EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
Plan
1
Cover images:
Crisis planning emblem. U.S. Department of Education.Web. 04June2014.
Law Enforcement emblem. Emblematic. Web. 04June2014.
Fire Department emblem. City of Hernando. 2012. Web. 04June2014.
Safe Schools Safe Communities emblem. MSU Billings. 2010. Web. 04June2014.
EMS emblem. EMS Medical Billing Associates, LLC., 2014. Web. 04June2014.
Search & Rescue emblem. Morris County Park Police Department. Web. 04June2014.
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Noxon Public Schools is committed to the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors on
its campus. This Emergency Plan reflects the safety culture developed within our school as we
aim to:
1)
2)
3)
4)
protect lives and property,
respond to emergencies promptly and properly,
coordinate with local emergency operations and community resources,
aid in recovery from disasters by coordinating the use of school personnel and
facilities, and
5) restore normal services as quickly as possible.
Noxon Public Schools maintains a Safety Committee representing all members of the staff. In
addition, Noxon Public Schools participates in community drills or exercises as appropriate. The
availability of school personnel and the nature of the drill or exercise may govern the degree to
which the district will participate as it relates to improving the school’s ability to respond to and
deal with emergencies.
This Emergency Management Plan is hereby approved. This plan is effective immediately and
supersedes all previous editions.
_______________________________________
Superintendent
_____________________
Date
_______________________________________
Board of Trustees
_____________________
Date
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
Overview/Advanced Planning ......................………
Incident Command System (general) ………………..
Emergency Response Team …………………………
Emergency Contact List ……………………………..
Procedures for Common Emergency ……………….
Communication Procedures ………………………….
Handheld Radios …………………………………….
Building Evacuation Procedures ………………… ….
Lockdown ………….. ………………………………
Emergency Dismissal / School Closure …………..
Responsibilities of School Personnel ……………….
Responsibilities of Parents and Students …………...
Reunification Protocol ………………………………
II.
Emergency Procedures
Abandoned or Missing Child / Adult………………..
Animals / Bees /Poisonous Insects …………………..
Assault / Irrational Behavior ………………………..
Bomb Threat ………………………………………..
Bus / School Vehicle Accident……………………….
Campus Disorder / Civil Disturbance / Walk Out /
Sit-In ………………………………………...........
Earthquake …………………………………………..
Explosion or Threat of Explosion …………………..
Fire …………………………………………………..
Flood / Dam Failure …………………………………
Hazardous Materials / Chemical Accidents ..………..
Intruder / Suspicious Person / Hostage / Sniper …….
Medical Emergency: Serious / Multi-Injury Accident /
Death …………………………………………..…
Medical Emergency: Blood-Borne Pathogen /
Communicable Disease …………………………..
Severe Weather Conditions ………………………….
Use of Facilities by Outside Agency …………………
Utility Outage ………………………………………...
Wildland Fire / Brush Fire ……………………….. …
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6
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17
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26
27
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32
33
35
38
39
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42
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III. Appendix
Incident Command (detailed) ……………………….
Staff Calling Tree ……………………………………
Student Calling Tree …………………………………
Building Floor Plan ………………………………….
Evacuation Routes …………………………………..
Assembly Area on Hill ………………………………
Residents on Hill Map ……………………………….
MOU (Hold Harmless – Hill) ……………………….
MOU (Reunification Site) …………………………..
MOU (Sanders County Public Health) ……………...
MOU (use of facility) ……………………………….
Emergency Release Form …………………………..
Accident Report …………………………………….
Noxon Rapids Emergency Action Plan (EAP) ……..
Letter to Parents …………………………………….
Emergency Response Team Checklist ………………
Bomb Threat Call Checklist ………………………...
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OVERVIEW:
This manual outlines and describes the Noxon Public Schools’ procedures for responding to
those emergencies which are most likely to occur on our school campus. In addition, the Board
of Trustees has identified the following hazards which may exist within the boundaries of its
School District as those which pose the greatest risk and likelihood of occurrence.
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wild land fire / structural fire
dam failure
hazardous material situation (on site / train derailment / highway)
severe weather
violent intruder
bomb threat
disease outbreak
This manual is designed as a working document to be reviewed and updated annually. In
addition, it is advisable that, after any critical incident, evaluation and critique of the emergency
response may lead to the updating and revision of this plan as appropriate.
ADVANCED PLANNING:
While the occurrence of a specific emergency cannot be predicted, advanced planning is
essential to successful management of emergency situations. Such planning increases both the
organization and objectivity of the response and reduces the disorder and emotionalism which
can occur in times of crisis. Advanced planning as it relates to preparedness, response, recovery,
and mitigation and prevention, was considered in creation of this manual.
Routine evacuation and lock down drills with subsequent critiques and site evaluations may
ensure compliance with emergency procedures.
Identification of key personnel who will assist in management of emergency situations is,
perhaps, the most important step in advance planning. Personnel identified to have major roles in
responding to emergency situations serve as members of the site Emergency Response Team
(ERT) and should follow the Incident Command System structure. This team is a standing team
and may consist of the same people for every crisis. The Emergency Response Team handles the
immediate crisis, managing safety and communication, until the initial crisis has passed and the
situation is stabilized. An Emergency Support Team (EST) are staff members identified to
assist the Emergency Response Team with the initial response or in the continued response or
recovery efforts. School personnel are usually first on the scene of an emergency situation within
the school. Therefore, school officials should take charge and remain in charge of the emergency
until it is resolved or may transfer incident command and management to the appropriate
emergency responder agency with legal authority to assume responsibility. However, school
officials may not transfer responsibility for student care.
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Incident Command System
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (ERT)
The Emergency Response Team (ERT) includes those individuals who are responsible to assess
an emergency situation and determine what course of action is to be taken. The ERT will meet
in the Superintendent’s office if available or in a place determined by the Person-in-Charge.
Superintendent / Elementary Principal ……………………...847-2922 (ext. 103)
High School Principal ……………………………………….847-2921 (ext. 102)
District Clerk ………………………………………………...847-8600 (ext. 101)
Administrative Secretary ………………………………….…847-2920 (ext. 100)
Maintenance ……………………………..…………………..847-2370 (ext. 108)
Transportation ……………………………………………….847-8674/847-2291
Safety Committee Representative ……………………………847-2930 (ext. 113)
Counselor …………………………………………………….847-2924 (ext. 105)
EMERGENCY SUPPORT TEAM (EST)
The Emergency Support Team (EST) includes individuals necessary to support a given situation.
The ERT should determine which EST members will be involved in the situation and how they
may be most effective.
District Personnel
Safety Committee Members
Counselors
Teachers
Support Staff
Community Agencies
Sheriff
Hospitals
Drug Treatment Centers
Mental Health
Child and Family Services
County Counselors
Media
Ministerial Association
Head Start or Pre-school
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EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST
Emergency Dispatch ……….. 911
Business Phone Numbers
Sheriff’s Department (non-emergency) ….…………………..…
Sanders County Emergency Management ……………………..
827–3584
827–6955
Clark Fork Valley Hospital (Plains) ………………………….....
826–4800
Bonner General Hospital (Sandpoint) ………………………….. 208- 263–1441
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center (Libby) …………………........... 406- 283–7000
Montana Poison Control ……………………………………….. 800-525–5042
Sanders County Public Health ………………………………….
827-6931
Community Mental Health Center ………………………..…… 406-532-9190
Child Abuse ……………………………………………………. 866-820-5437
Sanders County DPHHS Division of Child & Family Services ..
827–4317
Montana DPHHS Child & Family Services Division …………… 866-820- 5437
Sanders County Coalition for Families …………………………
827 -3218
Coalition for Families 24-Hour Help Line …………………….. 800-265- 0415
827- 3745
Sanders County Road Department ………………………………
827– 3691
State Highway Department …………………………………....... 406-751 -2000
Noxon Section House ………………………………….
847 - 2650
Montana Rail Link (office)……………………………………... 406-523 -1575
370-3168
National Weather Service ………………………………………. 406-755–4829
Montana Weather Service (Missoula) …………………………...
329-4715
American Red Cross …………………………………………….. 800-272-6668
Northern Lights, Inc. ……………………………………………. 866-665-4837
208-263-5141
Radio / TV Broadcast:
In case of school closure: Call the Sheriff’s Office to notify
Emergency Management Services who should notify the Weather Service in Missoula who then
broadcasts it on area TV stations.
Missoula
Polson
Thompson Falls – PBS
Spokane
KPBX
Sandpoint
KPAX
KERR
PBS
KREM 2
KHQ 6
KSPT
542-4400
406-883-5255
KECI
509-838-7350
KXLY 4
509- 448 -4656
800- 328- 5729 (radio)
208-263-2012 (radio)
9
721-5642
509- 324-4004
GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR AN EMERGENCY
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The safety of all students, staff, and visitors to our campus is our chief concern.
All emergency situations should be reported immediately to the Superintendent,
Principal, Secretary, or District Clerk who may then pass information on through the
Incident Command System.
Appropriate staff will be responsible for contacting emergency agencies; however,
anyone may call 911 in an emergency situation.
The Superintendent should be the chief spokesperson and Person-in-Charge serving as
the Incident Command for the school. All school personnel are to direct calls/inquiries to
the chief spokesperson and refrain from providing information to anyone other than
emergency personnel. Refer to the Incident Command System to determine the next
designee if the Superintendent is unavailable.
If the Superintendent is not the Person-in-Charge of a specific incident, that person
serving as Person-in-Charge is expected to write up a summary of the incident and
forward it to the Superintendent in a timely manner.
All emergency situations should be evaluated post-incident for the purpose of improving
procedures.
COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE & RESPONSIBILITIES
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Calling 911
Tell the dispatcher what is known of the problem.
Give the exact location by address. Our address is 300 Noxon Avenue, Noxon, MT.
Remain on the phone line until told to hang up by the dispatcher.
Caller should have no other duties until notification to 911 dispatch has been completed.
If it is necessary to send anyone to a hospital by ambulance, send a staff member along to
serve as a liaison between the hospital and district administration with instructions to
relay progress reports as soon as possible. Send a cell phone with the staff member if
necessary. The medical release form, when available, should accompany an injured
student.
Immediately notify the Person-in-Charge.
For air transport:
Coordinates for Noxon Public Schools:
N 47° 59.665’
W 115° 46.610’
Handheld Radios
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Carry radio while on duty assignments.
Do not hold radio by the antenna.
Indicate person you are calling first, followed by your name.
Turn radio off when it is placed in the charger.
Channel – 1: open channel, Channel – 2: weather channel; Emergency Channel
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BUILDING EVACUATION PROCEDURES - General
(Whenever it is determined that it is safer outside than inside the building, i.e., fire, explosion,
hazardous material spill inside, structural failure, etc.)
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
•
•
•
Identify individuals with special needs and special accommodations required.
Post evacuation route maps by the exit door (oriented to the room’s location) in every room that
is regularly occupied.
All teachers should discuss safety drill procedures with their classes at the beginning of each year
and have an emergency flipchart posted in a conspicuous place next to the exit door of the
classroom.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Safety:
- Initiate fire alarm
- Call 911 if appropriate.
- At the sound of the fire alarm, walk rapidly into the hall and out the exit designated by the
posted evacuation route. If the exit route is blocked, follow an alternate exit route.
- The teacher should close windows, check to see that all students are out of the room, and
then close the locked door upon exiting.
- Teachers should take their written roster, emergency flip chart, emergency release forms
(elementary teachers), and red and green status cards to the assembly area on the hill.
- When outside, move to designated assembly area on the hill behind the school and remain in
a calm and orderly fashion until given further instructions by the Person-in-Charge. Teachers
should immediately take roll and indicate presence of students by holding the appropriate
colored status card (green for all present and OK, red for missing student or needs assistance).
- If evacuation occurs during passing between classes, students should report to the hill and
join their previous class period teacher.
- Designated staff members should sweep the building prior to exiting to determine everyone
has evacuated. Their classes should exit with those of a buddy teacher.
- Designated staff members should bring two buses to the assembly area to serve as needed for
shelter-in-place or evacuation transportation. Their classes, when appropriate, may exit
with those of a buddy teacher.
- Office staff should take the visitor/volunteer log, daily attendance book, student sign out
sheet, and emergency back pack with them upon exiting. Additional emergency release form
binders to be taken are from the Resource Room, library, and PE.
FOLLOW UP:
•
Evaluate evacuation response.
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Lockdown
(Used when there is a threat of violence or serious incident that could jeopardize the safety of
students or staff, i.e., intruder, shooting, drive-by shooting, hostage incident, civil disturbance /
angry parent, locker search.)
IMMEDIATE ACTION
Safety:
Lock downs will be announced over the intercom with “Attention staff: We are in a code
yellow (or black) lockdown.” Office staff should turn on strobe lights to gym, shop, and music
room.
Code yellow: lock down for non-violent situations (i.e. locker search, angry parent)
- Classroom atmosphere should continue as usual with no interruption to instruction.
- Teacher closes locked classroom door.
- Students should not be allowed to leave the classroom during the lockdown.
- Students out of class at beginning of lockdown should be instructed to return immediately
to their classroom.
Code black: lock down due to violent threat on campus
- Call 911.
- Lock and secure main entry doors (performed by office staff or maintenance) if time and
situation allows.
- Communicate w/ staff a description of intruder at earliest opportunity.
- Switch bells to manual mode. Deactivate fire alarm system.
- Teacher secures classroom by closing locked classroom door, closing windows, drawing
drapes, turning off lights, and positioning students in the safest area of the room. Take
attendance.
- Students out of class at beginning of lock down report to nearest classroom for
admittance. As teachers close their locked doors, they should make a quick visual sweep
of outside hallways for students and secure them in their classrooms.
- Ignore all alarms and bells unless advised otherwise by the Person-in-Charge.
- If the fire alarm is engaged, evacuate only that area of the building in danger of the fire or
if directed by law enforcement.
- No one leaves the classroom unless the teacher determines it’s safer to evacuate to the
reunification site. Before leaving the classroom, first locate the threat so you can make an
evacuation plan. Consider the use of a second evacuation route. Leave single file with
hands free and visible to authorities. If the teacher determines it’s safer to remain in the
classroom, maintain a closed, locked door until law enforcement or administration unlock
it.
- If outside, move students to the designated off-campus reunification site and wait for
further instructions. Take attendance.
FOLLOW UP:
• Evaluate incident.
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EMERGENCY DISMISSAL / SCHOOL CLOSURE
(Unexpected dismissal of school – see specific situations for detailed information, i.e.
severe weather, bomb threat, etc.)
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
 Maintain an up-to-date calling tree.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
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Decision for emergency dismissal made by the Superintendent or Person-inCharge with input from Transportation Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisor, and /
or other members of the Emergency Response Team.
Transportation supervisor is notified and calls drivers.
Calling tree is activated notifying parents of dismissal, early bus arrival time, or
request for parent to pick student up at a reunification site depending if cause of
the dismissal warrants relocation.
Students should not be sent home or dropped off on a bus route unless parent
contact has been made. If all attempts to reach the parent or alternate emergency
contact numbers have failed, the student should be brought back to the school or
remain at the school or reunification site under supervision until parent contact
has been made. Prior arrangements with parents for older students for release
allows those students to be dropped off or dismissed without direct parent contact
although all attempts to phone parents should still be made.
Following dismissal of students, designated school personnel inspect the entire structure
to assure the building is empty and secured.
FOLLOW UP:
•
Reschedule school calendar if needed.
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Superintendent / Principal
The school Superintendent and Principal should be responsible for all pre-disaster and
preparedness for the school subject only to the directive of the guidelines approved by the Board
of Trustees. In the event of an emergency, the Superintendent (or his/her designee) should
assume overall direction of disaster procedures at the school.
In discharging this responsibility, the Superintendent and / or Principal of Noxon Public Schools
should:
During Pre-Emergency Conditions:
1. Appoint a designee who should assume the duties of the Superintendent/Principal in his/her
absence and identify duty assignments of other school personnel as outlined in the Incident
Command System.
2. Utilize directives and guidelines established by the Board of Trustees to:
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Develop a disaster and preparedness plan, which should be kept operative at all times.
Ensure that school personnel and students are properly instructed in the school Emergency
Management Plan.
Ensure that there is an adequate warning system available and that the various alarm signals are
known and understood by students and staff.
Ensure the Emergency Response Team knows how to disable the fire alarm system.
Survey, with law enforcement and fire department personnel, primary and alternate traffic
control plans for pedestrian and vehicular movements within the school campus.
Arrange for instruction and training of staff (including substitutes) and students to ensure their
safety.
Maintain all emergency equipment and supplies in usable condition at all times by checking
them at least annually.
Know the location and operation of utility "shut-offs." Specifically know how to shut off the
ventilation system. Instruct at least one other person in the location and operation of the "shutoffs."
Communicate with students and parents about the school Emergency Management Plan.
Conduct regularly scheduled drills and maintain a record of these in the school office.
Provide substitutes with information regarding their responsibilities, evacuation routes and
general procedures to be followed in an emergency.
Demonstrate the use of emergency equipment utilized at the school.
During Emergency and Post-Emergency Conditions:
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Assume overall direction of school emergency management.
Direct evacuation of the building using fire evacuation procedures.
Arrange for transfer of students when their safety is threatened.
Issue instruction to teachers if students are to be released from the school.
Report the situation to the Emergency Response Team.
Coordinate with Sanders County Emergency Management as appropriate.
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TEACHERS
Teachers should be responsible for the supervision of students and remain with students until
relieved of responsibility. They may render first aid, restore order, and assist staff and students as
needed. Teachers should release students only to authorized persons by following proper sign out
procedures. They should follow the instructions and guidelines of the District and the Noxon
Schools plan and the specific instructions from the Person-in-Charge. All teachers should keep
a written student roster and an up-to-date procedure manual specific to their room and
work assignment available for their substitute teachers. Classroom doors should remain
locked at all times.
In discharging their responsibility, teachers should:
Call 911 if necessary.
IF INSIDE:
1.
Stay in your room, unless advised otherwise by the Person-in-Charge.
a.
Immediately take roll of students.
b.
Communicate roll count with names of missing students and any extraordinary
situation to the Person-in-Charge as soon as it is safe.
c.
If advised to evacuate, follow the evacuation procedures. Take roll immediately
upon arrival at designated assembly area.
2.
Take protective action if the physical structure of the building is threatened.
a.
Keep away from windows and outside walls.
b.
Take shelter under desks, tables, and heavy furniture.
c.
Move from under light fixtures and other suspended objects.
d.
Shut off any electrical or gas-operated equipment.
e.
Be alert to any developing threats such as broken water pipes or electrical wires.
f.
For the following emergency events, see the appropriate section in this manual:
Bomb
Dam Failure
Earthquake
Fire
Intruder
Severe Weather
Hazardous Materials (train derailment / highway)
IF OUTSIDE:
1.
Keep students assembled and take roll count of students noting any missing students and
any extraordinary situation.
2.
Seek appropriate shelter if safe to do so. Do not take students into the building if the
building is in lock down. Remain with the students.
3.
Be prepared to provide the roll count and names of missing students to the Person-inCharge at earliest convenience.
4.
Be alert for instructions from the Person-in-Charge.
5.
Follow the procedures described for specific emergencies as described in this manual.
Duty Assignments:
Teachers should carry a first aid pack and two-way radio while on recess duty. High school
teachers should carry a two-way radio while on lunch duty. All teachers should carry a radio
while on bus duty.
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MAINTENANCE
The responsibilities of maintenance may include:
During Pre-Emergency Conditions:
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Maintain all fire equipment (fire alarm pulls, extinguishers, exit signs, etc.) in good
working condition. Keep campus fire hydrants free of obstructions.
Assure fire alarm and public address system are in working order.
Maintain a set of the building's blueprints to be made available for emergency personnel.
Periodically inspect school campus utilizing a check off sheet for potential safety hazards.
Turn hall phones to Do Not Disturb (DND) at the beginning of the day and back to the ring
mode at the end of the day.
During Emergency and Post-Emergency Conditions:
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Shut off utilities immediately when directed to do so.
In the event of a Hazardous Material situation outside of the building, immediately seal off
the building, cut heating / ventilation system with outside air exchange, notify staff to
close all windows and outside doors. All students and staff that are outdoors need to be
brought inside immediately.
In the event of an earthquake or crisis that damages the building, provide the Person-inCharge with periodic condition reports and damage assessment. Always send two
people for initial damage assessment.
Be available to aid emergency personnel with information.
Conduct damage control to limit damage to school facility.
Survey and report damage to school Superintendent.
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SUBSTITUTE EMPLOYEES
The responsibilities of a substitute employee may include:
During Pre-Emergency Conditions:
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Become familiar with the District Emergency Management Plan.
Become familiar with the evacuation routes and general procedures at the school site and
teacher for whom they are substituting.
During Emergency and Post-Emergency conditions:
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Perform the duties of the person for whom they are substituting. Refer to the individual
teacher’s up-to-date procedures manual.
Account for all students in their attendance.
Assist where directed to do so.
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF
PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Parent responsibilities:
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be informed of the current Emergency Management Plan.
follow the current Emergency Management Plan.
keep the school up-to-date with current emergency contact numbers where they can be
contacted at any time during school hours.
have all necessary medical information on file with the school district office.
Student responsibilities:
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be familiar with the preset evacuation routes.
follow directions without hesitation.
remain at the school and assist with younger students during an emergency.
Dual Gate Reunification Protocol:
In the event of an incident where it is necessary to release students to their parents due to an
emergency, parents may expect notification either directly from the school or through the school
calling tree informing them as to the location of the reunification site. Reunification sites may be
on campus or off depending upon the type of emergency. Please do not attempt to call the school
as the phone lines may be busy. The school will enlist all of its resources to establish clear
communication with parents. Everyone’s cooperation is very important in ensuring the smooth
transition in reuniting students with family members. Parents should watch for personnel
directing traffic and indicating parking as they approach the site. They should report to a sign-in
station where they will identify themselves and indicate the names of their children. They may
need a photo ID as the person manning the station may not be familiar with all parents. A staff
member should then enter the building and escort their children to the second station where the
parent should have been directed to pick them up. It will then be necessary to leave the site to
lessen the congestion of people and make it easier for those parents just arriving. Again,
everyone’s cooperation should help ensure a smooth reunification of students with family and
will be greatly appreciated by all those involved.
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ABANDONED or MISSING CHILD / ADULT
IMMEDIATE ACTION – Abandoned Child:
Communication:
 Contact family by telephone if possible.
 Contact alternate emergency telephone reference.
 If contact cannot be made with the parent, call the Sheriff’s office for an officer to respond.
FOLLOW UP:
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Make written documentation in student file regarding circumstances surrounding the
incident.
If situation reoccurs, a call should be made to Child Protective Services (CPS) to notify
them in case they have an on-going investigation with the family.
IMMEDIATE ACTION – Missing Child:
• If the parent reports the child missing:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Have the parent call the police.
Get an accurate description of the child, including what the child was last seen wearing.
Attempt to find out who last saw the child and where.
Contact close friends of the missing student to possibly obtain information on their
whereabouts.
5) Check building, athletic fields and after school programs for the missing student.
6) Designate school contact person to continue working with the parents/police if the child is not
located.
• If the school notices the child missing:
1) Verify information regarding missing child.
2) Who last observed the child?
3) Where is the child missing from?
4) Designate school official to work as liaison with the police.
5) Have a family member file a police report if the child is not located.
Communication:
- Give police an accurate description of student, including clothing, and a photograph if available.
- Contact parent.
- If unable to locate parent, use numbers on student’s emergency contact form.
- Interview missing student's friends for information as to the whereabouts, possibility of running
away, or not returning home due to fear of punishment.
IMMEDIATE ACTION – Missing Staff Member:
• Attempt phone contact.
• Contact police to do a safety check at the person's home.
• Consult personnel file for listing of relatives/friends to contact.
• Designate school official to be liaison with police in case person is not located.
FOLLOW UP:
• Inform students through class visits to speak as necessary to provide facts and reduce rumors.
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CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
According to federal statute "An educational agency or institution may disclose personally identifiable information from an
education record to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the
information is necessary to protect health and safety of the student or other individuals."
Law Enforcement and Medical Personnel:
If a law enforcement officer or medical personnel needs information to protect the health and safety of a
student, the school must provide whatever information is needed.
Media:
The media should be referred to the District Office. Generally, the only information that should
be provided to the media is confirmation of the student's attendance in the district. However, in
the case of a missing child, providing information to the media that may aid in the protection of
the child is permissible.
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ANIMALS / BEES / POISONOUS INSECTS
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
 Montana Poison Control 1-800-525-5042
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Have first aid supplies available in convenient locations along with supplies for closing off areas
(i.e., yellow caution tape).
Monitor school grounds (including playing fields and bleachers) for the presence of bee nests.
Instruct students to keep a safe distance from wild or domestic animals that are found on or near
the school campus.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Safety:
 Identify type of incident (i.e. animal, snake, or insect), number of victims and extent of
injuries.
 Calm victim and render first aid.
 Attempt to maintain visual contact of animal until emergency personnel arrive.
 Evacuate immediate area.
 In the event of bee attack: seek enclosed shelter, run without flailing arms.
 Treat the injured. Remove stingers with edge of credit card or other sharp edge instrument.
Pull stinger out with tweezers or fingernails if nothing else is available. Treat with Benadryl
if appropriate and student has permission to use. Monitor for allergic reaction. Call 911 in all
cases of compromised or potentially compromised airways.
Communication:
 Call 911.
 Determine need to contact Poison Control at 1-800-525-5042.
 Notify Person-in-Charge.
 Notify victim's parents.
FOLLOW UP:

File student accident report.
21
ASSAULT / IRRATIONAL BEHAVIOR
IMMEDIATE ACTION - Altercation
Note: More teachers and officers are injured while trying to break up fights than during any
other crisis. If weapons are involved, initiate lockdown and call 911 immediately.

Notify office (via radio, telephone, E card if in your classroom) of location and number of students
involved as well as to the fact that you are responding to it.
Walk, do not run, to the fight.
Do NOT try to break up a fight by physical means or disarm a student by yourself.
Obtain additional help.



ANALYZE THE ALTERCATION:




Is the fight staged?
Are weapons involved?
Is the fight winding down?
Who is the aggressor?
CONTROLLING THE ALTERCATION:

Advise those watching and encouraging the fight to disperse immediately making note of who they
are.
Yell out the combatants names, identify yourself and order them to stop fighting.
Do not step in between the combatants. If you choose to use physical means, break up the fight
using non-violent physical crisis intervention techniques (for your safety and those of the students
involved). Instruct the least aggressive or most rational student to report to the office or nearest staff
member leaving you to de-escalate the remaining student.
Make sure that the staff members involved in breaking up the fight are debriefed as soon as
possible.



IMMEDIATE ACTION – Irrational Behavior (used for serious situations when a student is
out of control and may cause harm to self or others or requires medical assistance, i.e., seizure)








Teacher sends red E card to the office via any reliable person.
Office will put out an ALL CALL for the E-Team to go to Room # __.
E-Team will consist of the Superintendent, Principal, counselor, and any available staff member
or teacher on prep.
As team proceeds towards room, they locate an empty room in case it is needed to relocate the
class.
The first member of the team to enter the room becomes the team leader.
Team leader assesses the situation, approaches the student from the side remaining nonconfrontational and calm with no direct eye contact.
The rest of the team circulates around the room talking to and calming other students while the
team leader talks to the irrational student.
If the team leader cannot control the situation and remove the student from the room, the leader
will ask for the room to be cleared of the rest of the students and the teacher.
22



The team leader and the rest of the team should stay to control the situation and, ultimately, get
the student to the office.
The affected class should remain together until debriefed by a designated staff member.
The student body should not change classes until the student of concern has been secured or
removed from the building.
FOLLOW UP:








Notify staff and students with a prepared statement from the Superintendent. Normal routine will
continue as soon as possible.
Assess and determine if medical assistance is needed.
Call Sheriff’s office if appropriate.
Obtain names of witnesses and have them complete written statements.
Allow for cooling off period.
Ascertain the cause.
Preserve the crime scene for evidence.
Write a summary and forward to the Superintendent.
23
BOMB THREAT
Bomb threats are usually made by a telephone call and sometimes with a note. The majority of these are
pranks attempting to disrupt school function. However, all threats should be taken seriously and handled
quickly and efficiently to ensure safety to the students and staff.
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:

All school personnel should maintain awareness of physical surroundings/conditions.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:











Remain calm and try to complete the telephone bomb threat checklist. (Appendix)
Try to keep the caller on the phone as long as possible.
Do NOT hang up until instructed to do so by someone in authority.
Notify administrator who should assess the validity of the threat and decide whether or not to
evacuate the building.
Do NOT use cell phones or two-way radios if a bomb is suspected.
Call 911.
Treat all threats as valid. Evacuate the building taking students to off-campus reunification site.
Teachers and administrative personnel should give their immediate work areas quick visual
inspections as they leave their assigned areas. Do not touch or move any item that looks
suspicious.
Have appropriate authorities check the building.
If bomb is found:
 remain calm,
 notify Person-in-Charge,
 notify the transportation department.
 follow appropriate instructions for emergency dismissal,
 leave everything unchanged in the room (lights, doors, etc.),
 keep noise and vibrations to a minimum, and
 dismiss students for the remainder of the school day (as determined by the Person-in-Charge).
If bomb explodes:
 call 911,
 evacuate all buildings in case of secondary device,
 establish information center or command post,
 secure the integrity of the scene,
 relocate students to off campus reunification site,
 arrange for student transportation, and
 determine casualties.
FOLLOW-UP:
 If no bomb is found, return students to class.
If bomb threat is received by written message:
 handle message no more than is necessary,
 call Sheriff’s office,
 protect the original message by placing message inside a plastic bag or envelope so fingerprints
or other identifying marks are not destroyed, and
 turn note over to law enforcement.
24
Prevention Methods:
 Caller identification to main school lines.
 Hall phones should be turned to Do Not Disturb (DND) at the beginning of each school day and
returned to ring mode at the close of each school day. The maintenance department may be
responsible for this task.
 Identify all strangers on campus.
 Visitors to the school should check in at the office and be given a visitor sticker to be worn
while on campus.
25
BUS / SCHOOL VEHICLE ACCIDENT
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:



Standardized bus/vehicle accident procedures.
Written procedures provided to all drivers.
Vehicle accident report form to record information.
IMMEDIATE ACTION -DRIVER:












Stop immediately -Set brake and turn off engine. Do not move vehicle unless immediate danger
exists.
Radio or phone dispatch immediately. Give vehicle number, location and extent of injuries.
Evaluate and render first aid to anyone injured. DO NOT move an injured person unless there is
imminent danger.
Remain with the students and assure their safety until alternative transportation arrives.
Speak only to law enforcement and school officials about the incident.
Give name, license, and insurance information to law enforcement.
Obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, and ages of all the passengers.
Obtain names and insurance information of other drivers involved from the investigating police
officer.
Continue transporting students when authorized to do so.
Complete School Bus Accident Report .
Complete insurance reports for Transportation Department.
Obtain Case Number from investigating police officer.
IMMEDIATE ACTION –TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISOR:
Safety:
- Call 911.
- Report to scene to assist and investigate.
Communication:
- Notify Transportation supervisor and District office and report the names of students on the
bus. School personnel will activate the phone tree to notify parents.
- Notify Person-in-Charge.
FOLLOW UP:
 Prepare Harlow Transportation vehicle accident report.
 Complete an incident report to be shared with the Superintendent when appropriate.
26
CAMPUS DISORDER / CIVIL DISTURBANCE / WALK-OUT / SIT-IN
Civil Disturbances may occur within the school or may be precipitated by outside school forces. Campus
disorders may be avoided by maintaining effective movement and control of students and unauthorized
persons. A "walk-out" is a type of demonstration which needs to be dealt with through dialogue. If a
student walk-out occurs and the students remain on the school grounds, the Person-in-Charge should try
to talk the student(s) into returning to class.
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:

Develop programs for the enhancement of students on grounds during lunch, PE, or after school
activities.
Provide supervision of all students at all times while on school grounds.

IMMEDIATE ACTION – Campus Disorder or Civil Disturbance:
Safety:
- Administrator should assess the situation, number of students, nature of disturbance, and
assistance needed.
- If outside assistance is needed:
1) Notify law enforcement.
2) Instruct teachers to close locked classroom doors (Code Yellow lockdown procedures).
Person-in-Charge:
- Brief law enforcement on:
1) number of participants involved.
2) weapons involved.
3) outsiders involved.
- Assist law enforcement as necessary.
- Make announcement to inform staff that classes will not be released.
- Instruct classroom teachers to account for all students.
FOLLOW UP:
 Send letter to parents communicating what occurred and how safety was established.
 Debrief faculty as appropriate.
 Write a summary and forward to the Superintendent.
IMMEDIATE ACTION – Walk-Out or Sit-In:
-
Direct students to return to class.
The school’s main entrance doors should be locked.
Take roll to determine the names of the students who did not return to class.
If students turn violent, call 911.
Notify the Sheriff’s Office of the incident.
Contact parents of students who did not return to class.
27
EARTHQUAKE
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Safety---Inside School Building:
- Direct students and staff to drop/cover/hold.
- Drop to the ground either face down or crouching covering head and neck with arms and
wait for shocks to subside.
- If in the gym, move into the hallway if you can do so quickly. Otherwise, move away from
the tall interior walls.
- Take COVER under a sturdy desk, table, or other piece of furniture or take COVER against
an interior wall. COVER your head and neck with your arms. Avoid windows, hanging
objects, mirrors, tall objects, exterior walls and heavy items on wheels.
- All doors should be left open to minimize jamming if the building shifts.
- If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, HOLD onto it and be prepared to move
with it. HOLD the position until the ground stops shaking. Expect aftershocks.
- Take roll count of students and report to the Person-in-Charge as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Stay put. Do not attempt to run through the building or go outside because falling objects are
found near doors and outside. If in a lavatory or other room without desks or furniture, get
against the inside wall or inside a doorway and crouch.
- Do not light fires or touch fallen wires. Expect the electricity to go out and the fire alarms to
go off.
- Stay covered until given the “ALL CLEAR.” Be alert for instructions from Person-in-Charge
who must determine the safest route out and a safe place for students to assemble outside.
- Use extreme caution when evacuating the building as there may be additional aftershocks
and/or pieces of the building may still be falling.
Safety---Outside School Building:
- Move away from buildings, trees and exposed wires to football field yet clear of goalposts or
into another open area.
- The safest place in the open is down on the ground. Lie face down or crouch covering head
and neck with arms and wait for the shock to subside.
- Do not run.
Safety---General:
- Do not return to the building for any reason until the building is declared safe.
- Post security a safe distance from all building entrances to see that no one re-enters the
building.
- Render first aid if necessary.
- Avoid touching electrical wires that may have fallen, any fences that may be in contact
with fallen wires, or any broken electrical equipment. Be alert for possible fires.
- Do not light any fires.
Communication:
- Notify utility companies of any utility line break or suspected break.
- Notify Superintendent.
FOLLOW UP:
 Superintendent determines the advisability of closing the school. If necessary, procure the
advice of a competent authority about the safety of the building.
28
EXPLOSIONS OR THREAT OF EXPLOSION
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
 School Evacuation Plan or Lockdown Plan.
 On-going inspection of potential explosive hazards should be conducted.
 Inventory of all potentially explosive hazards. Current Safety Data Sheets on hand with copies
given to the volunteer fire department.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Safety:
- If explosion occurs within the building, evacuate building by sounding fire alarm.
- If an odor of leaking gas or a generated gas exists, do not use the fire alarm, intercom or any
other electrically operated devise that might cause a spark and ignite an explosion.
- Have pre-designated person(s) check restrooms, vacant classrooms, etc. to assure everyone
has left the building.
- If explosion occurs outside the building, students and staff should remain in classrooms away
from windows and wait for further instructions or fire alarm signal.
- Render first aid.
- Take student roll.
Communication:
- Call 911.
- Notify Person-in-Charge.
FOLLOW UP:
 Students and staff should remain outside of building until emergency officials declare the area
safe and secure.
29
FIRE
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
 School evacuation plan explained and posted in each classroom.
 Test to make sure alarm system is functioning properly.
 Check to assure all fire extinguishers are fully charged and up-to-date.
 Fire drills must be completed and evaluated regularly (Montana State Law requires that at least
eight disaster drills be conducted each school year of which four are fire. All teachers will
discuss safety drill procedures with their classes at the beginning of each year and will have the
evacuation route for that particular room posted at the exit door of that room and oriented to
reflect the correct direction of the evacuation route. The emergency flipchart should also be
posted in a conspicuous place next to the exit door of the classroom. Drills should be held at
different hours of the day or evening to avoid distinction between drills and actual disasters. A
record should be kept of all fire drills.
 Provide fire department with building plan, chemical inventory list, and locations of all
chemicals, gas cylinders, and electrical panels.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Safety:
- Anyone discovering the fire should sound the fire alarm.
- Call 911.
- Follow evacuation plan with school personnel/students. If the exit route is blocked, follow an
alternate exit route. Consider the 2nd evacuation route utilizing the window if doorway is
impassable. In the event that a lock down or shelter-in-place incident is in progress, the
evacuation shall be limited to the area immediately in danger from the fire.
- Teachers should close all doors and windows before leaving their assigned areas.
- Relocate students to the assembly area on the hill so they’re away from the building and
firefighting equipment.
Check all rooms and areas of the building to ensure everyone is out of the building.
Keep access roads open for emergency vehicles.
Station building exit guards to prevent unauthorized entrance of students or other personnel
back into the building.
Make an effort to extinguish small fires with fire extinguishers.
Communication:
- Call 911.
- The fire department must be notified of the location of all fires, including those put out by
school personnel.
- Have a designee assist arriving emergency personnel with locations within the school.
- Request Sheriff’s Office to call Northern Lights, Inc. 866-665-4837.
FOLLOW UP:
 Students/staff should remain outside of the building until fire department officials have declared
the building safe and the all clear signal is sounded.
30
FLOOD / DAM FAILURE
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
 School evacuation plan/dismissal plan.
 Shelter-in-place supplies stored and available on the hill above potential water level.
 Maintain a MOU for sharing school facilities with evacuees.
 Maintain MOUs with hill residents to shelter students following dam failure.
 In cases of severe weather have a means to obtain weather updates.
IMMEDIATE ACTION - Flood / High Water:
Safety:
- Discuss the need for evacuation.
- Provide care for students at school.
- Have custodial staff do the following as directed, depending on the situation:
1) shut off the electricity,
2) remove equipment from floors to a safe place,
3) close doors,
4) shut off water supply, and
5) lock outside doors when the building is secure and empty.
IMMEDIATE ACTION – Dam Failure:
Safety:
- Breech of Noxon Rapids Dam could result in water levels 10 – 15’ above level of school
grounds within 16 minutes of dam failure.
- Evacuate to hill on south side of school utilizing Evacuation Procedures. Staff takes roll and
displays red / green status cards.
- Utilizing pre-arranged residences, buses, and supplies in storage shed, shelter-in-place until
water recedes and rescue operations permit.
Communication:
- If an emergency exists call 911.
- Notify school transportation department.
- In cases where dismissal is indicated, activate calling tree.
- In case of dam failure, follow directions from Emergency Management Services as soon as
communication is restored.
FOLLOW UP:
 Reschedule school calendar if needed.
Coordinates for Noxon Public Schools:
31
N 47° 59.665’
W 115° 46.610’
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS / CHEMICAL ACCIDENTS
Chemical accidents of disaster magnitude would include tank / truck accidents or railway car accident
involving large or small quantities of toxic gases or harmful chemicals (also on-campus spills).
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:





Shelter-in-Place procedures.
Inventory all hazardous material on campus. A copy of this inventory must be on file in the
office.
Provide the fire department with a copy of chemical inventories and gas cylinders.
Place Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in areas where chemicals are used.
Read SDS and labels prior to using chemicals. This should provide specific information needed
for emergency procedures - i.e. evacuations, chemical containment, first aid procedures,
equipment needed for working with chemicals, storage and disposal procedures.
IMMEDIATE ACTION – On campus situation:
Safety:
- Take appropriate action in accordance with SDS and label on handling and emergency
procedures.
- Determine the need to evacuate the school building and, if necessary, transport students to a
safe location by bus or other means.
- Render first aid.
IMMEDIATE ACTION -
Off campus situation:
Safety:
- Immediately turn off the ventilation system. Close doors and windows. If students / staff are
outside, bring them into the building.
- Lock the entrance door.
- Place signs in the entrance door windows indicating the school is in a shelter-in-place
lockdown and the doors should not be opened until advised to do so by the authorities once the
situation is contained and air quality is safe.
Communication:
- Contact building administrator immediately.
- Call 911 if assistance is needed for injuries, containment, clean-up and disposal.
- Poison Control: 1-800-525-5042.
- Follow direction from Emergency Management Services.
FOLLOW UP:
 Students and staff should not return to the building if spill is within the building until the
appropriate officials have declared the area safe .
 Take attendance if school is evacuated.
 Contact Maintenance Supervisor for final clean up.
 Provide estimate of damage.
32
INTRUDER (ARMED/UNARMED) / SUSPICIOUS PERSON / HOSTAGE
SITUATION / SNIPER
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:








School lock down and evacuation plan.
School personnel should remain alert and aware of their surroundings.
Classroom doors remain locked. All exits, except main entrance, routinely locked.
Two-way communication with all classrooms.
Administration and staff equipped with two-way communication.
Copy of building’s floor plan to the Sheriff’s office.
Identify all strangers on campus.
Visitors to the school should check in at the office and be given a visitor sticker to be worn
while on campus.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Safety: Intruder or Suspicious Person
-
-
-
Notify Administrator of possible location(s) and description of subject(s)
 Take another staff member with you to initiate contact with the intruder if it can be
determined that intruder is unarmed. If it is determined the intruder is armed go into Code
Black Lockdown.
 If it is determined intruder is unarmed ask a third staff member to contact the main office
for you and advise them of who is with you, where you will be going, and what you will
be doing. Determine the need for the school to go into Code Yellow Lockdown.
 Make contact with the intruder with the Triangle Contact method if possible. Make sure
you have designated which staff member will be the contact person and which one will
be the backup person. The triangle consists of the intruder at point one, the contact staff
member at point two facing the intruder, and the backup staff member at point three
creating a 90° angle with the intruder at the apex. Utilize non-verbal communication
hand signals where the backup staff member assesses the situation and initiates the
signals as follows:
1) 1 Finger -back up staff member may leave,
2) 2 Fingers -back up staff member should stay with contact staff member, or
3) 3 Fingers - indicates that both staff members should break off the contact and the
school should go into Code Black Lockdown. Notify office and call 911
immediately.
On the basis of the information you receive from the intruder, determine what your
intervention will be.
Attempt to direct the intruder to the main office and explain the related safety reasons as to
why it is important that you are keeping track of who is on your campus.
If the intruder refuses to cooperate, do NOT escalate the situation. Break off contact and call
the police.
If the intruder produces a weapon, assure them that it is not necessary for them to consider
using the weapon, as you are leaving. Both of your hands should be up with your palms
facing the intruder while slowly backing away.
If the intruder tells you to stop, then do as instructed but continue to assure him that there is
no need for the weapon to be used.
33
-
If an intruder alert call comes to the office, do the following:
1) ca1l 911,
2) monitor intruder's location from a safe distance until law enforcement arrives, and
3) brief and assist law enforcement as directed.
Safety: Hostage Situation
-
-
Administrator in charge will assess the validity of the situation.
Secure immediate area -no access.
Call 911.
Make decision to evacuate or implement lock down procedures.
Attempt to obtain from witnesses:
1) number of hostage takers,
2) number of hostages,
3) weapons,
4) any injuries, and
5) possible identities.
Brief and assist law enforcement as directed.
Establish command post.
Teachers must account for all students under their supervision.
Dismiss students using emergency closure procedures or building evacuation procedures if it is
deemed appropriate to do so by the authorities.
Safety: Sniper
-
Administrator in charge assesses validity.
Call 911.
Determine possible location of sniper.
Secure immediate threat area-no access.
Consider line of fire and physical barriers.
Code Black Lockdown.
Brief and assist law enforcement as directed.
Establish command post.
Teachers account for students under their supervision.
Dismiss students when area is secure. Consider using reunification procedures.
Communication:
- Call 911.
- Brief and assist law enforcement as directed.
- Do not give out information that has not been verified.
34
MEDICAL EMERGENCY: SERIOUS
ACCIDENT / MULTI-INJURY ACCIDENT / DEATH
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
 Identify and establish an Emergency Response Team.
 Identify those staff members who are trained in CPR and first aid. Provide staff with the list.
 Develop a school telephone calling tree.
 Have first aid supplies available in convenient locations.
IMMEDIATE ACTION – During School Hours:
Safety:
- Identify type of accident (i.e. chemical, vehicle, fire, etc.), number of victims, and extent of
their injuries, if known.
- Call 911.
- Activate Emergency Response Team to begin first responder first aid to include initial triage
of wounded and establishing a first aid station.
- Secure scene/area of incident.
- Keep uninjured students away from incident location.
- Do not move injured victims unless immediate danger exists.
- Make a mental note of the circumstances:
Who observed the occurrence?
Who reported the occurrence?
What vehicle(s) was/were involved?
Approximate times of the incident should be noted, when emergency vehicles arrived,
and what was done for the victim.
Each person involved should write down his/her own observations as soon as possible
and turn them in to the school administrator.
- Attempt to obtain names, addresses, and phone numbers of the injured and turn this
information over to responding EMS personnel. When possible, send Medical Release Forms
with any student being transported to a medical facility.
Communication:
- Call 911.
- Notify school Superintendent.
- Notify parents/family of injured.
- Notify Crisis Management Team if applicable.
- Verify information regarding accident or death.
FOLLOW UP:
 File student and / or staff accident reports.
 For staff exposed to blood, follow district Blood-Borne Pathogen/Communicable Disease
(BBP) and Hepatitis B Exposure Control Plan.
When applicable:
- Contact family personally and offer support.
- Establish a family support committee.
- Obtain information regarding hospital visitation, home visits, funeral visitation, and family
wishes.
- Stop any disciplinary, scholarship, testing or special placement notifications that may
inadvertently be sent to the family.
35
School Plan of Action: Announcing the Severe injury or Loss of a student / staff member /
immediate family member:
- Notify faculty of the incident / death through a written message or faculty meeting.
- Announce the incident / death to the entire school via classroom teachers at earliest possible
convenience and at a designated time as per written statement from the Superintendent.
- Provide facts to reduce rumors.
- Extend that class period for discussion if necessary.
- Arrange for selected class visits to speak to the students.
- Follow-up with short faculty meeting to review facts of incident and role of faculty in
assisting with the loss.
- Allow faculty an opportunity to share their experiences and suggestions.
Faculty Response:
- Identify students who were close friends or students who would like an opportunity to attend
a group or individual meeting.
- Identify students obviously in distress and talk with them or have another student help escort
them to a group or individual counseling activity.
- Provide an opportunity for students to discuss the loss and what they have learned.
- If students are restless, get them active and focused on a project for the family if appropriate.
- Acknowledge emotions through discussion and involvement in constructive activities in the
classroom.
- Discuss funeral to prepare students who will be attending to know what to expect.
- Resume the educational process as soon as possible.
- Create 504 plans as necessary for any injured students.
- Rearrange seating in classroom when appropriate.
Counseling/Psychology Responsibilities:
- Establish an area for counseling (individual or group).
- Reschedule day's activities depending upon the needs of the school.
- Request additional counselors from within the county if needed.
- Identify individuals who can work with groups or individuals.
- Maintain a list of students counseled. Make follow-up call to parents of students in distress
and make recommendations for the parent to provide support.
Administrative Responsibilities:
- Keep staff updated on events and circumstances.
- Identify faculty/staff who are in need of mental health support services.
- Utilize counseling, psychology, district office, community counseling, employee assistance
programs.
- Emphasize the need to provide hard facts in reducing rumors.
- Be highly visible to show presence, support and control of the situation.
- Provide hope and refocus perceptions toward the future.
- Make arrangements for rescheduling cancelled activities.
- Make arrangements for excused absences for students wishing to attend funeral.
- Remove personal items of deceased from lockers, desks, etc.
- Prepare for reactions occurring on the anniversary date.
36
Responding to the Media and the Community:
- Identify a spokesperson to remain in a specific area for easy access.
- Develop a written statement or news release in cooperation with the identified district
communication spokesperson.
- Set limits for media time/location.
- Provide handouts of planned school activities to handle the crisis.
- Emphasize positive action being taken.
- Divert phone calls of concern and questions to appropriate staff.
- Provide a meeting for concerned parents and others to provide input or suggestions to help
students.
- Provide a written summary of situation and plans to parents.
Memorial Services:
- If services are held in the school, provide an area for staff and students who do not wish to
attend.
Suicide:
•
•
•
•
Do not put flags at half-mast.
No memorial page in yearbook for suicide victim.
Do not allow anyone to describe suicide as a heroic act.
Prepare for reactions occurring on the anniversary date.
37
MEDICAL EMERGENCY: BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGEN /
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
All procedures or other job-related tasks which involve an inherent potential for mucus membrane or skin
contact with blood, body fluids or tissues, or a potential for spills or splashes from them should follow the
established Universal Precautions at all times. Uses of appropriate protective measures should be utilized
all employees engaged in these tasks.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS:
1) Barrier protection: All employees should use a barrier protection to prevent exposure with
blood or other bodily fluids. Some forms of barrier protection would include:
a) gloves,
b) masks and protective eyewear, and / or
c) disposable smock or aprons.
2) Wash hands using warm, soapy water if you come into contact with blood or other body
fluids.
3) Avoid accidental injuries: Precautions should be taken to prevent injuries caused by needles,
broken glass, razor blades or other sharp materials. These types of materials should be picked up
with tongs or swept into a dustpan and placed in a puncture-resistant container for disposal.
4) Avoid direct mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Use protective mask.
5) Decontaminate all surfaces and devices after use.
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
 Awareness of Sanders County reporting criteria and procedures regarding various
communicable diseases.
 Local policy for determining how Sick is Too Sick for school.
 Immunization tracking following state mandated requirements.
 MOU with Sanders County Public Health for Point of Distribution at the school.
 Establish telephone calling tree.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Safety:
- Follow Sanders County directives (each case will be different).
- Notify non-immunized/medically fragile students, parents, and staff.
- Notify support services as needed.
- If non-school hour, initiate telephone calling tree if appropriate.
Communication:
- Notify school Superintendent.
- Send a letter of notification to parents and staff if appropriate.
FOLLOW UP:
 Follow Sanders County directives.
 Submit written report to Sanders County Health Department.
 Follow-up letter of notification, if appropriate, by directive of Health Department.
 Write a summary report and forward to Superintendent.
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SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS - NON-SCHOOL HOURS
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:





Establish contacts of local emergency agencies.
Maintain a plan for sharing school facilities with evacuees.
Notify the Red Cross to request aid to shelter-in-place evacuees – 800-272-6668.
Know which community officials have the authority to access school property in emergency
situations.
Staff, parents, and students should be advised to watch or listen to local media for information
on school closures and severe weather.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Safety:
- The transportation manager or designee monitors and determines the safety of roads and
bridges within the district.
- The Superintendent and head of maintenance should monitor and determine the safety of the
school building and grounds which may be affected by severe weather conditions.
Communication:
- If school is to be closed or have a delayed opening, notify the Sheriff’s office of decision to
close school. The Sheriff’s office will then notify Emergency Management Services who will
notify the Weather Service in Missoula. The Weather Service then notifies the television
stations in the area to broadcast the closure.
SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS – SCHOOL IN SESSION
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
• Establish contacts at local emergency agencies.
• Maintain an up-to date school emergency dismissal plan.
• Maintain a plan for sharing school facilities with evacuees.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Safety:
-
Restrict outdoor activities if severe weather conditions (i.e., lightning, extreme cold,
hail) are present or threatening the area.
Dismiss school only after obtaining Superintendent approval. Consider current and forecasted
weather and road conditions.
If necessary, activate the school calling tree for early dismissal of students.
Consider the following in making a determination to dismiss:
Is the electricity out? Has Northern Lights, Inc. been contacted? Estimated length of
outage?
Time of day – How many hours of school remain?
Temperatures: outside and inside.
Have the students had lunch? Gather input from kitchen staff.
The school should continue to have water with a power outage.
Detour bathroom use from the high school wing to the junior high wing if the power is
out.
Can classes still be carried on safely?
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Can some classes be relocated to rooms with adequate ambient lighting?
Gather input from the head of transportation considering current and changing road
conditions.
-
If students are sent home, have designated school personnel inspect the entire structure once
dismissal is completed to assure the building is empty and appropriate precautions have been
taken.
Communication:
-
Notify the Sheriff’s office and / or Emergency Management Services of the closure.
FOLLOW UP:
•
Reschedule school calendar if needed.
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USE OF FACILITIES BY OUTSIDE AGENCY
These procedures are for emergency purposes only and are not to be confused with a facility request
contract to use school properties.
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:






Be aware of those agencies that have access to school property in emergency situations.
Maintain a list of agency contact people and phone numbers.
Designate an on-site person with a master key to be on call during emergency situations.
Be aware of how to reach the on-call emergency staff person during emergency situations that
occur after school hours.
Give outside agencies the name of the school contact person and phone numbers.
Maintain a plan and MOU for sharing school facilities with evacuees, including designation of
approved spaces.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Communication:
 Notify Superintendent.
FOLLOW UP:


Write a summary and forward to Superintendent.
Network with appropriate officials and agencies to evaluate emergency procedures.
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UTILITY OUTAGE
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:


Maintain an up-to-date emergency dismissal plan.
Maintain call numbers of local utility company.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Safety:
- Administrator and/or designee should assess the outage for safety risk.
-
Water Outage:
 Call Maintenance Supervisor.
 Maintenance Department should provide an estimate and approximate repair time.
 Make decision to dismiss class for the day (Superintendent should make the decision).
-
Electrical Outage:
 Contact Maintenance Department.
 Contact local power company to attempt to determine length and severity of the outage.
 Determine if there is a need to dismiss classes for the day (Superintendent should make
the decision).
 Consider:
Time of day – How many hours of school remain?
Temperatures: outside and inside.
Have the students had lunch? Gather input from kitchen staff.
The school should continue to have water with a power outage. Detour
bathroom use from the high school wing to the junior high wing.
Can classes still be carried on safely?
Can some classes be relocated to rooms with adequate ambient lighting?
Gather input from the head of transportation considering current and
changing road conditions.
 If students are sent home, have designated school personnel inspect the entire
structure once dismissal is completed to assure the building is empty and appropriate
precautions have been taken.
Communication:



Contact head of maintenance.
Contact Northern Lights, Inc. 1-866-665-4837 or 208-263-5141
Notify Transportation Supervisor.
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WILDLAND / BRUSH FIRES
PRE-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
•
•
•
•
School evacuation plan.
List of local emergency numbers within easy access.
Maintain a plan and MOU for sharing school facilities with fire fighters or evacuees.
Maintain a cache for shelter-in-place.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:






Restrict outdoor activities if fire or smoke is threatening the area.
Close windows and doors to limit access to smoky outside air.
Discuss need for evacuation with Emergency Management Services and appropriate fire
officials. Administrator, in conjunction with Emergency Management Services and fire
officials, will determine the need to evacuate.
Follow directions of Emergency Management Services and fire officials.
Activate school evacuation/dismissal plan if necessary.
Consider contacting Red Cross for aid / supplies for evacuees or fire fighters.
Communication:
-
Stay in contact with firefighting spokesperson and Emergency Management Services for
updated information.
FOLLOW UP:
-
Network with law enforcement, Emergency Management Services, and fire officials to
evaluate the extent to which emergency procedures were in compliance.
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