PITT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Date Revised: November 7, 1994
PROCEDURE 5.103-P
PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF NATURAL DISASTERS, BOMB THREATS
A. Natural Disasters
The most common natural disasters in this area are tornadoes and hurricanes.
Hurricanes generally provide ample warning so that schools may be closed during the
emergency period. Tornadoes, on the other hand, strike with short notice. Accordingly,
the following procedures are in effect:
1. The office will notify the school of a TORNADO WATCH (a tornado has been
sighted) by use of the intercom or other appropriate means. Teachers at this point
should quickly review the tornado plan with students and then continue class as
usual.
2. The TORNADO WARNING (a tornado is in the vicinity) is a series of short rings of
the bell.
3. Students will march out of their rooms in single file to their designated assembly
area.
4. Room captains shall remain behind to see that all windows, transoms and doors are
left open.
5. Priority consideration should be given to removing students from mobile classrooms
and directing them to appropriate assembly areas.
6. It is essential that students not be exposed to large areas of glass such as found in
classrooms, the cafeteria, and the library. Students should not be left in the gym,
auditorium, or similar locations. Students in these areas or outside of the building
should proceed to designated assembly areas.
7. Students must stay in the assembly area until the warning is over.
8. If the building is to be vacated, there will be a long continuous ring of the bell.
9. Students will then exit via the doors used in a fire drill and follow standard fire drill
procedures.
Time Limits: 1 1/2 minutes to clear rooms and line up in downstairs halls
1 1/2 minutes to clear the building
PROCEDURE 5.103-P
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B. Bomb Threats
In the event of a call or notice to the effect that a bomb has been placed in a school or
any other building or establishment, the following procedures shall be followed:
1. Upon receiving the bomb threat by telephone
a. Hang up.
b. Record date/time of call, voice characteristics.
c. To trace the call: listen for a dial tone and press *57 (or dial 1157 on a rotary
phone). Listen to the announcement and follow directions. The phone company
will attempt to trace and notify the police. Report the date and time you used Call
Trace to the local service provider.
2. Immediately evacuate the school or building.
3. If the call was not originally received by the fire or police departments, immediately
notify the police.
4. Conduct a search of the building or premises under the direction of the senior officer
present from either protective department, in coordination with the principal.
5. If a thorough search has been conducted and nothing found, the chief administrative
officer of the school or building should be notified when re-entry is possible by the
senior member of the local protective department.
6. Investigation of the incident should be made by the local police department assisted
by the State Fire Marshal's office, if requested.
Any decision concerning the dismissal of school pupils and subsequent action after the
above procedures have been followed is the prerogative of the Superintendent.