-1-
Emergency Procedure Guide
Providence Creek Academy Charter School
273 West Duck Creek Road
P.O. Box 265
Clayton, Delaware 19938
(302) 653-6276
(302) 653-7850 (Fax)
Adopted March, 2003
Revised October, 2004
Revised August, 2005
Revised November, 2007
Revised October, 2011
Revised October 2014
Revised February 2015
1
-2-
Table of Contents
Section A: General Information
Crisis Team Members …………………………………………………………………..
Emergency Phone Numbers …………………………………………………………..
Emergency Alert Stations
……………………………………………………..……
School Phone Tree …………………………………………………………………….
Response to Any Emergency ………………………………………………………….
3
4
5
6
7
Section B: Specialized Procedures
Media Procedures ………………………………………………………………………. 8
Warning and Notifications Procedure ………………………………………………… 9
Evacuation/Relocation Procedure ……………………………………………………...10
Relocations Centers …………………………………………………………………….. 11
Lock-down Procedure …………………………………………………………………... 12
Sheltering Procedure …………………………………………………………………… 13
Section C: Emergencies
Parent Issues……………………………………………………………………………..14
Assault/Fights …………………………………………………………………………… 15
Bio-Hazard/Hazardous Materials …………………………………………………….. 16
Bomb Threat ………………………………………………………………………. …… 17
Bomb Threat Report …………………………………………………………………… 18
Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
Intruder/Hostage ……………………………………………………………………….. 20
Radiological Incident …………………………………………………………………… 21
Serious Injury/Death ………………………………………………………………….... 22
Student Unrest ………………………………………………………………………….. 23
Suicide/ Attempt ………………………………………………………………………... 24
Tornado ……………………………………………………………………………........ 25
Weapons ………………………………………………………………………………... 26
Earthquakes ……………………………………………………………………………. 27
Blank Page……………………………………………………………………………….. 28
2
-3-
School Crisis Team Members
Position
Head of School
Name
Work Phone
653-6276 ext.101
Home Phone
Cell Phone
Principal
Audrey Erschen
653-6276 ext.106
378-4710
383-2179
School Nurse
Cindy Daniels, RN
Laura Davis, RN
653-6276 ext.107
653-6276 ext.107
410-275-1783
764-3487
Office Manager
Trina Willey
653-6276 ext.100
378-3696
242-6447
Transportation
Belinda Hestera
653-6276 ext.118
223-8040
399-8098
Director of Curriculum
Danielle Moore
653-6276 ext.104
653-5287
632-8081
Special Education
Marge Knorr-Hayden
653-6276 ext.114
653-4778
220-1407
Interventionist
Joan Messick
653-6276 ext.221
659-3323
545-8118
Building/Grounds Mgr
David Williams
653-6276 ext.102
CPR/First Aid Certified Persons in School Building
Name
Cindy Daniels
(CPR)
School Crisis Committee
Position
Name
Work Phone
Coordinator
Joan Messick
653-6276 ext. 122
Alternate Coordinator
Trina Willey
653-6276 ext. 100
Spokesperson
Audrey Erschen
653-6276 ext.106
Head of School
653-6276 ext. 101
3
Home Phone
659-3323
n/a
378-4710
Mobil/Pager
545-8118
242-6447
383-2179
-4-
Emergency Phone Numbers
Fire, Ambulance, Police
Emergency
Local Police (Non-emergency)
911
Clayton
Smyrna
State Police (Troop 3)
653-8186
653-9217
739-4865
Statewide
(800) 464-4357
Contact/Rape Crisis Contact
Statewide
761-9100
Suicide Prevention
NCC
Toll Free/Kent/Sussex
577-2484
(800) 345-6785
Mobile Crisis Services
(Division of Child Mental Health Services,
for students under 18)
NCC, North of Canal
NCC, South of Canal
Kent/Sussex
633-5128
(800) 722-7710
(800) 969-HELP (4357)
424-HELP (4357)
Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Line
(Division of Family Services)
Statewide
(800) 292-9582
Runaway Hotline
Statewide
654-0808
Delaware Victim Center
Toll Free/After Hours
NCC
Dover
Georgetown
Milford
(800) 842-8461
995-8510
697-3602
856-5296
422-1562
Family Violence Hotline
Kent/Sussex
422-8058
School Crime Reporting Hotline
(Office of Attorney General)
Statewide
(800) 220-5414
To report hazardous materials leak or spill
Statewide/24 hours
(800) 662-8802
Poison Control Center
Statewide
(800) 722-7112
NCC
Kent/Sussex
656-6620
(800) 777-6620
Referrals
Helpline
Crisis Intervention
(800) 262-9800
Victim Assistance
Hazardous Materials/Poison
Disaster Assistance
American Red Cross
Emergency Management Agencies
Statewide:
DEMA (Delaware Emergency Management Agency)
County Offices:
Office of Emergency Preparedness
NCC
Emergency Planning and Operations
Kent
Emergency Operations Center
Sussex
Local Offices:
Emergency Management Office
City of Wilmington
Emergency Operations Center
City of Newark
Emergency Preparedness/Grounds
City of Dover
4
(877) Say-DEMA
(302) 571-7730
(302) 736-2222
(302) 855-7801
(302) 571-5880
(302) 366-7027
(302) 736-7020
(729-3362)
-5-
Emergency Alert Stations (EAS)
Listen to the following radio stations for information regarding a potential or impending
emergency:
FM
AM
WSTW 93.7 (24 hours)
WDSD 92.9 (24 hours)
WJBR 99.5 (24 hours)
WDEL 1150 (24 hours)
WILM 1450 (24 hours)
WJBR 1290
WNRK 1260
WDOV 1410
WKEN 1600
Marine Channel 16
5
-6-
Hestera, Belinda
Erschen, Audrey
Cooper, Donna
Willey, Trina
Williams, Dave
Hitchens, Whitney
Lewis, Nicole
Wessell, David
Roberts, Kristen
Paris, Brandon
Willey, Trina
Daniels, Cindy**
Davis, Laura**
Hitchens, Whitney
Messick, Joan
Messick, Joan
Graham, Bruce
Minio, Rose
Simpson, Kelly
Thomas, Jennifer
Moore, Danielle
Ferster, Nathan
Gazzerro, Michelle
Hanson, Kelly
Smith, Lorie
Hanson, Kelly
Alexander, Lissa
Gossman, Joyce
Hicks, Daryl
Jones, Thomas
Juchem, Ines
Rice, Michael
399-0898
Taillon, Stephanie (KN)
841-9737
Danks, Grace
632-8804
242-6447
Brewer, Kristin
824-4321
535-1438
Simmens, Jackie
670-9954
Tindall, Brandi (1st)
659-1013, 423-9647
Norvell, Dawn
293-0805, 653-4333
383-8217
Powell, Katie
547-7751
970-420-5020
Black, Kristen
547-9592, 285-3092
650-6805
Pizzi, Emily(2nd)
Bloemker, Regina
376-8968, 668-3632
410-275-1783, 443-480-1121 Schluetter, Rachael
275-7358
893-3559
Pawlikowski, Tracy (3rd)
985-7031
Cooper, Guy
824-3936
659-3323, 545-8188
English, Lisa
740-5832
Smith, Lorie (4th)
653-1693
Blanck, Amber
538-1082
943-7155
Hinkle, Lauren
242-4052
379-3485
Soistman, Bridget
376-8052, 919-394-7376
545-9205
Ferster, Nathan (5th)
Cobble, Joanna
463-1432
Grace, Michelle
399-5511
570-898-4537
312-0499
Gazzerro, Michelle (6th)
610-823-4580
Simpson, William
598-6347
743-7117
Wilson, Ashley
222-8351
Roberts, Kristen (7th)
632-3203
Lambert, Elaine
369-3312, 893-5896
653-4919, 250-1361
Lightcap, Joe
650-9433
670-6421
Wessell, David (8th)
730-4342
Muldoon, Maurya
659-5506, 668-3747
267-265-0880
Poore, Laurie
223-6479, 740-9038
379-3147
Hughes, Chalitda
707-499-4755
** Only call if scheduled
6
Erschen, Audrey
Cooper, Donna
Carey, Myra
Harris, Valerie
Heath, Polesha
Sawyer, Annette
Harris, Valerie
Adkins, Amy
Alberts, Lori
Porchenick, Mary
Russell, Marty
Knorr-Hayden, Marge
Nation, Nikita
Simmons, Debbie**
Sinex, Jordan
Walls, Brooke
Williams, Jody**
Willis, Jennifer
Costa, Robyn
Pawlikowski, Tracy
Pizzi, Emily
Taillon, Stephanie
Tindall, Brandi
Lewis, Nicole
Costa, Robyn
Knorr-Hayden, Marge
Moore, Danielle
Walley, Brian
Williams, Dave
Abernathy, Bobby
Burgos, Ozzy
McCluskey, George
Welch, Clint
Abernathy, Bobby
Durant, Dave
378-4710, 383-2179
Gillis, Damon
399-2216
Williams, Garrett
724-0718
222-0591
389-8059
659-0330
423-4953
405-760-4430
659-5633
302-632-4389
270-5207
632-5136
734-1515
757-4313
443-480-1928
222-4555
893-3150
293-1319
215-292-5605
359-2315
609-784-3208
545-4336
653-4778, 220-1407
653-5287, 632-8081
584-1680
538-3305
399-4321
943-9362, 653-7030
376-3996
393-6720
-7-
Response to Any Emergency
 Notify the Head of School, who will call 911 if necessary.
 Head of School notifies Principal.
 Notify School Nurse of all medical emergencies.
 Seal off high-risk area.
 Take charge of area until incident is contained or relieved by Crisis Team Leader.
 Crisis Team Leader will assemble Crisis Team.
 Preserve evidence. Keep detailed notes of incident.
 Refer media to School Spokesperson or designee.
Head of School or designee:
Teachers:




 Verify information.
 Lock classroom doors, unless evacuation
orders are issued.
 Warn students, if advised.
 Account for all students.
 Stay with students during an evacuation.
 Take class roster.
 Refer media to district spokesperson (or
designee).
 Keep detailed notes of crisis event.







Verify information.
Call 911 (if necessary).
Seal off high-risk area.
Convene Crisis Team and implement crisis
response procedures.
Notify Principal.
Notify students and staff (depending on
emergency; students may be notified by teachers).
Evacuate students and staff if necessary.
Refer media to district spokesperson (or designee).
Notify community agencies (if necessary).
Implement post-crisis procedures.
Keep detailed notes of crisis event.
7
-8-
Media Procedures
All staff must refer media to Head of School or designee who assumes responsibility
for issuing public statements during an emergency.

Head of School serves as district spokesperson unless he/she designates a spokesperson. If spokesperson is unavailable, an
alternate assumes responsibilities.
School spokesperson: Amy Santos
(H) 302-653-7775 (C) 302-981-0007
Alternate School spokesperson: Audrey Erschen (W) 653-6276 ext.106

(H) 378-4710 (C) 383-2179
School Public Information person acts as contact for emergency responders and assists school spokesperson with coordinating
media communications. If Public Information person is unavailable, an alternate assumes responsibilities.
School Public Information person: Audrey Erschen
(W) 653-6276 ext.106
(H) 378-4710
(C) 383-2179
Alternate Public Information person: Joan Messick
(W) 653-6276 ext.221
(H) 659-3323
(C) 545-8188
During an emergency, adhere to the following procedures:

Head of School relays all factual information to Principal.

Head of School notifies Crisis Team Members and may assist in preparing a written statement to media.

Establish a media information center away from school.

Update media regularly. Do not say “No comment”.

Do not argue with media.

Maintain log of all telephone inquiries. Use scripted response to inquiries.
Media statement

Create a general statement before an incident occurs. Adapt statement during crisis.

Emphasize safety of students and staff first.

Briefly describe school’s plan for responding to emergency.

Issue brief statement consisting only of the facts.

Respect privacy of victim(s) and family of victim(s). Do not release names to media.

Refrain from exaggerating or sensationalizing crisis.
8
-9-
Warning and Notification
 Head of School will call 911, if necessary. Assess life and safety issues first.
 Inform Principal, Audrey Erschen (W) 653-6276 ext.106, (H) 378-4710, or (C) 383-2179 or Interventionist
Joan Messick (W) 653-6276 ext.221, (H) 659-3323 (C) 545-8188
 Head of School will notify Board President, Amy Santos.
(H) 302-653-7775 (C) 302-981-0007
 Issue a warning to students and staff if indicated.
 Use coded words in warning, if necessary. Codes should be used in situations in which immediate
notification is necessary, but the safety of students and staff may be compromised if everyone in school
building knows of emergency. For example, a hostile intruder may panic if principal announces intruder’s
presence over the PA system. The codes will inform personnel of the type of emergency and appropriate
actions. The codes are as follows:
Code words
Emergency
Actions
Code Lockdown
Lock-Down
Utilize School Lock down Procedure
Code Medical Emergency
Medical Emergency
Utilize Serious Injury Procedure
Code Evacuation
Evacuation - Non Fire
Utilize Evacuation Procedure
Code Shelter
Shelter Emergency
Utilize Shelter Procedure
Code Purple
Parent Issue
Utilize
 If immediate action is not required, notify staff at a meeting before or after school hours. Teachers will
debrief students during class unless an assembly or announcement over PA is preferred.
 Head of School or designee will notify parent(s) or guardian of victim(s), if necessary.
9
- 10 -
Evacuation/Relocation Procedure
 Head of School issues evacuation procedures after consulting with Principal. Call 911, if necessary
 Head of School determines if students and staff should be evacuated outside of building or to relocation
centers.
 Head of School notifies Crisis Team Leader.
 Crisis Team Leader and the Transportation Coordinator coordinate transportation if students need to be
evacuated to the relocation center.
 Head of School notifies relocation center. (Primary or Secondary)
 Head of School will announce a CODE EVACUATION over the PA system directing students and staff to
follow fire drill route. Follow alternate route if normal route is too dangerous.
 Close all windows. Lock doors.
 Turn off lights, electrical equipment, gas, water faucets, air conditioning and heating system.
 Place evacuation sign in front school windows.
Teachers:
 Direct students to follow normal fire drill evacuation route unless Principal alters route.
 Take class roster.
 Close classroom doors and turn out lights.
 When outside building, account for all students. Inform Principal immediately if student(s) is/are missing.
 If students are evacuated to relocation center, stay with class. Take roll again when you arrive at
relocation center.
10
- 11 -
Relocation Centers
List primary and secondary student relocation centers for each school in district. THE PRIMARY ROUTE IS
CHURCH ALLEY, DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE SOUTH END OF THE FOOTBALL FIELD. THE CHAIN
HAS A HOOK THAT CAN BE REMOVED FOR ACCESS TO THE ALLEY. ENSURE THAT NO VEHICLE
TRAFFIC IS MOVING IN EITHER DIRECTION PRIOR TO MOVING STUDENTS ACROSS DUCK CREEK
ROAD. THERE MAY BE EMERGENCY VEHICLES MOVING ALONG DUCK CREEK ROAD.
 The primary site is located close to school. The secondary site is located further away from school (in
case of community-wide emergency).
Primary Relocation Center
Ewell St. Paul Methodist Church
(302) 653-8893
Corner of Clayton & West Street
Clayton, DE 19938
Contact: Mark Avens
Secondary Relocation Center
Modern Maturity Center
(302) 734-1200
1121 Forest Avenue
Dover, Delaware 19901
Caroline Fredricks
11
- 12 -
Lock-Down Procedures
Lock-down procedures may be issued in situations involving dangerous intruders or potential
medical exposure risks that may result in harm to persons inside school building.
 Head of School will issue lock-down procedures by announcing a CODE LOCKDOWN warning over PA
system or sending a messenger to each classroom.
 Head of School will notify Principal and Crisis Team Leader.
 Direct all students, staff and visitors into nearest classroom. EVERYONE IS TO REMAIN QUIET.
 Lock classroom doors.
 Cover windows and doors of classrooms and hall doors.
 Move all persons away from windows and doors.
 Allow no one outside of classrooms until all-clear signal is given by Head of School.
 The Crisis Team will meet to determine how parents will be notified of incident.
 TURN ALL CELL PHONES TO VIBRATE. EVERYONE IS TO REMAIN QUIET.
SCHOOL PHONES
ARE NOT TO BE USED UNLESS DIRECTED BY THE CRISIS TEAM. ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE
ACCESS TO YOUR CLASSROOM COMPUTER AND IT IS TURNED ON AND READY.
 The staff member or teacher closest to the bathrooms will check and clear students.
 Teachers will take count of all students and staff and email or text list of names immediately to
Audrey.erschen@pca.k12.de.us and joan.messick@pca.k12.de.us with “All accounted for”, All
Present”, “Missing 1-John Smith” in the subject line.
 All students and staff will report to the bus yard if away from the building.
12
- 13 -
Sheltering Procedures
Sheltering provides refuge for students, staff and public within school building during an emergency.
Shelters are located in areas that maximize the safety of inhabitants. Safe areas may change depending
on emergency.
 Safe areas are classrooms, hallways, gym, cafeteria, or main lobby depending on the emergency.
 Head of School announces CODE SHELTER over the PA system instructing students and staff to
assemble in safe areas. Bring all persons inside building(s).
 Teachers take class roster and account for all students after arriving in safe area and notify
 Principal of any unaccounted for students.
 Close all exterior doors and windows.
 Turn off any ventilation leading outdoors.
 Cover up food not in containers or put it in the refrigerator.
 If advised, cover mouth and nose with handkerchief, cloth, paper towels or tissues.
 All persons must remain in safe areas until notified by Head of School, Crisis team or emergency
responders.
13
- 14 -
Parent Issue Procedures
Code Purple provides assistance for students, staff and public within school building during a parent
issue.
 Safe areas are classrooms, gym, cafeteria, or main lobby depending on the emergency.
 Head of School announces CODE PURPLE over the PA system instructing students and staff to
assemble in safe areas. Bring all persons inside building(s).
 Teachers take class roster and account for all students after arriving in safe area and notify Principal of
any unaccounted for students.
 Close all hallway doors.
 Administrators and/or designees report to location of parent in order to diffuse the situation or relocate
away from students.
 All persons must remain in safe areas until notified by Head of School, Crisis team or emergency
responders.
14
- 15 -
Assault/Fights
 Ensure the safety of students and staff first.
 Notify Head of School.
 Head of School assembles Crisis Team Members who will call 911, if necessary.
 Notify School Nurse of medical emergencies.
 Seal off area where assault took place.
 Defuse situation, if possible.
 Head of School notifies police if weapon was used, victim has physical injury causing substantial pain or
impairment of physical condition, or assault involved sexual contact (intentional touching of anus, breast,
buttocks or genitalia of another person in a sexual manner without consent. No one under the age of
sixteen may give consent. This includes touching of those areas covered by clothing).
 Head of School notifies Principal and parents of students involved in assault.
 Document all activities. Ask victim(s)/witness(es) for their account of incident.
 Assess counseling needs of victim(s) or witness(es). Implement post-crisis procedures.
15
- 16 -
Bio Hazardous and Hazardous Materials
Bio Hazardous and general hazardous materials are considered any substance that poses a threat to the
well-being of student, faculty, and all visitors. (Examples: large chemical spills, toxic gas release into
atmosphere).
Incident occurred in school
 Immediately remove anyone from the area of exposure.
 Seal off area of leak/spill.
 Notify Head of School.
 Call 911, if indicated.
 Head of School notifies Crisis Team.
 Take charge of area until fire personnel contain incident.
 Fire officer in charge will recommend shelter or evacuation actions.
 Follow procedures for sheltering or evacuation.
 Notify parents if students are evacuated.
 School Nurse will provide medical care for anyone who may have been exposed until emergency
medical assistance arrives.
 Resume normal operations after consulting with fire officials.
Incident occurred near school property
 Fire or Police will notify Head of School.
 Head of School will notify Principal.
 Fire officer in charge of scene will recommend shelter or evacuation actions.
 Follow procedures for sheltering or evacuation.
 Notify parents if students are evacuated.

Resume normal operations after consulting with fire official.
16
- 17 -
Bomb Threat
Upon receiving a message that a bomb has been planted in school:
 Use bomb threat checklist.
 Ask where the bomb is located, when will bomb go off, what materials are in bomb, who is calling,
why caller is doing this.
 Listen closely to caller’s voice and speech patterns and to noises in background.
 After hanging up phone, immediately dial *57 to trace call.
 Notify Head of School or designee.
 Head of School announces a CODE EVACUATION over the PA system instructing an evacuation
of all persons inside school building(s).
 Head of School notifies police (call 911), Principal, and Crisis Team Leader.
 Head of School or Principal must report incident to Fire Marshal.
Evacuation procedures:
 Head of School warns students and staff by calling a CODE EVACUATION over the PA system.
 Do not mention “Bomb Threat”. Use standard fire drill route.
 Students and staff must be evacuated to a safe distance outside of school building(s).
 After consulting with Principal and Crisis Team Leader, the Principal may move students to the
Primary evacuation site if the weather is inclement or building is damaged.
 Teachers take roll after being evacuated.
 The school nurse will take emergency box, medications, and parental contact cards.

No one may reenter building(s) until fire or police personnel declare the entire building(s) safe .

Head of School notifies students and staff of termination of emergency. Resume normal
operations.
17
- 18 -
Bomb Threat Report
1. Time: ________ am/pm Date: _________ Where call was received :_______________________
2. Telephone extension call was received on: ____________________________________________
3. Caller’s answer to these specific questions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
What time is the bomb set for? ___________________________________
Where is it located? ____________________________________________
What does it look like? _________________________________________
Why have you placed a bomb in the school? ________________________
Who are you? _________________________________________________
4. Speech characteristic of the caller: (circle all that apply)
accent
loud
normal
slow broken
distinguished sincere
rapid
excited
Ethnic Distinction
intoxicated
speech impairment
Other: ___________________________________________________________
5. Background noise: (circle all that apply)
aircraft trains Boats
waterfall
animals
children
construction PA systems
typing
music talking
Other: ___________________________________________________________
6. Caller: Male ___ Female ___ Adult ___ Child ___ Estimate Age ____
7. Person Receiving Call and where you can be located: ___________________________________
8. Other Comments: _________________________________________________________________
9. Name of person completing this report: ______________________________________________
18
- 19 -
Fire
In the event a fire, smoke from a fire or a gas odor has been detected:

Pull fire alarm.
 Evacuate students and staff to a safe distance outside of building; turn off lights, close all doors and
windows prior to exit. One teacher in each wing teachers, teacher/other staff near bathrooms, and
Cafeteria manager check wing classrooms, bathrooms, and make sure hallway doors close behind
you.
 Follow normal fire drill route. Follow alternate route if normal route is too dangerous. If class is in a
location other than classroom, proceed to designated area using the safest exterior route.
o ALL BUILDINGS
** EXIT CLOSEST EXIT TO ROOMS AND ASSEMBLE IN DESIGNATED GRASS
AREA IN REAR OF BUILDINGS EXCEPT OFFICE AND SUPPORT STAFF
OFFICES. THE OFFICE AND SUPPORT STAFF WILL ASSEMBLY AT FOUNTAIN.
 Teachers take class roster. Teachers are responsible for students who are with them at the time of
the emergency. DO NOT RELEASE STUDENTS TO RETURN TO OTHER CLASSES
 Head of School notifies police (call 911), Principal and Crisis Team Leader. Head of School must
report incident to Fire Marshal.
 Teachers take roll after being evacuated. (Teachers should hold a green sign up to indicate that all
students are with the teacher. Holding a red sign up would indicate that a student is missing from
his/her class)
 Role for personnel will be taken by the Head of School or Principal or Designee.
 After consulting with Principal and Crisis Team Leader, the students may be moved to Ewell St. Paul
Methodist Church if weather is inclement or building is damaged. (Primary relocation center)
 No one may reenter building(s) until entire building(s) is declared safe by fire or police personnel.
 Head of School notifies students and staff of termination of emergency. Resume normal operations.

*** Remember: RACE = Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate.
19
- 20 -
Intruder/Hostage
Intruder- An unauthorized person who
enters school property
 Notify Head of School.
Hostage
 If hostage taker is unaware of your
presence, do not intervene.
 Ask another staff person to accompany you
before approaching intruder.
 Call 911 immediately. Give dispatcher
details of situation; ask for assistance from
hostage negotiation team.
 Politely greet intruder and identify yourself.
 Seal off area near hostage scene.
 Ask intruder the purpose of his/her visit.
 Notify Head of School.
 Inform intruder that all visitors must register
at the main office.
 Head of School notifies Principal and Crisis
Team.
 If intruder’s purpose is not legitimate, ask
him/her to leave. Accompany intruder to
exit.
 Give control of scene to police and hostage
negotiation team.
If intruder refuses to leave:
 Warn intruder of consequences for staying
on school property. Inform him/her that you
will call police.
 Keep detailed notes of events.
 Notify security or police and Head of School
if intruder still refuses to leave. Give police
full description of intruder.
 Try not to panic. Calm students if they are
present.
If taken hostage:
 Follow instructions of hostage taker.
 Treat the hostage taker as normally as
possible.
 Walk away from intruder if he/she indicates
a potential for violence. Be aware of
intruder’s actions at this time (where he/she
is located in school, whether he/she is
carrying a weapon or package, etc).
 Be respectful to hostage taker.
 Ask permission to speak and do not argue
or make suggestions.
 Head of School notifies Principal and may
issue lock-down. (Code LOCKDOWN will
be called over PA system)
20
- 21 -
Radiological Incident
Schools within 10-mile radius of Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Power Plants or other areas affected by
release of radioactive material. : Listen for 3 to 5 minute steady siren blast. This signals public to
tune their radios to an Emergency Alert Station (EAS). Schools will be notified if radiological
release requires protective actions. There are two basic protective actions: sheltering and
evacuation.
Sheltering Notification (CODE SHELTER):





Bring all persons inside building(s).
Close all exterior doors and windows.
Turn off any ventilation leading outdoors.
Cover up food not in containers or put it in the refrigerator.
If advised, cover mouth and nose with handkerchief, cloth, paper towels or tissues.
Evacuation Notification (CODE EVACUATION):
 Head of School contacts, Crisis Team Leader, and Transportation Coordinator, and informs him that
evacuation is taking place.
 Transportation Coordinator will organize buses for evacuation immediately.
 Head of School notifies staff and relocation center.
 Close all windows.
 Turn off lights, electrical equipment, gas, water faucets, air conditioning and heating system.
 Place evacuation sign in front school window.
 Lock doors upon exiting.
Teacher responsibilities during evacuation:







All students will return to their homeroom or keep classes intact.
Take roll.
Explain procedures to students. Instruct students to take belongings.
Wait in classroom until Principal or designee informs teachers that buses have arrived.
Take class roster.
Take roll again after arriving at relocation center.
Teachers not assigned a homeroom class will report to the Crisis Team Leader for assignments.
21
- 22 -
Serious Injury/Death
If incident occurred in school:









Call 911.
Notify School Nurse (ext. 107) of medical emergency.
School nurse will enlist the assistance of other first responders if necessary.
If possible, isolate affected student/staff member.
Notify Head of School.
Head of School notifies Principal, and Crisis Team Leader.
Designate staff person to accompany injured/ill person to hospital.
Head of School or School Nurse notifies parent(s) or guardian(s) of affected student.
Direct witness(es) to designated support personal. Contact parents if students are sent for support
services.
 Determine method of notifying students, staff and parents.
 Refer media to Head of School.
If incident occurred outside of school:
 Crisis Team Leader will activate school crisis team.
 Notify staff before normal operating hours.
 Determine method of notifying students and parents. Announce availability of counseling services for
those who need assistance. (Contact Mobile Crisis Services for additional support.)
 Refer media to Head of School.
Post-crisis intervention:
 Crisis Team will meet and determine the level of intervention and/or support needed for staff and
students.
 Designate rooms as private counseling areas.
 Escort affected student’s siblings and close friends and other “highly stressed” students to support
personal.
 Assess stress level of staff. Recommend counseling to overly stressed staff.
 Follow-up with students and staff who received counseling.
 Designate staff person(s) to attend funeral.
 Allow for changes in normal routines or test schedules to address injury or death.
22
- 23 -
Student Unrest
 Notify Head of School.
 Head of School will notify police, if necessary.
 Notify School Nurse of any potential injuries.
 Ensure the safety of students and staff first.
 Contain unrest. Seal off area of disturbance.
 Head of School notifies Principal.
 Warn staff. Head of School may issue lock-down (CODE LOCKDOWN) if there is a risk of injury to
students. (See Lock-Down Procedures section).
 Move students involved in disturbance to an isolated area.
 Document incidents with cassette recorder or take detailed notes.
 After incident is over, Crisis Team will meet with students, parents and staff to address safety issues.
Teachers:
 Keep students calm.
 Lock classroom doors.
 Do not allow students outside of classroom until you receive an all-clear signal from principal.
 Make a list of students absent from classroom. Email or text Head of School and Principal with list of
names.
 Document all relevant incidents.
23
- 24 -
Suicide/Attempt
Suicide Attempt in School
Suicidal Death/Serious Injury
 Verify information.
 Verify information.
 Call 911, if person requires medical attention,
has a weapon or needs to be restrained.
 Head of School notifies Principal and Crisis
Team Leader.
 Notify School Nurse.
 Crisis Team Leader will activate school Crisis
Team.
 School Nurse will contact Div. Child Mental
Health.
 Notify staff in advance of next school day
following suicide or serious attempted suicide.
 Head of School calls Principal, parent(s) or
guardian(s) if suicidal person is student.
Principal may schedule meeting with parents
and school nurse to determine course of
action.
 Determine method of notifying students and
parents. Do not mention “suicide” or details
about death in notification. Do not hold
memorials or make death appear heroic.
Protect privacy of family.
 Calm suicidal person.
 Implement post-crisis intervention.
 Try to isolate suicidal person from other
students.
Post-crisis Intervention:
 Meet with Crisis Team to determine level of
intervention for staff and students. (Contact
Division of Mental health if needed.)
Designate rooms as private counseling
 Ask suicidal person to sign a “no suicide
contract”.
 Stay with person until counselor/suicide
intervention arrives. Do not leave suicidal
person alone.
 Escort siblings and close friends and other
“highly stressed” students to designated
personnel.
 Determine method of notifying staff, students
and parents. Hold daily staff debriefings
before and after normal operating hours as
needed.
 Assess stress level of staff. Recommend
counseling to overly stressed staff.
 Activate Crisis Team to implement post-crisis
intervention (see next column). Determine
level of intervention.
 Refer media to Principal
 Do not let media question students or staff.
 Follow-up with students and staff who
received counseling.
 Resume normal routines as soon as possible.
24
- 25 -
Tornado
Tornado Watch has been issued in an area near school (Weather conditions are
favorable for a Tornado.)
 Monitor Emergency Alert Stations (see EAS section) or NOAA Weather Stations (National Weather
Service, Weather Channel).
 Bring all persons inside building(s).
 Close windows and blinds.
 Review tornado drill procedures and location of safe areas. Tornado safe areas are under desks and
in hallways away from windows and large rooms.
 Review “drop and tuck” procedures with students.
Tornado Warning has been issued in an area near school. (A tornado has been spotted
near school)







Head of School will announce a CODE SHELTER over the PA system.
Shut off gas.
Move students and staff to safe areas.
Remind teachers to take class rosters.
Ensure that students are in “tuck” positions.
Account for all students.
Remain in safe area until warning expires or until emergency personnel have issued an all-clear
signal.
25
- 26 -
Weapons
Staff or student who is aware of a weapon brought to school:
 Notify Head of School or teacher immediately.
 Tell Head of School or teacher name of suspected person who brought the weapon, where the
weapon is located, if the suspect has threatened anyone or any other details that may prevent the
suspect from hurting someone or himself/herself.
 If teacher suspects that weapon is in classroom, he/she should confidentially notify a neighboring
teacher. Teacher should not leave classroom.
Head of School and/or Designee:
 Call police if a weapon is suspected, as viewed by a reasonable person, to be in school.
 Ask another administrator or SRO to join you in questioning suspected student or staff member.
 Accompany suspect to private office to wait for police.
 Conduct search with police or SRO.
 Inform suspect of his/her rights and why you are conducting search.
 Keep detailed notes of all events and why search was conducted.
 Notify parent(s) or guardian(s) if suspect is a student. Explain why search was conducted and
results of the search.
 If suspect threatens you with weapon, do not try to disarm him/her. Back away with your arms up.
Remain calm. Follow Procedures for Lock down (CODE LOCKDOWN)
26
- 27 -
Earthquake

REACT INSTANTLY
-Stay Calm!
-Think clearly and use common sense.
-Drop, Cover and Hold On!

Classroom and Buildings
-Don't run for the exit; there may be a stampede. Stay on the same floor.
-Move away from windows.
-Crouch under a desk, bench, or table.
-Do not use the elevator.
-Expect the fire alarm and sprinkler to activate.

AT HOME
-Stay indoors.
-Turn off the stove and douse fires.
-Crouch under a heavy table or desk and hang onto it.
-If there is no protective furniture; crouch and brace yourself against an inside
doorway, inside corner, or wall.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE
-Stay outside, in the open, away from trees, signs, utility poles and lines,
and buildings.
-If you are near a building, duck into a doorway to avoid falling debris. Do
not enter the building.

IN A VEHICLE
-Quickly pull to the side of the road.
-Keep away from buildings, trees, bridges, signs, overpasses, and utility
lines and poles.
-Stay in the vehicle until it stops shaking.
ALL CLEAR

Wait for the ALL CLEAR from the Crisis Team and or the Head of School.
27