There are several types of emergencies that can occur at school. Therefore, it is essential that every school have an emergency plan in place. While the person-in-charge, usually the principal, should feel free to override the normal protocol at any point in time, having a standard procedure allows all staff to be well informed about what they should expect to take place during these five emergency situations. The emergency management protocol should cover how to mitigate and prevent emergency situations, what steps are necessary to prepare for an emergency, what may happen during the emergency and a plan to recover from the emergency.
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Bomb Threats
It is vital that each campus have a written protocol to follow if they receive a bomb threat. There should be a checklist of the most pertinent information to collect near all campus phones. Remember that the call may come into the main office, but it may also come into the band hall, agriculture department, athletic department or nurse’s office. All staff should be informed of whom they should contact immediately. If there is a way to notify the phone company to trace the call, it should be done immediately. All threats must be taken seriously. The person in charge must decide if they are going to isolate students in their classrooms or if they are going to evacuate the building. The police should be notified as soon as possible.
Hazardous Substance Release
If a hazardous substance is released inside the building, the person in charge should look at the Material Safety Data Sheets for known substances to determine if it is safe for students and staff to remain in the building. The principal may choose to pull the fire alarm alerting everyone to get out of the building quickly. If it is safe to remain in the building, then the substance should be isolated. Students should remain in their classrooms until an all-clear signal is given. If the hazardous substance is outside the building, then make sure to keep the building sealed by ensuring that no one enters or leaves the premises.
Weather
Depending on where in the country the campus is located, one of the most common emergencies that a school may face is the weather. Long before a weather emergency occurs, all staff should know where their students would go in the event of a tornado. Usually, staff have 13 minutes from the time that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issues a warning to get everyone to their safe place. The safest place for everyone is usually in an interior room or hallway away from windows.
Fire
Approximately 1,000 campuses have a fire annually in the United States. Everyone should know the plan to get out of the building, and they should know where their meeting place is once they get outside. Districts should work with their local fire departments to determine an appropriate emergency management plan. Blueprints showing available paths should be prominently displayed.
Active Shooter
While no one wants to think about an active shooter coming onto a campus, these events happen. Therefore, schools need good security at the door to control who comes onto the campus. Additionally, students should be taught to tell someone in authority whenever they see something suspicious. Everyone should know several ways to get out of the building. Teachers should receive education on what to do if it is too dangerous for them to lead their students out of the room.
Most days come and go without any safety concerns. It is important, however, to be prepared for the worse while hoping for the best.
