of this undertaking, and in conjunction with the formulation of the Comprehensive Safety Plan for School-Crisis, the District has provided training for its emergency teams and safety officers, including de-escalation training. For purposes of this plan, Crisis Response Team will be referred to as "CRT". MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 10
Mount Vernon City School District Incident Command
1. Incident Name: 2. Operational Period: Date From: Date To:
Time From: Time To:
Liaison Officer
Incident Commander(s)
Lead Security Officer
District Clerk/
Operations Chief Information Officer
Supt. of Buildings &
Grounds
Staging Area
Develop by IC
Planning Chief Logistics Chief Finance/Admin Chief
Resource Person Supply Person Procurement Person
Demobilization Person Grounds Supervisor Comp./Claims Person
Service Branch
Comms. Person
Medical Person
Food Person
4. Prepared by: Name: _______ Position/Title: __________
ICS 207 IAP Page ___
Signature: Date/Time: __________
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 11DISTRICT-WIDE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM
Superintendent
Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton
Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Jeff Gorman
Assistant Superintendents
Dr. Waveline Bennett-Conroy
Denise Gagne-Kurpiewski
Exec. Assistant to the Superintendent
Donna M. Jackson
Administrator for Student Support Services
Dr. Kim Smith
Administrator for Buildings and Grounds
Michael Pelliccio
Director of Security
Emilio Rosario
Director of Special Education
Dr. Felicia Gaon
Safe Schools/Healthy Students SAMHSA Project Director
Main Medical
Mireya Cuadra-Hibbert
15 Building Principals
PTA Council
Local Law Enforcement
Sergeant Joseph Starace
MVFT
Captain St. Johns
Transportation
Michael Pelliccio
Food Services
Sharlaine Holness
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 12DISTRICT EMERGENCY
PHONE TREE
The District and Building Response Teams will maintain an emergency phone tree
which will be contained in each school's Comprehensive Safety Plan for School
Crisis.
For Security purposes, this information will not be made available to the public
but will be maintained at the Education Center.
PHONE TREE SCRIPT
"The facts of the crisis as currently known are ____________________________.”
• The date, time and place of the Staff Meeting.
• A request not to speculate about the crisis while carrying out the
responsibilities associated with the Phone Tree.
• A request to continue calling and giving out the same information.
• A reminder to maintain confidentiality.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 13ABDUCTION
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities
I. WITNESSED BY STAFF MEMBER, STUDENT, ETC.
l. Notify Building Principal who will notify the superintendent Witness/Staff Member
2. Call 911 for immediate assistance Building Principal
3. Isolate Witness Building Principal
Gather general facts about the abduction and a description of
4. Building Principal/Staff
the abductor from witnesses
Notify custodial parent and/or staff of missing child after
5. Building Principal
consultation with the police.
6. Notify Chair of CRT. Building Principal
7. Assess needs and contact team members CRT Chair/Principal
8. Convene Crisis Team Principal
Decide on a plan of action: CRT CRT
• Meet with faculty and staff, if possible. Advise teachers CRT
about sharing information with students. Identify close
friends.
• Provide group and individual counseling support as CRT/Student Support Staff
needed.
• Visit other classrooms, if requested Superintendent/Bldg. Principal
9. • Consult the police about releasing information to media. Superintendent/Bldg. Principal
Prepare a media statement if so advised.
• Prepare a fact sheet to help those answering phone Principal/Foreign Language Dept.
inquiries.
• If concern exists about additional abductions, send
letters home to elementary parents. Translate into native
languages.
10 Provide for follow-up counseling as needed. Psychologist/Counselor/CRT
Prepare Classmates/friends to be supportive when a child is Counselor
11
returned.
12 Debrief faculty and staff at the end of school day Building Principal
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 14ABDUCTION (cont'd)
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
II. NOT WITNESSED
Verify that the child is missing. Have building searched. Notify
l. Witness/Staff Member
Building Principal who will notify the superintendent.
2. If child not found, call parent/unit Building Principal/Designee
3. Explore when and where the child was last seen Building Principal
Ask school personnel to assist in searching neighborhood if
4. Building Principal/Staff
student. Assign security staff.
5. Question the child's friend(s) for information. Building Principal/Staff
6. Call 911 if abduction is suspected. Notify the Superintendent Building Principal
7. Notify Crisis Team Chair Building Principal/Designee
8. Convene Crisis Team Principal
9. Determine staff needs in the building Building Principal/CRT
Decide on a plan of action: CRT CRT
• Meet with faculty and staff, if possible. Advise teachers CRT
about sharing information with students. Identify close
friends.
• Provide group and individual counseling support as CRT/Student Support Staff
needed.
• Visit other classrooms, if requested Superintendent/Bldg. Principal
10. • Consult police about releasing information to media. Superintendent/Bldg. Principal
Prepare media statement if so advised.
• Prepare fact sheet to help those answering phone Principal/Foreign Language Dept.
inquiries.
• If concern exists about additional abductions, send
letters home to elementary parents. Translate into native
languages.
11. Provide for follow-up counseling as needed. Psychologist/Counselor/CRT
Prepare Classmates/friends to be supportive when child is
12.
returned.
13. Debrief faculty and staff at the end of school day Building Principal
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 15ALTERCATION OR VIOLENCE
BETWEEN GROUPS OF STUDENTS
ASSAULT ON A STUDENT ON CAMPUS
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
II. MANAGING THE ALLEGED ASSAILANTS
1 Assess situation to decide if police involvement is necessary. Building Principal
2 Call 911 if deemed necessary Building Principal/Designee
3 Contact Security Staff if necessary Building Principal
4 Complete appropriate paperwork. Building Principal/Staff
5 Photograph assailant and injuries or lack thereof Building Principal/Security
6 Follow District policy regarding disciplinary action, questioning Building Principal
of students, and students taken into custody.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 16BOMB THREATS
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE OR DESIGNEES
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
I. Bomb Threat
If threat is via telephone, document the threat:
• Document contents of conversation using Bomb Threat Protocol Sheet (e.g. time and
date; exact words of caller; description of voice, sex, age (if appropriate), tone, dialect;
and background noises.
• Attempt to signal to co-workers that call is a bomb threat
• Try to have another person listen in on call.
• Record call, if possible.
•
Secretarial Staff attempt to ascertain the following information:
• Where is bomb located?
• When will bomb go off?
• What does bomb look like?
• What type of explosive is involved?
• What is your name? (caller may be caught off-guard and answer)
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 17BOMB THREATS
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
II. IF WRITTEN THREAT - Handling of note should be kept at an absolute minimum.
1 Call 911, Central Office and District Security Building Principal/Secretary
2 If threat indicated bomb is located in school Building Principal
building or location is not given, prepare to
evacuate the building, preferably to open space
areas away from both the building and parking
lot.
3 If threat indicated bomb is located in parking lot Building Principal
or front of school, evacuation may not be
appropriate. Confer with emergency services.
4 Routes of evacuation must be searched prior to Security/Police/Fire Depts.
evacuation
5 Once evacuation routes are declared clear, Staff
evacuate the building
6 Coordinate with law enforcement and fire Building Principal/Staff/Etc.
department
7 If no bomb is found, a decision must be made Building Principal/Designee
whether to re-enter the building.
POLICE WILL NOT DECLARE THE BUILDING
“SAFE” or CONCLUSIVELY STATE THAT THERE
WAS NO BOMB, ONLY THAT BOMB WAS NOT
RECOVERED
Options: Superintendent
• Re-occupy building and resume classes;
or
• Relocate to another facility; or
• Activate early dismissal procedures
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 18BOMB THREAT (cont'd)
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
II. IF BOMB FOUND
1 Call 911 & District Security Building Principal/Secretary
2 Isolate the area and restrict access Building Principal/Security
3 If the fire alarm is used for evacuation, notify the fire Building Principal/Secretary
department the alarm was used because of a bomb.
4 Evacuate the building in stages, starting with the rooms Building Principal/Staff
nearest the device.
5 Notify the Superintendent Building Principal
6 Coordinate with Police and Fire Departments Building Principal/Superintendent
7 Re-enter the building only after being advised to do so by Building Principa1lPolice Dept.
the Police and Superintendent
8 Prepare statement for the media Superintendent/Building Principal
9 Provide a fact sheet to help the school secretary and others Building Principal/CRT/Central
in answering the questions of concerned parents, including Office
location of evacuated students.
10 Debrief faculty/staff Superintendent/Building
Principal/Central Office
III. MAIL BOMBS
Handling of Suspected Bomb: -- Detection:
• Letter bombs may feel rigid, appear uneven or lopsided or are bulky.
• Container is usually irregularly shaped and has soft spots: and bulges.
• The wrapper may have oil stains and emit a peculiar order.
• Package may be unprofessionally wrapped and include "FRAGILE",
"RUSH - DO NOT DELAY", “TO BE OPENED IN PRIVACY OF", "PRIZE ENCLOSED", etc.
• Labeling may contain cut and pasted letters.
• Package may not have postage or non-cancelled postage.
• Wires, foil, string or tape may protrude from package.
• Package may emit a ‘buzzing or ticking noise’.
• Suspect letter or package may arrive immediately before or after a telephone call from a
person asking if the item was received.
• Do not open or squeeze package
• Do not pull or release any wire, strings, or hook.
• Do not turn or shake. Do not put in water or near heat.
• Do not touch letter or package - may compromise fingerprint identification.
ACTIVATE EMERGENCY PLANS FOR DEALING WITH BOMBS AS SET FORTH ABOVE.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 19BUILDING SCHEMATICS & FLOOR PLANS The District will have submitted building schematics and floor plans for each District building to the appropriate community emergency response agencies, including the Mount Vernon Police Department and the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Those plans will also be maintained and available in an area within the District to be designated by the Board of Education. MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 20
CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT POLICY
A. School officials, teachers, nurses; counselors, psychologists and social workers are
legally required to report suspected abuse or maltreatment of any child coming before
them in their professional or official capacity. Call Central Hearing Office in Albany (800)
635-1522.
B. Any persons required to report cases of suspected child abuse or maltreatment shall
have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might have resulted by reason of
such a report. Absolute certainty of abuse is not required under the law, only suspicion.
C. A report of the suspected abuse or maltreatment must be made in writing within 48
hours by the building supervisor or the mandated reporter. Send to: Department of
Social Services, Attn.: CPS, 100 East First Street, Mount Vernon, New York 10553.
D. An abused child is one who is less than 18 years of age' and whose parent or other
person is legally responsible for his/her care:
a. inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon such child by other than accidental means,
or
b. creates or allows to be created a substantial risk of physical injury, or
c. commits or allows to be committed a sex offense against such child, allows child
to engage in such acts.
E. The mandated reporters (initial reporter) obligation is not discharged unless the report
is made.
F. No one may prevent a staff member from making a report.
G. The name of the person making the report IS NOT TO BE REVEALED TO PARENT, ETC.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 21CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
I. Level 1
l. All cases of suspected child abuse must be reported to the Initial Reporter/Building
supervisor of each building, who will then also become Principal
responsible for reporting or causing a child abuse report to be
made.
2 Call Central Clearing Office in Albany at (800) 635-1522. The Initial Reporter/Building
number on the Child Abuse report from (800) 342-3720 is a public Principal
hotline and has a longer waiting time. DO NOT CALL THE PARENT.
3 Ensure an oral report to Child Welfare or Child Protective Services Building Principal
and/or the police department is made within 48 hours by the
person who identifies or suspects abuse or neglect.
4 Do not attempt to verify the information Initial Reporter/Building
Principal
5 A copy of the report sent to Child Protective Services (CPS) must Building Principal
be sent to the Administrator for Student Support Services.
6 Permit an interview with the child by authorized and properly Building Principal
identified officials only.
7 Do not notify parents. They will be notified by the investigators.
The principal will be informed that this has been done before the
child is released.
8 Ensure that the personal who originally suspected the abuse or Building Principal
neglect files a written report within five days.
9 Provide follow-up counseling when appropriate Building Principal/
Psych./Counselor
10 Document all decisions and action taken Building Principal & Staff
11 If the report is determined to be unfounded by CPS, all identifying
data and reports will be sealed and retained in the office of
Student Support Services.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 22CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT
Accusations Against School Personnel
Related to Illegal Activities such as
Child Abuse or Molestation
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
II. Level 2
1 Document what has been reported. Do not investigate or attempt Building Principal
to verify the information.
2 Notify the Human Resources and follow their instructions. The Building Principal
usual procedure is to place the accused on administrative leave
with pay until the investigation is complete
3 Notify Superintendent Building Principal
4 Notify Parent/Legal Guardian Building Principal
5 Report the accusation to the police department. If they choose not
to investigate, report the incident to Child Welfare or Child
Protective Services.
6 Allow time for employee to be interviewed and arrange for a Building Principal
substitute if necessary.
7 Convene the local school crisis team for the employee to be Building Principal
interviewed and arrange for a substitute if necessary.
8 Provide for the police investigators if they come to the school. Building Principal
Notify the parents of the procedure
9 Provide crisis counseling for the children only after their CRT/Counselor
statements have been taken by the police or child welfare workers. Psychologists
10 Notify parents of affected students that initial crisis counseling is Building Principal
being provided. If additional counseling is needed, it will be
provided with their permission. Always use alleged" or "allegation"
regarding the accusation. "
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 23CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT (cont'd)
DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION, and in cooperation with the police and child welfare, prepare
for:
11 • A written statement to the media Superintendent
• Prepare a fact sheet for the secretary for telephone inquiries Superintendent
from rate demanding and scared parents.
• A staff meeting to stop the spread of rumors and to update Building Principal
participants on the facts as known.
• A meeting with district administrators to give reassurance that Building Principal
safety measures are being taken to prevent future incidents and
allow questions and discussions
12 Debrief with the school crisis team Building Principal
1. All district employees, including building administrators, teachers, registered nurses,
doctors, psychologists or psychiatrists, and all other employees who come in contact with
students are required to report all cases of suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the
Building Principal. All district employees are mandated reporters.
2. The Building Principal is required to:
a. Inform the Administrator for Student Support Services who will in turn notify the
Superintendent of Schools of the information received and either:
i. Phone the New York State Child Abuse and Maltreatment Center at (800-342-3720)
and inform them verbally of the problem; or
ii. contact the above agency by telephone facsimile machine on a form supplied by the
Commissioner of Social Services; and
b. File a written report with the local child protective services agency and the statewide
central registry of child abuse and maltreatment within forty-eight hours after the
above report.
3. The written report that must be filed shall include:
• the name and address of the child and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s);
• if applicable, the name and address of the residential care facility or program in
which the child resides or is receiving care;
• the child's age, sex, and race;
• the nature of the child's injuries, abuse or maltreatment, including evidence of prior
injuries, abuse or maltreatment to the child and his/her siblings;
• if known, the name of the person(s) alleged to be responsible for causing the
injury(ies), abuse or maltreatment;
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 24• the members of the family/family composition (e.g., father, mother, 2 sisters,
grandmother, etc.;
• the source of the report.
4. The Building Principal may take photographs or cause photographs to be taken of the
areas of visible trauma on the child, and/or, if medically indicated, cause an examination
to be performed. Such actions may be performed at public expense if they will provide
appropriate documentation when filing the report. A camera and film shall be kept at the
school and be available for this purpose:
• the person making the report and where he/she can be reached.
• the actions taken by the reporting source, including the taking of photographs
and/or x-rays, removal or retaining of the child, and/or notifying the medical
examiner or coroner; and
• any other information which the Commissioner of Social Services may require.
5. The school physician shall notify the appropriate police authorities or the local child
protective service to take custody of any child the physician is treating, whether or not
additional medical treatment is required, if he/she believes the child is in danger.
6. If it should be necessary for Child Protective Services to interview a child at school to
ascertain whether he/she has been abused or maltreated, or to obtain documentation of
such acts, the interview should be conducted in the presence of a school official, unless
circumstances require otherwise. The school official shall examine and verify the
credentials of Child Protective Services workers before allowing such worker(s) to either
interview the child or to examine the child's records.
If sexual abuse is indicated, the presence of a same-sex staff member during the interview
is appropriate.
7. The Superintendent can request a summary report of an investigation of a case referred
to Child Protective Services.
The adult subject of a case of suspected child abuse or maltreatment has a right to a copy
of all information in the State Central register. Personnel have the right to request that
information which would identify the individual making the report be withheld if
furnishing such data might prove detrimental to the safety or interest of that individual.
8. All district employees who are required to report suspected child abuse shall be required
to attend ongoing training sessions regarding identification and reporting of all cases of
suspected child abuse.
9. All district employees who are required to report suspected child abuse shall be provided
with a copy of these regulations and the related Board Policy concerning Child Abuse and
reporting requirements.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 2510. Only one report of any suspected abuse is required.
11. School personnel who, in good faith, make a report to take photographs of injuries and
bruises have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal. The good faith of any person
required to report cases of child abuse or maltreatment is presumed.
12. School personnel who have reasonable cause to suspect that a child has died as a result
of child abuse or maltreatment shall report that fact to the appropriate medical examiner
or coroner.
13. Any person required to report suspected cases of child abuse or maltreatment and who
fails to do so may be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and may be held civilly liable
for the damages caused by this failure.
If a report of child abuse or maltreatment has been determined to be unfounded, all records,
both in the State Central Register and in school files, shall be expunged.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 26COMMUNITY OR POLITICAL
PROTEST ACTIVITY
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
1 Identify the group and the purpose of the protest. Building Principal
2 Notify Central Office/Superintendent. Notify Security Director Building
Principal/Secretary
3 Determine if mediation or dialogue with protestors would be Building Principal
helpful.
4 Notify Police, CRT Building
Principal/Secretary
5 Prepare media statement Superintendent
6 Follow directions of police Staff/CRT/Security
7 Intensify-security. Insure that protestors do not enter the Staff/CRT/Security
school. Request those who entered the school to vacate the
premises immediately. Lock all doors except main entrance.
Place monitors and teachers on supervision at doors.
8 Advise teachers to keep classroom doors closed and locked, if Building
necessary. Principal/Designee
9 Keep administrative office locked; provide security measures Building
for files and records. Principal/Secretary
10 Keep faculty informed through memos, brief meetings or Building
other school communication systems. Principal/Designee
11 Prepare for community meetings that may be needed to Superintendent/Designee
respond to the demands of the problems.
12 Inform parents/unit through letter(s) and/or scheduled Superintendent/Principal
meetings
13 Debrief staff/faculty CRT
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 27CONTAGIOUS DISEASE
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
I. RUMOR
l. Contact Crisis Co-Chairs and nurse for information; find out if Building Principal
rumor is true.
2 Convene CRT. Contact Superintendent. Building Principal
3 Decide on and execute a plan (memo to be read in all classes, CRT
announcement on speaker system, letter to parents, etc.).
4 Meet with key students individually, or in groups, to provide CRT
accurate information.
5 Prepare a fact sheet for the school secretary to answer questions. Nurse/Building
Principal
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 28DANGEROUS OR IRATE PERSON
ON CAMPUS
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
1 Notify Security Director. Building Principal/Secretarial
Staff
2 Call Police and request that they come to school. Building Principal/Secretarial
Staff
3 Notify Central Office/Superintendent. Building Principal
4 Check identification and determine whether the person Security Personnel
has legitimate reason to be on campus.
5 Police will ask the person to leave or, if necessary, Police Department
remove the person.
6 If the person is identified as a parent or person with a Police Dept./Bldg.
legitimate reason to be there, utilize a combination of Principal/CRT
extreme politeness, courtesy and firmness to structure
and de-escalate the behavior.
7 If the person is coherent, listen to him/her and try to Police Dept./Bldg.
understand his/her concern. Principal/CRT
8 Intensify Security Police/Security Staff
9 Debrief faculty and parents once the situation is Principal/CRT
resolved.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 29DEATH AT SCHOOL:
NATURAL, ACCIDENT OR HOMICIDE
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
I. Call nurse, administer first aid. Call 911 for emergency First Person on Scene
assistance.
2 Clear students from immediate incident area. Station School Staff
monitors/teachers to block area. Provide immediate support
for student witnesses.
3 Notify Central Office/Superintendent. Building Principal
4 Convene Crisis Response Team Building Principal
5 Notify parents of the deceased student (this should be done in Building Principal/Police
person with the help of the Psychologist, Unit Representative.
6 Alert Administrators/Counselors at school(s) which siblings Building Principal!
are enrolled. Secretarial Staff/CRT
7 Inform staff and student body. Building Principal/CRT
8 Provide counseling, paying particular attention to friends of CRT/Counselors/
the deceased, and persons with recent losses or a history of Psychologists
suicide threats or attempts. Set up support rooms/stations
and call back-up counselors (CRT partner), if needed.
9 Give factual information to the media/prepare fact sheet for Superintendent
telephone inquiries.
10 Determine the most effective method to inform parents about CRT
the death, what the school is doing and what reactions to
expect from their child.
II. Hold faculty meeting as soon as possible to process feelings Principal/CRT
and plan for the anticipated reactions of students.
12 Relay additional information (funeral arrangements, etc.) as it Principal/CRT
becomes available. Respect tradition of various cultures,
where indicated.
13 Hire subs to cover classrooms as needed. Principal
14 Prepare to hold community meeting, if necessary. CRT
15 Debrief Faculty & Staff. CRT/Counselors/Psych.
16 Plan follow-up counseling for students and staff. CRT/Counselors/Psych.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 30DEATH OF STUDENT FAMILY MEMBER
OFF-CAMPUS
(PARENT, SIBLING, AUNT, UNCLE, ETC.):
NATURAL, ACCIDENTAL, HOMICIDE
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
l. Assess the need for sharing information; assess the need of Building Principal
school involvement.
2 Contact the family to gather information about the Building
circumstances of the death, funeral arrangements, needs of Principal/Designee/Counselor
the child and siblings.
3 Notify teachers of student Building Principal/Counselors
4 After consultation with grieving family and written permission Building Principal
from parents of students wishing to attend the funeral, a
selected number of students and staff could attend the funeral.
5 Prepare the classmates to be supportive when the student Building Principal/Teachers/
returns to school. Counselors/CRT
6 Crisis Team packet information should be distributed. CRT/Teachers/Counselors
7 Provide counseling, as needed or requested, when the student Teachers/Counselors/Psychologists/
returns to school. CRT
8 Monitor the student's academic performance throughout the Teachers/Counselors/Psychologists/
year noting any difficulties, behavior problems or depression CRT
that might be related to the family death.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 31DEATH OF STUDENT
NATURAL, ACCIDENTAL OR HOMICIDE
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
1 Verify information. Inform staff via memo or begin phone Building Principal/Designee
chain to alert staff and set up special meeting to discuss next
steps, level of school involvement.
2 Begin log of activities and decision making process. Building Principal/Designee
3 Contact guidance or main office to see if there are siblings in
Building
other buildings. Principal/Secretarial
Staff/Assistant Principal
4 Determine which building(s) teams need to be activated Building Principal
5 Convene building Crisis Response Team and contact counselor CRT Member
of student.
6 Create and deliver statement to faculty and students. CRT Member/Counselors/
Psych/ Superintendent
7 Set up support rooms-call for back-up, inform students Superintendent/
(before homeroom if possible). Co-Chairs/CRT
8 Provide counseling for friends and at-risk students. Have Superintendent/
counselors as needed. Teachers or other adults may also Co-Chairs/CRT
require counseling.
9 Prepare a media statement and fact sheet for telephone Superintendent/Principal
inquiries if necessary and with permission of family.
10 Send letters to parents about the death, how the school is Building Principal
responding and what reactions might be expected from their
children. Invite them to contact the school counsel6r if they
want assistance or have suggestion about how the counselor
may help their child. (Make sure the letters are prepared in
appropriate languages for non-English speaking families as
needed.
11 Appoint someone to serve as liaison with the family. Gather CRT Members/Parent
relevant information, funeral arrangements and needs of Liaison
siblings.
12 Inform students and staff about the funeral arrangements as Building Principal
soon as possible.
13 Hire subs to offer support to the teachers and cover Building Principal
classrooms as needed. CRT members available to support
subs, if required.
14 Debrief with faculty. Principal/Counselors/CRT
15 Plan Follow-up counseling for students and faculty as needed. CRT/Psych/Counselors
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 32DECLARATION OF WAR
OR NATIONAL INCIDENT
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
1 Discuss what has happened with the students in small groups (e.g. a classroom) CRT/Teachers
encouraging them to share their emotional reactions to tragedy.
2 Consult with counselor or CRT representative about any especially distressed Teachers
student.
3 Sent letters to elementary school parents in appropriate languages (secure Building
interpreter in district, if needed). Describe what the school is doing and how the Principal
children may react. Include the phone numbers of the school for questions or for Superintendent
alerting the counselors about special problems children may have.
4 Hold an after-school faculty meeting to discuss how the students are responding CRT/Building
and to clarify helpful approaches for dealing with the tragedy. Principal
5 Specific announcements to students. Building
Principal
CRT Member
1. Verify information. Gather details.
2. Share facts with the faculty via memo or meeting.
3. Meet with Institution and Administrative staff.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 33EARTHQUAKES
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
1 Tune to battery powered radio for additional weather information. Building Principal
2 If possible, convene CRT to arrange incident command center with Building Principal
communication capability on site to control the flow of people.
3 Announce that-students will not be permitted to change classrooms for Building Principal
any reasons and to stay away from windows until further notice.
4 Contact 911 if necessary - and possible. Contact Superintendent Building Principal
IF INDOORS
1 Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an inside wall. Teachers/Staff
Stay clear of glass (i.e. windows, bookcases, wall hangings, or any area
where objects may fall or fall over, etc.)
2 Move students to secure areas without windows Teachers/Staff
3 Prepare special needs students for evacuation. Teachers/Staff
4 STAY INSIDE Building Principal/
Teachers/Staff
5 Once shaking stops, contact 911. Remain in building until clearance Building Principal/
from authorities. Teachers/Staff
6 Help seriously injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where Staff/Medical
appropriate. Coordinate with emergency service.
7 Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate Staff/Medical
danger of further injury.
8 If persons are hospitalized, keep records of those names and where Staff
taken.
9 Prepare media statement Superintendent
10 Debrief with CRT and plan for follow-up support services for students CRT/ Student
and staff. Support
IF OUTDOORS
1 Move into the open Stay clear or buildings, trees, overpasses, utility -
wires, etc.
2 Stay clear of buildings, trees, overpasses, utility wires, etc.
3 REMAIN IN OPEN AREA UNTIL SHAKING STOPS
4 Follow steps 5-10 above
BE PREPARED FOR AFTERSHOCKS
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 34ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD:
RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILL OR
LEAK OF TOXIC SUBSTANCE
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
1 Verify information. Contact Superintendent, Custodian, officer, CRT Co- Building Principal
Chairs, Security Director, Main Medical and isolate the area. Call 911
for emergency assistance. Ask for advice whether to evacuate or
shelter in place. Contact School District Safety Officer and BOCES
Institution
2 Estimate extent of injuries or potential physical danger with the school Building Principal
nurse/EMS staff
3 Provide for emergency medical care. Assess effect on other students. Building Principal/CRT
4 Set up incident command center with communication capabilities on Principal
site.
5 Convene CRT Building Principal
Request assistance in notifying other affected families and institution.
6 Keep a list of hospitalized and/or evacuated persons and where they Building Principal
are located or have been transported to.
If instructed by Fire Department to shelter in place: Building Principal
• Make an announcement over the Public Address System
• Shut down main electrical power sources to close all
ventilation sources
• Turn off main gas supply
• Provide portable hand-held-cellular communication to control
building
If instructed by Fire Department to evacuate:
• Evacuate in the direction given by emergency personnel Teachers/CRT Members
• Prepare special needs student's personnel for evacuation Special Ed Staff/Faculty
• Evacuate site using crosswind route to avoid fumes Staff/Superintendent
• Prepare a fact sheet for parent and community inquiries Public Info Officer
• Prepare media response statement Public Info Officer
• Notify parents when and where the children will be released Supt./Bldg. Principal
• Debrief with CRT after crisis is over Special Ed Staff/Faculty
• Make preparations for crisis teams to continue with follow-up Co-Chairs/CRT/
services at alternate location. CRT Co-Chairs
• Log all activities and decisions
• Arrange for air sampling to determine status prior to re-
entering the building for normal use.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 35ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD
(INTERIOR RELEASE)
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
1 Verify information. Contact Superintendent. (Custodian, HAZCOM Officer, Main Building Principal/
Medical.) Convene CRT. Designee
2 Contact 911 for emergency assistance. Ask for advice whether to evacuate or CRT Co-Chairs/
shelter in place. Administration
3 Set up incident command center with communication capabilities on site. Nurse/EMS
4 Estimate extent of injuries or potential danger with the school nurse/EMS staff. CRT Member/Nurse/
Principal
5 Provide for emergency care Nurse/CRT Member/
Principal
6 Move staff and students from affected area Teachers/CRT
7 Close up and secure affected area Custodial Staff/CRT
8 Post warning signs at entrance. Building Principal/
Teachers
9 Keep a list of hospitalized and/or evacuated persons and where they are located or CRT/Secretaries/
have been transported to. Psychologists
If instructed by Fire Department to shelter in place:
• Make an announcement over the Public Address System Building Principal
• Shut down main electrical power sources to close all ventilation sources Custodial Staff
• Close all exterior doors and windows
• Turn off main gas supply Custodial Staff
• Provide portable hand-held-cellular communication to control building Custodial Staff School
Safety Officer
If instructed by Fire Department to evacuate:
• Evacuate in the direction given by emergency personnel Teachers/CRT Members
• Prepare special needs student's personnel for evacuation Special Ed Staff/Faculty
• Evacuate site using crosswind route to avoid fumes School Safety Officer
• Prepare a fact sheet for parent and community inquiries Supt./Principal
• Prepare media response statement Superintendent
• Notify parents when and where the children will be released Teachers/Admin. Staff
• Debrief with CRT after crisis is over Principal/Teachers
• Make preparations for crisis teams to continue with follow-up services at
alternate location. Special Ed Staff/Faculty
• Log all activities and decisions Co-Chairs/CRT/
• Arrange for air sampling to determine status prior to re-entering the building CRT Co-Chairs
for normal use. Health Safety Officer
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 36EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Administrator's Responsibilities
• Signal an evacuation from the building by using the fire alarm.
• Involve other staff as necessary.
• Call 3-911 (on a cell phone, call the Police Department at 665-2500).
• Call Central Office at 358-2400.
• If students/staff need to leave the premises. Follow procedures outline in your building's
safety plan
• Take the Mobile Emergency Supply kit.
Custodial Responsibilities
• Same as Administrator's Responsibilities except do not call Central Office.
• Do call the “On-Call" Supervisor. For further direction.
Staff's Responsibilities
• Follow the evacuation routes posted in the room unless otherwise advised.
• Close your classroom doors when leaving the room.
• Do not touch the light switches.
• Take your record/attendance books.
• See that special-needs students are physically assisted.
• Take roll call.
• Report missing student(s) ASAP to the Administrator-in-charge.
UTILITY FAILURE
Administrator's Responsibilities
• Contact The Custodian about the electrical outage.
• Contact the Maintenance Department to address the problem (665-5189).
• Contact Central Office at 358-2400.
• Ensure that the utility company has been contacted.
Staff's Responsibilities
• Remain in your classroom. Continue to teach and keep students calm.
• Advise students who need to use the bathroom that the toilet cannot be flushed if there
is a water main issue.
• If school is dismissed early, refer to individual student emergency forms to confirm
student destinations.
• Make phone calls as necessary for alternate plans and document the change on the
student emergency form.
Custodial Staff Responsibilities
• Determine the full extent of the power outage for the Administrator-in-charge.
• Keep the Administrator-in-Charge advised of the situation.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 37EVACUATION OF DISABLED
STUDENTS & STAFF
In September of each school year, the Building Principal shall designate a staff
member to each disabled student or staff member within the building. This staff
member shall be provided with a copy, of the person's daily schedule and will keep
it on his/her person at all times. In the event of an emergency, the staff member
will immediately report to the area where the disabled person is in order to assist
him/her in evacuating the premises.
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 38EXPLOSION, FIRE OR PLANE
CRASH INTO BUILDING
SUGGESTED STEPS PERSON RESPONSIBLE or DESIGNEE
Maintain written log of all crisis activities CRT Member
PHASE I:
1 Sound the fire alarm, or use runners and/or loud speaker or bullhorn if Building Principal/
power is out. Determine whether to evacuate or shelter in place. School Staff
2 Call 911 for emergency assistance Building Principal/
Designee
3 Evacuate building after quick damage assessment Building Principal/Fire
Dept.
4 Evacuate away from damaged area. Contact Central Office, CRT and Building Principal
HAZCOM office.
5 Extinguish fire when it can be done safely (depends on the situation) Building Principal/
Custodial
Staff/Fire/Police Depts.
6 Shut off gas/electricity. Close exterior windows and doors. Custodial Staff
7 Provide First Aid School Nurse
8 Keep list of hospitalized and/or evacuated persons and where they are Bldg. Principal/
located or have been transported to. Secretarial Staff/Nurse
9 Set up incident command center with communication capabilities on School Safety Officer
site. Have alternate command center site available, if primary is
damaged.
PHASE II
1 Keep students/staff away from building until area is declared safe. Building Principal/
School Safety Officer
2 If building cannot be re-entered, relocate students to pre- Supt./Bldg.
determined location Principal/Safety Officer
3 If building is safe for re-entry, follow instructions of school principal, Teachers/Staff, etc.
police, and fire department
4 Prepare Media Statement Superintendent/Building
Principal
PHASE III
1 Contact general maintenance supervisor to repair damaged area, Building Principal/
erect barricades, etc. Building & Grounds
Administrator
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 39MOUNT VERNON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
FIRE DRILL GUIDELINES
MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 40MVCSD DRILL GUIDELINES DRILL SCHEDULING The MVCSD has a district-wide Drill Schedule consisting of one to two drills most months of the school year. School administrators choose the day of the month and time of day to practice their required monthly drills. Drills should be conducted during class time as well as during non- instructional times like arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, passing times, etc. This will give staff and students practice at responding effectively to emergencies in different building environments. TYPES OF DRILLS New York State law requires that all schools conduct 12 fire drills per school year. (N.Y. EDN. LAW § 807: NY Code - Section 807: Fire drills.) The MVCSD also requires its schools to conduct the following drills each year: Lockdown, evacuation, shelter in place, severe weather and rapid dismissal drills. REPORTING & RECORD KEEPING After every drill (and in cases of real emergencies), school principals will fill out a Drill Evaluation Form to review evacuation times (if applicable), what was done well and to make plans for improvement. These forms will be reviewed by the building level and district level safety teams. SAFETY TEAM During drills the school Safety Team will be activated. The Safety Teams at each school facility should actively participate in each drill in order to practice and learn how to assess and manage emergencies effectively. They should do this even when the Administrator is present for the drill. EVACUATION ROUTES & ASSEMBLY AREAS Each room in the school should have a map hanging near the exit door that shows a primary and secondary Evacuation Route & Assembly Area. Parents should be notified of evacuation locations. LOCKDOWNS When conducting lockdown drills, plain and specific language should be used. This "plain language" is required by the Federal Government as it helps staff, students, and visitors understand the general and immediate actions they should take. (See New York School Safety Guide on Office 365). OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES Staff conducting classes, activities, or supervision outside on school grounds should take a two- way radio with them for quick communication capabilities at all times. SUPPLIES All schools are provided with Emergency Kits. These supplies are available for immediate use during drills and emergency situations when students/staff need to stay in their classrooms due MVCSD Emergency Response Plan Page 41
You can also read
