The Crisman School EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN 2012-2013 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally.” 1 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” THE CRISMAN SCHOOL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN PURPOSE When disaster strikes the actions taken during the first minutes and hours will have significant impact on the safety and well-being of students and staff. The purpose of The Crisman School Emergency Preparedness Plan is to: Share vital information before an emergency occurs. Prevent a chaotic situation from escalating into a catastrophic one. Help those affected by the crisis to return to pre-crisis functioning as soon as possible. Decrease the potential of long-term negative effects. The plan will include policies, procedures, organizational structures, information, and resources to be utilized in the event of a crisis. Emergency situations may include: Bombs/explosives Fire Toxic substance Biological/chemical terrorism Natural disasters Campus intruder Firearms/weapons Violence/assault 2 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Organizational Structure designates who will carry out specific responsibilities should an emergency situation arise. All persons will act in a rational and professional manner when dealing with an emergency situation to ensure the safety of students and staff. Every member of the school family has a role to facilitate in a crisis situation. It is imperative that all persons follow directives and school policy. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR Establish lines of authority for relaying information and carrying out duties Make all decisions concerning evacuation or “shelter in place” Establish a “command post” Maintain a phone line for the exclusive use of the Director and other administrators Develop an Emergency Response Team (ERT) with line authority EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (ERT) NAME POSITION RESPONSIBILITY Convene ERT/coordinate Laura Lea Blanks Head of School and oversee EPP Notify Chairman of Board Of Trustees Establish coordinate Jennifer Carter Secretary Inside/outside emergency Command post/media/station Call 911-contact emergency personnel/ Jennifer Carter Secretary Contact medical facilities that may be receiving injured 3 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” NAME POSITION RESPONSIBILITY Serve as official Laura Lea Blanks Head of School spokesperson for school/ Establish media center Check restrooms/ Lisa Tippitt Walkways/halls/empty Teacher rooms/common areas for Students/cafeteria Secure/lock exterior doors Sheri Player Teacher Sara Young Teacher Jennifer Carter Secretary Jennifer Carter Secretary Jennifer Carter Secretary Jennifer Carter Secretary Secure/lock exterior doors Secure/lock exterior doors Turn off all utilities as needed. Pull blinds Man school phone to communicate with parents Monitor radio/TV/internet Traffic Faith Fort Counselor Control/Emergency Vehicle Coordinator Lee Tucker Administer First Aid/CPR Coach Serve as runner for Tammie Hughes Teacher students outside of building 4 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR SPECIFIC SITUATIONS Bombs/Explosives Policies The Head of School will evaluate the seriousness of bomb threats or other indications of potential danger using input from all available sources and act to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and community. Procedures If you answer the phone and receive a bomb threat, DO NOT hang the phone up. Attempt to keep the caller engaged in conversation while someone else calls the police following the Bomb Threat Phone Report. This may provide an opportunity for the authorities to trace the call. If you discover a suspicious package, report any unlabeled suspicious packages immediately. DO NOT touch or move suspicious items. Contact the Head of School - The Head of School will make the decision to evacuate or remain. If the decision is made to evacuate: An alarm code will be sounded. Designated runners will contact teachers with students outside buildings Exit the building using fire drill procedures and routes (Minimum safe distance from building under threat - 1000-3000 feet) Take class rosters or roll books Immediately account for all students/contact Head of School if any students are not accounted for. (Roster located near classroom door) No one returns to the building until the Head of School or designee gives the all clear signal Call 911 Establish an outdoors command post If there is an explosion: Exit the building, taking shelter that will provide maximum safety Call 911 and inform authorities of situation Convene ERT Emergency Response Team Establish outdoor command post Persons designated to administer First Aid will assist with any injured persons Persons designated to assist with traffic control will meet emergency vehicles and restrict other parking and traffic. 5 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” If there is a fire following explosion: Stay low to the floor and exit the building as soon as possible Stay near the floor where air is cooler and will not contain heavy smoke and poisonous gas. Cover nose and mouth with wet cloth Test closed doors with back of your hand to detect heat. If door is not hot open carefully and proceed. If escape route is blocked, close door and use an alternate route. If door is hot DO NOT OPEN IT. If you are trapped in debris: Do not light a match. Do not move about or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with article of clothing. Rhythmically tap on pipe or wall to indicate your location. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only when you hear a sound or think someone will hear you - shouting can cause inhalation of dangerous dust. In the event of a decision not to evacuate: Resume regular classroom activities. The Police/Fire Department may be contacted to conduct a building search. Biological/Chemical Terrorism A biological or chemical attack is defined as the intentional release of a toxic substance with the ability to poison people and the environment. Policies: Head of School will make the decision to shelter in place or evacuate. 6 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” Procedure: If the decision is made to shelter in place: Monitor local 911 emergency broadcast system/TEA approved e-mail distribution system under the control of Texas Office of Homeland Security Convene ERT Establish school office as Indoor Command Center Runner contacts and brings in any students/staff outside of building Turn off and seal all ventilation-furnaces, fans, air conditioners, vents Lock and seal all external doors Seek shelter in an internal room Teachers implement “shelter in place” 1. Move students away from exterior windows/doors 2. Close and seal classroom doors/windows 3. Remain in protected areas until all clear signal is given If you are caught in an unprotected area: Relocate upwind of contamination Locate shelter as soon as possible After chemical/biological attack: Seek emergency medical treatment for any persons with symptoms of nausea, blurry vision, eye irritation Remove all clothing and other items that have had contact with the body Avoid removing clothing over the head Put items in a plastic bag Wash face/hands/hair with soap and water Remove eyeglasses/contact lens-decontaminate glasses by soaking in water and bleach Flush eyes with water Change into uncontaminated clothing Persons designated to administer First Aid will assist with any injured persons Persons designated to assist with traffic control will meet emergency vehicles and restrict other parking and traffic Dismiss students using the Emergency Student Release Procedures upon direction from the Head of School 7 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” Natural Disasters The Crisman School will hold all scheduled classes when it is safe to do so. This means that all school facilities will be in proper condition for reasonable use. The school will consider travel conditions to and from school in determining school closure. All decisions to open or close the school will be the decision of the Head of School. If the decision is made to cancel school: In the event the decision is made to postpone or cancel the school day due to weather emergencies, the Head of School will contact local TV and radio stations. The Phone Tree Notification System will also be utilized. If emergency weather conditions occur during the school day, the main building is considered the safest location for students. Parents are asked to wait until conditions are safe before removing children. Students will be dismissed using the Emergency Student Release Procedures. 8 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” Severe Thunder and Lighting Teachers will find immediate shelter for students if caught outdoors Students and staff will remain sheltered in classrooms or rooms on campus until emergency weather conditions cease. Person designated will monitor emergency radio Unplug appliances and other electrical equipment If caught out of the school building: Seek shelter as soon as possible Shelter in a low area under thick plant growth Shelter in low area such as a valley or ravine Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas Get away from water and anything made of metal 9 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” Tornado Persons designated as runners/messengers will inform teachers when “tornado watch” or “tornado warning” is in effect. Person designated will monitor emergency radio. Persons designated will contact all students and teachers outside the building and escort them into the building. If “tornado imminent” alert is issued, teachers will move into a secure area away from exterior windows. Students and staff will move into interior hallways and assume the “duck and cover” position: knees up with head between knees and hands over the back of the head. Class room doors leading into the hallways should be closed. When possible shelter students and staff under a sturdy table or protective furniture. Students can get underneath desks in order to be protected from falling debris. All persons will remain in designated area until the “all clear” signal is given. Teachers will not move students between building, or allow students to move outdoors unless told to do so by designated personnel. Parents are asked to wait until conditions are safe before removing children. Students will be dismissed using the Emergency Student Release Procedures. Tornado Without Warning In the event that a tornado is spotted approaching the school without warning, the following steps will be taken immediately: Sound the alarm signal. Go immediately to the school’s interior halls away from windows and doors. Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums, or any other structures with wide, free-span roofs. Tornado Without Warning-Bus Drivers If a tornado is sighted while traveling on a bus, take the following steps immediately: 1. Drive at right angles, away from the path of the tornado. 2. Ask students to open all windows and to assume the “tuck and cover” position. 3. Find a safe area. Unload the students and instruct them to assume the “tuck and cover” position. 4. Avoid areas where trees or utility poles and electric wires are located. 5. Avoid ditches and other deep areas, where flash floods may occur. 10 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” Flooding Parents are asked to refrain from attempts to remove students during flooding or possible flooding conditions. Designated person will monitor emergency radio and/or television for flood information. 11 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” Campus Intruder An Intruder is designated as any unauthorized person who enters school property. Procedure 1: Ask another person to join you before approaching intruder. Politely greet intruder and identify yourself. Ask intruder his/her purpose for presence on campus. Inform intruder that all visitors must register at main office. Notify building administrators(s) of intruder. If intruder’s presence is not legitimate, ask him/her to leave. Accompany intruder to exit. Procedure: (If intruder refuses to leave) Warn intruder that you will call police if he/she remains on property. Walk away from intruder. Notify police with 911 call-Give description of intruder. Inform campus administrator(s). If the campus administrator(s) considers the intruder a threat: The announcement that the stand-by or lock-down drill is in effect will be made over the school PA system. Persons designated as runners will notify students outside of PA area. The designated person will notify law enforcement using the 911 call. The designated person will lock all exterior doors. The designated person will coordinate with public safety personnel at Indoor Command Post. The designated person will make sure that site maps are available to law enforcement personnel. The teachers will: Explain to students that there is an emergency. Lock classroom doors. Have all students lie on the floor. Close blinds and take precautions to protect students from broken glass. Remain in lock-down situation position until the all clear signal is given by the Head of School, or law enforcement office. If students are not in class at the time the stand-by or lock-down signal is given: The designated person will move students into the nearest safe building location. Avoid large open areas such as a library, gym, lawn, parking lot. Lock doors. 12 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” Put rubber door stops behind doors with locks on the outside (Middle School Classrooms). Remain in lock-down situation position until the all clear signal is given by the Head of School or law enforcement officer. 13 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” Firearms/Weapons/Shooting The announcement that the stand-by or lock-down drill is in effect will be made over the school PA system. Persons designated as runners will notify students outside of PA area. The designated person will notify law enforcement using the 911 call. The designated person will lock all exterior doors. The designated person will coordinate with public safety personnel at Indoor Command Post. The designated person will make sure that site maps are available to law enforcement personnel. The teachers will: Account for all students. Explain to students that there is an emergency. Lock classroom doors/windows. Have all students lie on the floor, under desks. Turn off all lights. Close blinds and take precautions to protect students from broken glass. Inform students that there will be NO TALKING. Remain in lock-down situation position until the all clear signal is given by the Head of School, or law enforcement office. If students are not in class at the time the stand-by or lock-down signal is given: The designated person will move students into the nearest safe building location. Lock doors. Put rubber door stops behind door with locks on the outside. Remain in lock-down situation position until the all clear signal is given by the Head of School, or law enforcement officer. 14 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” LOCKDOWN POLICY AND PROCEDURES Policy: The Head of School or the designee will determine if lock down procedures will be initiated. Procedures: Notify the police department of an emergency situation that requires a lock down by calling 91-1. Stay on the line to give police information. If you need to get to a safe place, keep the line open by dropping the phone on the floor. Lock all classroom doors. Turn off all lights. Close all blinds. Direct students to assume the “tuck and cover” position in a safety area out of sight from windows and doors. Students should remain silent during this time. Tell students if they are with another teacher during lock down they are to remain with that teacher and move to a designated safety area. Students in hallways, bathrooms, and common areas when a lock down is announced are to return to their classrooms immediately. Teachers must check roll to make sure their students are either in the classroom or with another teacher. The Head of School and other assigned staff will immediately begin locking all outside doors and monitor doors for “late arrivals.” Do not tie up outside phone lines. If students are outside when a lock down is announced, assigned staff will call them into the building. The staff should hurry, without panicking students, and lead them into the nearest door of the building. EMERGENCY STUDENT RELEASE PROCEDURES Policies: In the event of an unusual or emergency occurrence, The Crisman School may forego the end-ofthe-day carpool pick-up procedures. The Crisman School will follow specific emergency procedures in releasing students. Procedures: Parents will pick up their child(ren) in the school office area. If the severity of the situation requires that students be held in a “collection/containment” area, parents will pick up their children in the cafeteria or First Christian Church on 6th street in Longview. Students will only be released to a responsible adult or family member indicated on The Crisman School Emergency Authorization form(s) maintained in the school office. Such persons must present a picture ID to authenticate identity. 15 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” Teachers, After-Care workers, and other staff of The Crisman School will verify through The Crisman School Emergency Authorization form(s) that an adult has permission to transport a child from the school before releasing any children. Each child will be specifically signed out by the responsible adult(s) designated on The Crisman School Emergency Authorization form(s). EVACUATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Policies: The Head of School or designee will determine if evacuation procedures are necessary and implement appropriate plan. 16 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” APPENDIX EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS EMERGENCY 911 LONGVIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT 903-237-1199 LONGVIEW FIRE DEPARTMENT 903-237-1210 LONGVIEW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 903-758-1818 GOOD SHEPHERD MEDICAL CENTER 903-315-2000 EMBRIDGE PIPELINE, CO 903-323-4300 17 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” CONFIDENTIAL STUDENTS REQUIRING SPECIAL ATTENTION Name of Student Grade Level Teacher Room # 18 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” 2012-2013 STAFF MEMBERS’ TELEPHONE NUMBERS Laura Lea Blanks 903-780-5505 Faith Fort 903-576-0190 Jan Hattaway 903-720-0138 Sheri Player 903-841-1285 Lee Tucker 903-738-3039 Amy Brondum 903-238-4457 Sara Young 903-808-7187 Lisa Tippitt 903-574-9793 Tammy Hughes 903-983-9622 Pat Adams 817-694-1629 Susan Crawford 903-918-8188 Jennifer Carter 903-371-3186 19 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” EMERGENCY FAN OUT LIST 2011 - 2012 Laura Lea Blanks 903-780-5505 Jennifer Carter 903-371-3186 Mrs. Young 903-808-7187 Almeda, Aiden 903-445-4899 Jones, Rylee 903-734-7333 Ms. Brondum 903-238-4457 Clifton, Ayden 903-399-6151 Fletcher, Jacolby 903-241-5459 Gerold, Braden 903-234-1629 Jones, Raiden 903-734-7333 Mize, Lauren 903-797-3014 Miss Tippitt 903-574-9793 Bradely, Luke 903-472-8617 Huges, Katie 903-983-9622 Logston, Abi 903-738-0382 Mason, Dalton 903-988-0973 Pate, Sam 903-987-1221 20 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” Ms. Hughes 903-983-9622 Aldredge, Ryan 903-704-4588 Beach, Riley 903-563-1509 Byrd, Aidan 903-746-5577 Campbell, Brandon 903-981-0076 Webber, Michael 903-806-3909 Gross, Dakota 903-758-0153 Ms. Player 903-841-1285 Hattaway 903-297-0775 Endsley, Collin 903-553-9154 Fail, Isaac 903-570-1384 Harris, Keasia 903-758-0517 Harris, Madison 903-932-2668 Hobbs, Hailey 903-557-0316 Shaw, Braydon 903-918-9013 21 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” BOMB THREAT PHONE REPORT Date/Time call received: _____________________________________________ Exact words of caller: _______________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________. Remain calm and firm. Keep the caller talking and ask these questions: A. Where is the bomb? ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. B. What does the bomb look like? ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. C. When will it explode? ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. D. What will cause it to explode? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________. E. How do you deactivate it? ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. F. Why was it put there? ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________. If the building is occupied, inform the caller that detonation could cause injury or death to innocent people. If the call is received on a digital phone, check to see origin of call. 22 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES LIST The following emergency items should be assembled ahead of time. OFFICE BOX The Crisman School Emergency Preparedness Plan The Crisman School Emergency Authorization forms Class lists, student phone numbers Faculty list, phone number Name tags (blank) Building maps Paper Rubber gloves City phone book Clipboard Magic markers Pens and pencils Post-it-notes Bullhorn Current day’s attendance list FM transceivers (walkie-talkies) EACH CLASSROOM The Crisman School Preparedness Plan ID badge/name tag First aid packet Whistle Extra key Class list Flashlight HEALTH SUPPLIES American Red Cross First Aid Handbook Ammonia inhalants - 6 Scissors - bandage type Tweezers -1 Tongue depressors -1 dozen Triangular bandages -1 box 4”x4” triangular bandages -1 box Blankets - 2 4” sterile cling wrap bandages - 6 Vaseline Gauze - 2 Disposable sterile gloves - 2 pair Pocket mask - 2 Penlight -1 Paper tape - 2 rolls Large cervical collar -1 Small cervical collar -1 Full arm cardboard splint - 2 Sugar Full leg cardboard splint - 2 Oral thermometers - 1 5x9 surgipads - 2 Neosporin Ointment (for burns) -2 tubes Normal saline irrigation (250 cc size)-2 tubes Cotton balls -1 bag Roller gauze -2 Butterflies -1 box large, 1 box small Band-Aids - 2 boxes Hydrogen peroxide -1 bottle Bleach -1 bottle Candles -1 box Wooden safety matches -1 box Large battery - powered flashlight Small paper cups Safety pins - large and small Kwik Kold ice packs -1 box 23 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” HEAD OF SCHOOL’S EMERGENCY CHECKLIST 1) ______Conduct an immediate assessment. a. Confirm and ascertain the type of incident. b. Obtain essential information (what happened, who was involved, what did witnesses see, how the incident was started, etc.). 2) ______Summon help. a. b. c. d. e. Call 911. Have someone stay on the line with 911 operator. Notify the media spokesperson and Chairman of the Board. Implement The Crisman School Emergency Preparedness Plan procedures. Gather Emergency Response Team members. Direct nonessential staff to a safe area. 3) ______Sound warning to school staff a. b. c. d. Use emergency warning and condition signals (entire site). Employ immediate sheltering actions for those exposed to danger. Ensure that all others are sheltered in place or moved to a safer location if possible. Signal instructions. 4) ______Lock down building, secure areas, monitor situation. a. b. c. d. Lock exterior doors. Lock interior doors where possible. Assign staff to secure specified and prearranged areas; monitor conditions. Recognize need and be ready for contingencies. 5) ______Wait for police. a. b. c. d. e. Keep responding units updated on situation via 911. Assemble witnesses and victims. Suggest possible areas for staging, command post, emergency medical services, etc. Gather key information for law enforcement. Maintain event and status log. 6) ______Stabilize elements of situation (ensuring safety for those assisting). a. Care for the injured. b. Protect crime scene, evidence. 7) ______Signal “All Clear.” a. b. c. d. e. f. g. See that emergency medical care is provided. Account for all students and staff on site or at local hospital or other off site locations. Notify parents/guardians Support law enforcement follow-up activities. Debrief staff. Arrange for site security if necessary. Work with specialists: i. Emergency/medical ii. Official spokesperson to media iii. Facilities cleanup and repair support 8) ______Initiate recovery and follow-up activities: a. b. c. d. Brief staff and provide (access to) support Plan for resumption of school (“next day” plan) Arrange for physical plant clean up and repair Begin long-term recovery planning 24 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” TEACHERS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES CHECKLIST 1) ______Immediate recognition and assessment. Warning signals, information from office or others. Direct observation or knowledge of conditions-look, listen, etc. Report significant information to office. Be alert to conditions and threat source. 2) ______Immediate sheltering actions. Lock door(s) (Do not chain or barricade, Do not lock out those needing shelter). Shelter in place Use basic tuck and cover techniques: lie flat, face down, on floor, cover head or get under tables/desks if possible. In classrooms, stay away from windows, doors, and outer walls; watch for shattered glass. In other areas and on buses, use basic tuck and cover techniques. In open areas, use objects immediately available in the open (trees, bushes, walls, etc.) for shelter lie down, stay motionless. Move to shelter in different place it is safe to do so. If current location is judged too dangerous, move to possible alternate locations in hallway or in other rooms or areas in the building. Evacuate the building (different from fire or bomb threat). 3) _____Other immediate action. Care for injured, but do not expose yourself to danger. Close blinds ONLY if safe to do so. Turn out lights ONLY if safe to do so. Be ready to move instantly (know possible evacuation routes). Have an accurate account of children (take class record book with you in the case of evacuation). If possible report status or significant changes to office/incident command post. 4) ______Actions during resolution of emergency. Care for students. Deal with panic/hysteria/stress reactions. Provide psychological first aid. Provide for needs of handicapped students. Follow instructions of law enforcement and Head of School Be prepared for police to suddenly appear. Be ready to move, follow special instructions. If you and your students are taken hostage: Stay calm, don’t be a hero, follow instructions of captor, cooperate, be friendly if possible; don’t argue with or antagonize captor or other hostages. Inform captors of medical or other needs. Be prepared to wait; elapsed time is a good sign. Don’t try to escape; don’t try to resolve the situation by force. Be observant and remember if a rescue takes place, lie on the floor and await instructions from rescuers. Be prepared for the unexpected; think of possible courses of action for various contingencies. 5) ______Actions to take following the “All Clear” signal Check yourself and your students for injuries. Account for all students. Stay put, and wait for instructions. As accurate information becomes available, explain to students what has happened and what will happen next. Allow them to ask questions, express feelings, etc. Monitor children directly involved or direct witnesses and identify them for police investigators. Preserve any physical evidence (don’t touch if possible) and notify police about it. Stay with your students until they are reunited with their parents. Debrief officials and receive instructions for recovery/follow-up activities. Take advantage of personal support services. Go off duty-take care of yourself. 25 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS IN EMERGENCY SITUATION The Director will serve as the official spokesperson for the school. Official School Spokesperson: Laura Lea Blanks____ Telephone Numbers: Cell: 903-780-5055 Procedures: Establish media center Update media regularly Create a general statement before an emergency incident occurs. Adapt the statement during crisis. Emphasize safety of students/staff first Briefly describe school’s plan in responding to emergencies Issue a brief statement consisting only of facts Respect privacy of victims and families of victims DO NOT GIVE NAMES TO MEDIA. Working With The Media Be as honest and timely as you can when working with the media. Provide them with updates as often as possible. Remember that the media representatives are, like everyone else, just doing their jobs. They are in a highly competitive business and must report a story, so give them the real one. You have the right to determine who will be on your campus and where they will be. Use this right proactively by setting limits for the media. Remember, no one should speak to the media under any circumstances. Designate a place for all media interaction that is out of the mainstream of activity. Prepare a written statement before the press arrives. Simply state the facts and avoid any subjective or speculative statements. The statement must be truthful. The Head of School or the official spokesperson reads the statement to the press and gives a written copy to everyone present. Keep your school staff informed throughout the crisis. This acts as rumor control and gives the staff the most up-to-date information. Include other community agencies. Use the media as your ally, they can be used to give information to parents (e.g. to direct parents to a particular staging area or tell parents where to pick up their children). They can give information on community resources or direct interested parties to call a certain phone number to hear a recording of updated information. Remember, the people who represent the media are doing a job that is not always pleasant for them either. Treat them fairly and honestly. 26 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” A. The Crisman School B. First Christian Church 2455 N. Eastman Rd. 720 North 6th Street Longview, TX 75605 Longview, Texas 75601 903-758-9741 903-753-7611 C. Good Shepherd Medical Center D. Regional Hospital 2901 North 4th St. 700 E. Marshall Ave. Longview, TX 75601 Longview, TX 75605 903-315-2000 903-232-3878 27 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally” 28 “Teaching bright students with learning differences to be successful academically, socially and emotionally”