huntsville city schools emergency response … · 2. notify school administration of current...

SA-M1-P5 REV E DATE OF REVISION: March 31, 2017

HCS RISK MANAGEMENT HCS SECURITY 256-428-8326 (M-F, 7:00AM-4:30PM) 256-428-8355 (24 HRS./DAY SUN-SAT)

HUNTSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES SCHOOL: ______________________ ROOM: _______________________

EMERGENCY OCCURS FLIP TO APPROPRIATE SECTION IN GUIDE NOTE ACTION TO TAKE AT TOP OF SECTION

CRITICAL INFORMATION

• EMERGENCY POLICE/FIRE: 911

• SCHOOL ADDRESS:

• SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE NUMBER:

• SCHOOL NURSE’S NUMBER:

• YOUR ON-CAMPUS EVACUATION SITES:

• NEAREST AED LOCATION: HUNTSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS SECURITY OFFICE: 256-428-8355 HUNTSVILLE CITY SCHOOOLS RISK MANAGEMENT OFFICE: 256-428-8326

A. CRITICAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Post flipchart next to the emergency evacuation and severe weather refuge map. 2. This flipchart is intended to be used as a guide for potential emergencies. 3. Upon identification of an emergency, report immediately to school administration. 4. Keep emergency response procedures and class roster on hand until resolution of the emergency. 5. Maintain student accountability. Do not release any student without authorization from school

administration, following school check in and check out procedures. 6. STAY CALM: you must control yourself before you can control a situation. 7. DO NOT speak to the news media unless authorized by the Superintendent. 8. DO NOT use codes in emergencies. Use plain language in all emergency communications. 9. Provide specific information in all emergency communications (Ex: “North Hallway, 1st floor, room 3”). 10. Stay alert to changing conditions and to additional directions from school administration or first

responders (fire department, police department, etc.). B. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

EVACUATION PREPLAN 1. Know where your designated evacuation point is. (Evacuation routes and exits are identified on

evacuation/refuge maps located in each room.) 2. Ensure that designated evacuation point is at least 300 feet from the building, and any other hazards such

as powerlines. 3. Always ensure you have a roster available to maintain accountability at the designated evacuation point. 4. Establish a plan at the beginning of each day to aid substitutes or contractors in an emergency evacuation. 5. Determine different exits to evacuate the building from, in case some are obstructed during an

emergency. Know at least two exits out of the building.

EVACUATION

If instructed to evacuate building, follow the below instructions:

1. Remain calm. Leave your area quickly by walking to the nearest exit to you.

2. Do not use elevators.

3. Individuals with disabilities may need assistance. Refer to tab: D: EVAUCATION OF NON-AMBULATORY

INDIVIDUALS.

4. If exit is blocked or obstructed, find nearest exit.

5. Close doors and turn off lights behind you when leaving.

6. Check to make sure everyone is out of the room before closing the door.

7. Report to designated evacuation point away from hazards.

8. Take attendance.

9. Report any missing student to school administration immediately.

10. Wait for further instructions at evacuation point.

11. Do not return to the building, unless directed to do so by principal or other school administration. C. EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS

EVACUATION OF NON-AMBULATORY INDIVIDUALS PREPLAN

1. Identify and assign personnel to help assist with movement of non-ambulatory individuals.

2. Identify any equipment in the school that could help aid with movement, such as chair lifts.

3. Ensure that this is practiced during drills.

Name and locations of assisting individuals:

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

EVACUATION OF NON-AMBULATORY INDIVIDUALS

Non-ambulatory individuals are those are who are not able to walk unassisted.

Examples include those who are blind, deaf, or whose mobility is restricted by the use of a wheelchair, walker or

crutches.

To assist these individuals, proceed as follows:

1. Guide the impaired individual into the hallway or to the stairwell and await assistance if there is no immediate danger within the vicinity of the stairs.

• DO NOT use elevators, because individuals may become trapped inside.

2. Wait until a clear passage is established and help them navigate through the hallway or down the stairs to the designated meeting area.

3. If help is needed, send a runner to the nearest adult or evacuation area and report where the evacuation assistance is necessary.

4. If the hazard becomes life threatening and evacuation is not possible, move the individual into the most secure location available and close the door.

5. Once evacuation is possible, proceed according to the established plan.

If individual was left inside, immediately inform emergency personnel of the location and condition of the non-

ambulatory individual.

D. EVACUATION OF NON-AMBULATORY INDIVIDUALS

UNCONTROLLED ANIMAL IN SCHOOL OR BUILDING

1. Remove all individuals from the area where the animal is located.

2. If possible, close off area where the animal is located.

3. If any individual was bitten, scratched, or attacked by animal, refer to TAB S. MEDICAL

EMERGENCY/SEIZURES/AEDS.

4. Notify school administrators immediately.

E. UNCONTROLLED ANIMAL IN SCHOOL OR BUILDING

IRATE INDIVIDUALS

1. Notify school administration immediately.

2. Remove all students from area.

3. If verbally engaged:

a. Respectfully state to the irate individual that his/her behavior is inappropriate in a calm, assertive voice.

4. If irate behavior continues, refrain from any further contact and turn matter to appropriate authority.

F. IRATE INDIVIDUALS

MISSING STUDENT


2. Provide a description of the student:

a. Name

b. Age

c. Location last seen

d. If feasible, last person seen with missing student.

e. Time at which it was noticed the student was missing.

f. Clothes worn.

g. Any other pertinent information regarding missing student (ex. known medical concerns).

3. Await additional instructions from appropriate personnel.

G. MISSING STUDENT

DEATH OF STUDENT OR STAFF

1. Remove all individuals from area.


3. Attempt to keep all individuals from entering area.

4. Await further instructions on how to proceed from school administration.

5. Coordinate with Director of Counseling Services for support.

H. DEATH OF STUDENT OR STAFF

UTILITIY FAILURE PREPLAN

1. Do not store electronics, computer equipment, or other items on the floor. 2. Consider keeping a flashlight in your classroom, or have access to cell phone with flashlight option. 3. Consider items that you use the computer or power for that you may need in an emergency, such as

roster.

UTILITIY FAILURE FLOOD / SEWAGE BACKUP

1. Notify school administration immediately. 2. Move students out of affected area, and await further instructions. 3. If necessary, move to higher elevation in the school building. 4. Do not touch anything exposed to the sewage release or flood waters, as it may have been exposed to

chemicals or electricity. 5. Avoid areas of standing water.

POWER OUTAGE

1. Keep students calm and in their current position while awaiting information and instructions from school

administration.

2. Notify school administration of current location, and request further guidance.

3. Take attendance. If any students are unaccounted for, notify school administration.

4. Await further instructions from school administration. 5. Once movement is authorized, if no natural or emergency lighting is available, use flashlights, cell phone lights,

or laptops to safely navigate the affected area.

6. If directed to evacuate the building, follow Tab C: Evacuation.

I. UTILITY FAILURE – FLOOD - SEWAGE BACKUP -POWER OUTAGE

GAS LEAK DISCOVERY OF GAS LEAK FROM GAS CYLINDER OR GAS PIPE:

1. Exit/avoid area. 2. Notify school administration immediately. 3. Be prepared to provide maintenance and/or first responders with the following information:

a. Building name. b. Floor number. c. Room location or number. d. Specific chemical name of the involved gas if possible. e. Estimated volume of gas.

4. Make every attempt to direct others away from the hazardous area. 5. Avoid any open flames.

EVACUATE

1. If ordered to evacuate by school administration, refer to Tab C. EVACUATION and follow outlined directives.

REVERSE EVACUATION AND SHELTER IN PLACE

1. If gas leak is on school grounds or directly adjacent to the school, direct all school personnel and students inside the building.

2. Notify school administration. 3. Stay inside building until remediation of leak.

J. GAS LEAK

BOMB THREAT


2. Utilize Tab W. INTENTIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT to collect as much data as possible.

3. Do not touch anything suspicious.

4. If ordered to evacuate, refer to Tab C. EVAUCATION

If the bomb threat is called in:

1. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.

2. Listen carefully.

3. Note the time of the call and telephone number it came in on, if applicable.

Ask questions:

1. Where is the bomb?

2. When will it explode?

3. What does the bomb look like?

4. What is your name and the motive for placing the bomb?

5. Are you a student or employee?

Write down any pertinent information such as background noise, gender of caller, accents, and patterns of speech.

K. BOMB THREAT

EXPLOSION Based on your location, follow the emergency response procedures below:

EXPLOSION INSIDE BUILDING SHELTER IN PLACE

1. Seek protection under desks with eyes closed. 2. If time permits cover faces with arms, books, coats, or other protective coverings. 3. Remain in this position until building tremors or/and flying debris cease. 4. If there is no damage to the building, and no fire is present, close windows and doors and wait for

further instructions. EVACUATION

1. Often it is safer to remain inside an undamaged building rather than evacuate; however, if fire is present evacuate immediately following evacuation procedures outlined in Tab C. EVACUATION.

2. Determine the extent of the damage before deciding to evacuate. 3. Avoid approaching any areas where explosion debris is present.

EXPLOSION OUTSIDE BUILDING

1. Seek shelter outdoors if feasible. 2. Do not enter the building unless authorized by school administration. 3. Report to designated evacuation point at a minimum of 300 feet from building.

L. EXPLOSION

FIRE PREPLAN 1. Know the location of fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers. 2. Store flammable chemicals in a fire rated cabinet. 3. Ensure that fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations, and exits remain unobstructed throughout the year. 4. Know the location of the nearest exits, and at least one other means of exiting out of the building.

Other fire emergency response options:

If you are trapped in your office/classroom 1. If possible, wedge wet towels or cloth materials along the bottom of the door to keep smoke out. 2. Try to close as many doors between you and the fire as possible. 3. Call 911 to notify HCS of your problem and location. 4. If you are trapped in an area and need fresh air, only break a window as a last resort.

If forced to advance through flames: 1. hold your breath. 2. Move quickly. 3. Cover head and hair. 4. Keep head down and eyes closed as much as possible.

If caught in smoke: 1. Drop to hands and knees and crawl to exit. 2. Hold breath as much as possible. 3. Breath shallowly through nose and use dry clothing (shirt, jacket, other) as filter.

If you catch on fire: 1. STOP where you are, 2. DROP to the ground, and 3. ROLL over and over to smother the flame. 4. Do not run!

FIRE FIRE ALARM SOUNDS

1. Refer to Tab C. EVACUATION and follow outlined directives. DISCOVERY OF FIRE

1. Notify school administration. 2. If appropriate, activate fire alarm by means of pull station. 3. Follow evacuation procedures located in Tab C. EVACUATION to evacuate building.

USE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER If an individual can safely use a fire extinguisher, follow the steps below:

1. Remove fire extinguisher from wall. 2. Pull/remove the pin located at the handle of the fire extinguisher. 3. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

a. Do not aim at the top of the fire, as it could cause fire to spread. 4. Squeeze the trigger. 5. Sweep the nozzle from right to left until fire is extinguished.

Pull Pin from Handle Aim at base of the fire Squeeze handle completely

M. FIRE

ANONYMOUS REPORTING

Using the Anonymous Alerts ® system anyone can report concerns.

Examples of concerns are, but not limited to; cyberbullying, suspicion of depression or suicide, weapons in the school,

threats of violence, drugs and alcohol on campus, and strange behavior.

1. To anonymously report a concern from the web:

a. Go to www.anonymousalerts.com/huntsvillecityschools.

2. To anonymously report a concern from your smartphone:

a. Download the Anonymous Alerts ® app.

b. Start the app, enter login and password “huntsville” without quotations.

c. Type a description of your concern.

d. Add a screenshot or photo about the incident if desired.

N. ANONYMOUS REPORTING

Use the QR codes on

your smartphone for a

direct link to the Apple

or Android app stores to

download the app.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RELEASE PREPLAN

1. Always store chemicals in accordance with safety data sheet requirements.

2. Do not use chemicals in which you have not been trained to do so.

3. Ensure that you label all secondary containers.

4. Do not leave chemicals unattended.

5. Know where to find the safety data sheets for all chemicals located in your building.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RELEASE

Based on your location, follow the emergency response procedures below:

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RELEASE INSIDE CLASSROOM OR BUILDING

1. Close the door.

2. Remove everyone from area.


4. Locate Safety Data Sheet and follow emergency procedures outlined in Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

regarding protective equipment, proper methods of containment and cleanup.

5. If directed to evacuate the building, see Tab C. EVACUATION for outlined directive.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RELEASE OUTSIDE CLASSROOM OR BUILDING

1. All personnel and students outside are to relocate into the building.


3. Close all windows.

4. Await further instructions regarding response measures.

CONTACT WITH HAZAROUS MATERIAL

1. Report to school administration.

2. Locate Safety Data Sheet and follow first-aid procedures outlined in Section 4: First Aid Measures to identify

symptoms/effects and required treatment.

To access chemical information, visit Huntsville City School’s SDS management system. Link below

https://msdsmanagement.msdsonline.com/dff61f85-8f47-4faa-88a4-e526f3711ae2/ebinder/?nas=True

O. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASE/CHEMICAL SPILL

FIGHTS


2. Remove other students from the area if possible.

3. Remove eyeglasses before physically engaging students.

4. Student age, maturity and understanding should be considered when exerting efforts to deescalate situation.

5. Do not attempt physical intervention unless one of the following conditions exists:

• Self Defense when physically assaulted.

• To intervene in a fight after participants do not respond to verbal commands.

• If a student, staff or visitor to one of our campuses is in immediate danger and physical intervention is

only option available to prevent injury or death.

6. Follow the Use of Force Continuum when responding to fights:

• Physical presence –

o at times just the presence of a teacher, principal, CSO, adult or SRO may diffuse or resolve an

incident. If incident is not diffused refer to verbal commands.

• Verbal Commands –

o firm, loud, direct, and clearly spoken verbal commands to participants in an incident. Avoid

asking for compliance or using words like “please”.

• Soft Hands or step between participants –

o if previous steps are ineffective, attempt to separate and step between participants and move

them apart. Continue using verbal commands and distraction until more assistance arrives.

• Hard Hands –

o This is only to be used as last resort and only with serious fights involving high school students

or adult staff/visitors in the most serious of circumstances. Only in self-defense and/or defense

of other’s safety

7. Only minimum force required to resolve situation safely is authorized.

8. After separating the individuals, move them to a secure area under supervision.

9. Maintain oversight until relieved by appropriate authority (e.g., principal, CSO, SRO).

P. FIGHTS

SEVERE WEATHER PREPLAN

Terminology:

Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for tornadoes.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted in the area.

1. Utilize the evacuation/refuge map to identify refuge areas ahead of time.

2. If school has multiple refuge areas, practice seeking refuge in different areas.

3. Ensure identified refuge areas stays free of objects that could become hazardous in the event of severe weather,

such as chemicals.

4. Identify items to use to protect your head, such as books.

SEVERE WEATHER


SEVERE THUNDERSTORM/CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING

REVERSE EVACUATION


2. Once severe thunderstorm/cloud to ground lightning has cleared, check with school administrators before

returning to any outdoor activities.

TORNADO WATCH -

REVERSE EVACUATION


4. As severe conditions develop, be alert and prepared to implement below seek shelter measures if weather

worsens.

TORNADO WARNING (TORNADO HAS BEEN SIGHTED) -

SEEK SHELTER

1. Tornado alarm will sound (5 short rings).

2. Immediately proceed to designated tornado refuge areas.

3. Avoid exterior walls, windows, and doors.

4. Assume the position of facing the wall on their knees, heads tucked down, and arms over head. (See above)

5. Check restrooms, vacant rooms and closets for missing students.

6. Remain in sheltered areas until all-clear signal or further instructions are given.

Note: Individuals with disabilities may need assistance.

AFTER DANGER HAS PASSED

1. Take attendance.

2. Report any missing student to school administration immediately.

3. Check for injuries and care for the injured.

4. Leave any damaged buildings and do not make efforts to return unless authorized by school administration.

5. Do not attempt to turn utilities or equipment on or off unless authorized to do so.

Q. SEVERE WEATHER

EARTHQUAKE


DURING THE EARTHQUAKE

Inside the building:

1. Seek protection from falling debris in this order.

1. Under sturdy desks or tables.

2. Doorways,

3. Corners of rooms,

4. Covering your head with your arms, hardback books, backpacks, etc.

5. Do not seek cover under laboratory benches or tables if possible, as chemical spills can occur.

2. Do not use elevators.

Outside the building:

1. Seek open areas away from buildings, walls, powerlines and trees.

2. Relocate to designated emergency evacuation point or safe location.

3. Take roll call.

4. Remain at evacuation point and await further instructions from school administration.

AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

1. Check for injuries.

2. Do not move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger.

3. Turn off all appliances and office machines.

4. If possible, extinguish any open flames.

5. Avoid open flames due to potential gas leaks. DO NOT use lighters, light matches, or turn on electrical switches.

6. Be prepared for aftershocks.

a. After shocks are usually smaller than the initial earthquake, but they may be strong enough to topple

already damaged buildings or objects.

7. When safe to do so, begin evacuating the building to your designated evacuation point at least 100 feet away

from the building.

8. Take roll call.

9. Wait for further instructions from school administration.

R. EARTHQUAKE

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

1. Call 911 if emergency is life-threatening. 2. Notify school administration and school nurse. 3. When reporting a medical emergency provide:

• Your name

• Type of emergency

• Name of injured

• Location of injured

• Condition of injured

• Any dangerous conditions 4. Remove other students from the area. 5. Trained staff may assist in administering CPR/First Aid. 6. Stay with the injured until the school nurse or other first responders arrive.

SEIZURES / CONVULSIONS

1. Guide/lower the individual to the ground to down to minimize injury from falling. 2. Notify school nurse or school administration. 3. Call 911 if instructed by school nurse or school administration. 4. Remove other students from the area and provide privacy. 5. Clear the area of potential hazards around individual. 6. Turn the individual on his/her side if possible. 7. Do not attempt to restrain the individual. 8. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THE INDIVIDUAL’S MOUTH. 9. If feasible, time the seizure. 10. Do not shake the individual or shout. 11. Stay with individual until medical personnel arrive.

HOW TO USE AN AED (Automatic External Defibrillator)

1. Determine if patient is unconscious, has no breathing, and has no pulse. 2. If these conditions exist call 911. 3. Have someone retrieve the AED. Location of nearest AED is listed in Tab A – Contact Information. 4. Call school nurse, school administration, and response team member Have someone retrieve the AED. 5. Turn on the AED and follow the voice and visual prompts. 6. Do not use on conductive surfaces-water-fluids-metals. 7. Attach electrode pads to patient’s bare chest (male or female) as indicated. 8. Stop CPR and do not touch patient while AED is in use. 9. Deliver a shock by pressing as indicated by voice or visual commands.

Continue 2-minute cycles CPR between shocks if victim is still not breathing until help arrives.

ALLERGIC REACTION 1. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:

a. Difficulty breathing or wheezing. b. Tightness in the throat or a feeling that the airways are closing. c. Hoarseness or trouble speaking. d. Swollen lips, tongue, or throat. e. Nausea, abdominal pain or vomiting. f. Skin that itches, tingles, swells, or developed raised red areas. g. Loss of consciousness.

2. Notify school nurse or school administration. 3. Only use an epi-pen if you have been authorized to do so.

STANDARD PRECAUTIONS

1. If you see blood or body fluids, do not touch it. 2. Notify the school custodian immediately, and do not let anyone in the area. 3. If you are exposed to blood or body fluids, notify the school nurse or school administration.

If student is being transported by ambulance, principal must appoint a designated person to ride in an ambulance with a student, and stay until parent or guardian arrives. This appointed person cannot be the school nurse.

S. MEDICAL EMERGENCY/ SEIZURES/AEDs/ALLERGIC REACTIONS

ACCIDENT REPORT

Check on the Huntsville City Schools website under Risk Management for the most updated Accident Report form.

ACCIDENT REPORTING

• Report must be signed by all appropriate school administration.

• All level 2 and 3 accidents are to be reported to the Risk Manager immediately.

T. ACCIDENT REPORTING

Accident Occurs! Care for the injured.Report injury to

school administration.

If possible take pictures of scene

and note anything important.

Complete Accident Report!

Student and Non-Employee Employee Submit accident report form to the Risk Management Office within 24 hours.

Submit accident report form to the Risk Management Office AND Human resources within 24 hours. If employee gets medical treatment have doctor complete the Physician Certification form. Forms available on Human Resources Website. Submit all paperwork to Human Resources, Room 103, Annie C. Merts Building.

WHO FILLS OUT THE REPORT?

STUDENT EMPLOYEE NON-EMPLOYEE Completed by adult who witnessed the accident and/or injury take place. If no witness is available, it should be completed by adult responsible for student at time of accident. Signed by principal.

Completed by the employee and reviewed with immediate supervisor. Signed by department head.

Completed by the individual involved in the accident and/or injury.

REPORTABLE EVENTS

LEVEL 1 ACCIDENTS LEVEL 2 ACCIDENTS LEVEL 3 ACCIDENTS HIGH POTENTIAL/NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS

Involved an employee or non-employee adult and basic first aid or no medical treatment is required. Example: Principal slips on water and bruises his/her knee.

The employee is unable to return to work within 24 hours or sutures are required. Example: Teacher is using a box cutter and accidently cuts into his/her right hand requiring multiple stitches.

Major injuries that include: amputation, dislocation, fracture, lacerations deeper than the skin, permanent or temporary loss of eyesight, third degree burns, loss of consciousness from a head injury, or fatality. Example: Custodian is cleaning stairway and falls down the stars breaking his/her wrist.

An unintended even resulting in minor or no harm or loss to people, property, or the environment, which under slightly different circumstances, could have resulted in a Level 3 Accident. Example: An overhead light falls from the gym ceiling with no person in the immediate area.

NON-REPORTABLE EVENTS Level 0 Accidents – Accidents involving students resulting in a minor injury or illness where basic first aid or no medical treatment is administered. Example: Student gently bumps their head on classroom door.

BUILDING INTRUDER (ALICE)/LOCKDOWN PREPLAN

1. Utilize A.L.I.C.E. training to identify items in your classroom that you could use in the event of an intruder for either barricades or counter measures.

2. Discuss different scenarios with students and staff. (Example: If you were on the playground, and an intruder was in the building, what would you do? Or If I am in the library or the bathroom, and there is an intruder in the building, what do I do?)

3. Ensure that emphasize to students and staff to not let unidentified individuals into the building without the proper clearance.

4. Does everyone know where their rally point is? 5. Establish method of accountability. 6. Establish communication and accountability method with substitutes. 7. Ensure that all staff and faculty are displaying proper HCS identification at all times. Train staff and faculty to

question any adult in the building without either HCS ID or proper visitor identification.

•Information is key to good decisions.

•Provide as much inital details as possible to as many people as possible.

•Use any and all available means; texts, PA system, digital signage, Twitter, Facebook, Bells, etc.

•Alert may be your sensory inputs, such as hearing the gunshot or seeing the intruder.

•If alert others through the intercom state "INTRUDER ALERT, WE HAVE AN UNAUTHORIZED INDIVIDUAL IN THE BUILDING. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. (INSERT DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL)"

ALERT

•Look for any students in the halls and bring them into your classroom.

•Remove the security magnet and check to see if door is locked.

•If not locked, lock the door from the inside if possible.

•Barricade the door with as many items as possible, start with large items such as desks and cabinets.

•Lower all window blinds.

•If blinds are not present cover windows with other materails if possible.

•Move students away and out of sight from the door(s) and window(s).

•Turn off classroom lights.

•Silence all cell phones and remain quiet.

•Begin to develop a counter strategy.

•DO NOT answer the door.

LOCKDOWN

•If possible provide others with real-time information regarding the event.

•Where is intruder, what are they wearing, etc.

INFORM

•Use nearby items as improvised weapons.

•Chairs, laptops, backpacks, fire extinguishers, etc. Be creative!

•Engage in acts that will require very high skill level:

•Noise

•Movement

•Distance

•Distractions

COUNTER

•If the gunman is inside, get outside if/when you have the opportunity.

•Information is the key to making a good decision.

•Schools with pass-through doors should use those to evacuate.

•Once outside get away from the building and find a good hiding place.

EVACUATE

ALERT, LOCKDOWN, INFORM, COUNTER, EVACUATE (ALICE) ALICE is not meant to be sequential. Do whatever is necessary to protect yourself and others from harm! If outside:

1. Report immediately to designated rally point. 2. Take attendance. 3. Wait for further instructions. 4. Do not leave the rally point until authorized to do so.

LOCKDOWN Heightened awareness – potential may exist for an unusual situation and all parties should have heightened awareness.

1. Limit movement to and from your classroom. 2. Be on the lookout for unusual behavior both in and outside the classroom.

Secure perimeter – A potential threat or danger does exist within the community/neighborhood and all parties should be aware to react as needed.

1. Secure people within the building. 2. Lock external doors. 3. Cover windows. 4. Stay in secure area within the building until further notice from administration or law enforcement. 5. Leave unsecure areas such as fields, gym, playground, or library to a secure area. 6. Continue with classroom instruction.

Lock down is used when the threat located outside the building. Refer to above A.L.I.C.E. procedures for lockdown actions.

HOSTAGE SITUATION

1. Notify school administration immediately. 2. Remove all individuals from the area. 3. Make no attempt to personally intervene. 4. Evacuate the building.

5. Do not enter the area until emergency situation is resolved. U. BUILDING INTRUDER (ALICE)/LOCKDOWN/HOSTAGE SITUATION

I. Introduction

To ensure that Huntsville City Schools (HCS) addresses the various unintentional threats that may occur in the most effective and

efficient manner, the district has developed a comprehensive process to manage threat response.

Objective:

To provide a clear and consistent assessment and response to unintentional threats, in order to determine the necessary steps

needed to mitigate risks to HCS students and staff.

Definitions:

Unintentional Threats: Unintentional threats fall into two categories:

A. Natural Threats (such as tornado, earth quake, and hurricane).

B. Accidental Threats: (Such as hazmat spill, natural gas leak).

Threat Assessment Team: The Threat Assessment Team (TAT) consists of the following team members: Director of Operations,

Risk/Safety Manager, Transportation Coordinator, Chief of Staff, Communications Director, and ETV Director, Deputy

Superintendent of Instruction, and Directors of Instruction. Others may be added to the TAT as necessary.

II. District Response Process

District Response Process Steps:

1) Assessment of the threat using the Unintentional Threat Assessment Card (SE-P5-F2.SIP)

2) Communication of the threat

3) Mitigation of the threat (i.e., actions needed to neutralize or eliminate the threat)

1) Assessment

The TAT completes the Unintentional Threat Assessment Card (SE-P5-F2.SIP) to determine the severity of the threat and

reviews the situation with HCS leadership to determine the proper course of action. The TAT will leverage information gleaned

from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service, and other relevant agencies to complete

the assessment.

If the unintentional threat is a weather threat, the Weather Safety Team functions as the TAT.

2) Communication

The TAT leverages all available communication methods (e.g., email, phone, two-way radio, electronic school signage, etc.)

with the Communications and ETV and Community Engagement departments to communicate threat information.

3) Mitigation

The TAT will develop and execute an action plan to mitigate the impact of the unintentional threat.

UNINTENTIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT (SEVERE WEATHER THREAT, HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL EXPOSURE)

In absence of central office guidance regarding severe weather threats, follow the steps below to acquire appropriate response action to threat. Example: Potential of severe weather has been reported to arrive after school hours. Coach, teacher, etc. has scheduled activities after school hours and is unsure if it should be canceled due to weather. Central office has not officially cancelled any activities. Fill out appropriate sections of the below threat assessment card.

1. Notify school administration immediately. 2. If at any time the perceived threat is actualized, refer to the appropriate section of the emergency response

procedures for appropriate response actions.

V. UNINTENTIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT (SEVERE WEATHER THREAT, HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL EXPOSURE)

INTENTIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT (BOMB THREAT, THREAT OF VIOLENCE OR ATTACK, ETC.)

Intentional threats to schools are a growing problem for school systems. These threats can send fear and panic throughout the

community. Hundreds of schools across the nation are losing classroom teaching time, police are wasting resources, and

individuals may become frightened, concerned, and/or angry.

To ensure Huntsville City Schools (HCS) addresses the various intentional (human) threats that may occur in the most effective

and efficient manner, the district has developed a comprehensive process to manage threat response.

Objective:

To provide a clear and consistent assessment and response to intentional (human) threats to determine the necessary steps

needed to mitigate risks to HCS students, faculty, and staff, as well as the HCS community.

Definitions:

Threat Assessment Team: The Threat Assessment Team (TAT) consists of the following team members: Director of Operations,

Risk/Safety Manager, Transportation Coordinator, Chief of Staff, Communications and ETV Director, Deputy Superintendent of

Instruction, and Directors of Instruction. Others may be added to the TAT as necessary.

I. Risk Assessment

An important point to consider when addressing intentional threats is that statistics from the National School Safety and Securities

Organization indicate that school threats are up 158% since a survey conducted in 2014. It is also reported that nine out of ten

threats usually turn out to be unfounded. However, HCS must effectively address and evaluate each and every threat and take

appropriate actions to mitigate any threats deemed credible.

District Response Process Steps:

4) Notification of the threat (internal)

5) Assessment of the threat (Risk Assessment Protocol) using the Intentional Threat Assessment Card (SE-P5-F1.SIP)

6) Communication of the threat

7) Mitigation of the threat (i.e., actions needed to neutralize or eliminate the threat)

4) Notification

Upon learning of a threat that has occurred, Security will immediately contact the offices of the HCS Superintendent and

Director of Operations. The Superintendent has ultimate discretion in determining response to a threat. Absent other direction

from the Superintendent, process steps as listed below will be followed accordingly.

5) Assessment (Risk Assessment Protocol)

The TAT completes the Intentional Threat Assessment Card (SE-P5-F1.SIP) to determine the severity of the threat and

reviews the situation with HCS leadership to determine the proper course of action. The TAT will leverage information gleaned

from the person reporting the threat to complete the assessment.

The HCS staff member completing the Intentional Threat Assessment Card (SE-P5-F1.SIP) should gather as much

information as possible and record that data in Parts A, B, and C.

Security should be notified as soon as possible after receiving the threat. (Phone: 256-428-8355)

Security will communicate all pertinent information to the TAT, including the Intentional Threat Assessment Card (SE-P5-

F1.SIP).

If the threat has been initiated via electronic media, the TAT will follow the steps outlined in the Electronic Media Threat

Response Process (SE-P5-R1.SIP).

Upon completion of the Intentional Threat Assessment Card (SE-P5-F1.SIP), the TAT will develop and execute a plan of

action to address the threat.

6) Communication

The TAT will coordinate with the Security, Communications and ETC, and Community Engagement departments to develop

appropriate communication plans. The TAT will also notify relevant local and federal authorities and agencies as deemed

necessary to address the threat.

7) Mitigation

The TAT will develop and execute an action plan to mitigate the impact of the intentional threat. The TAT will convey the

action plan to various HCS departments (Security, Communications and ETC, Community Engagement, IT, Maintenance,

Transportation, Instructional, district leadership, etc.) and outside agencies as appropriate to ensure the action plan is

communicated to all impacted stakeholders.

II. Follow-Up

The TAT will monitor the threat and take appropriate actions until the threat no longer exists. Effective communication to all

impacted stakeholders is important to ensure that all HCS students, faculty, staff, parents, as well as the HCS community, are

aware that the threat is under control. Follow-up TAT meetings will be conducted as necessary.

INTENTIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT (BOMB THREAT, THREAT OF VIOLENCE OR ATTACK, ETC.)

If there is a perceived threat of violence, follow the below steps: 1. Fill out appropriate sections of the below threat assessment card. 2. Notify school administration immediately. 3. If at any time the perceived threat is actualized, refer to the appropriate section of the emergency response

procedures for appropriate response actions.

W . INTENTIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT (BOMB THREAT, THREAT OF VIOLENCE OR ATTACK, ETC.)

huntsville city schools emergency response … · 2. notify school administration of current...

Documents