EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN

Transcription

1 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Threats to School Facilities...1 School District 79 Phone Net You provide - Available from your Principal...2 SD 79 Board of School Trustees...3 Staff Directory - You provide...4 Intercom Directory You provide...5 School Evacuation Protocol for Teachers...6 School Evacuation Protocol for Support Staff...7 School Evacuation Protocol for Secretaries...8 SD #79 Policy # Immediate Threat of Harm of Student...9 SD #79 Policy # Emergency Preparedness...11 Emergency Preparedness...14 Emergency Preparedness: Earthquake...17 Emergency Preparedness: Fire...20 Emergency Preparedness: Hazardous Material...21 Emergency Preparedness: Violent Incidents/ Threats...24 Emergency Preparedness: Severe Weather...27 Emergency Preparedness: School Bus Accident...28 Roles and Responsibilities of School Staff...29 School Emergency Kits...31 Principal Emergency Kit...32 Building Floor Plans You provide - Available from the Maintenance Office...33 Evacuation Routes You provide...34 Student Release Station Release Form Record...35 Student Enrollment List (Name/Phone Number) You provide...36 What to do in the event of an Earthquake (please post) Emergency Preparedness Plan

2 THREATS TO SCHOOL FACILITIES ( ie. Bomb Threat) THREATS TO SCHOOL FACILITIES ARE TO BE CONSIDERED REAL Any call of a threat to school facilities must by DOCUMENTED. (RECORD INFORMATION RECEIVED REGARDING THREAT ON FORM - LAST PAGE IN THIS BOOKLET TO ASSIST AUTHORITIES WITH SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION.) a) LISTEN, BE CALM, don t interrupt, get as much information from the caller as possible, noting if possible; the date and time of the call, the exact wording of the threat, the time the threat will occur, if a bomb, its location and appearance, the name of the caller, the age and gender of the caller, any noticeable accent or identifying vocal characteristics, background noise which might identify the location from where the call is originating. c) Notify the School Principal (or person in charge) who shall take appropriate action: 1. Notify the RCMP. 2. Notify the Superintendent of Schools. 3. Consult with the VTRA Team. d) Await for further instructions. e) If a suspicious object is found, leave it untouched, make Principal (or person in charge) aware of EXACT location, do not assume that it is the only one, move and keep students and staff away from immediate area. f) If a written communication is found on a school district site, or in a building, handle it with care, by the edge, placing it in a folder as soon as possible, so as to not disturb any physical characteristics of the note or any evidence that might be on the note material and notify the Prinicpal (or person in charge) immediately. If it is written on a wall, do NOT clean off. Secure area and notify Principal or designate. (Reference your site emergency preparedness plan for assigned roles/responsibilities) Emergency Preparedness Plan 2

3 SD 79 PHONE NET TREE Emergency Preparedness Plan 3

4 BOARD OF EDUCATION TRUSTEES Term ending November 30, 2011 CHAIR: Candace SPILSBURY VICE-CHAIR: Barb de GROOT TRUSTEES: Ann ANDERSON Deb FOSTER Diana GUNDERSON Eden HAYTHORNTHWAITE Cathy SCHMIDT Hannah SEYMOUR Julie THOMAS *Trustees ask that these numbers are not to be given out to the public. Emergency Preparedness Plan 4

5 STAFF DIRECTORY Emergency Preparedness Plan 5

6 INTERCOM DIRECTORY Emergency Preparedness Plan 6

7 SCHOOL EVACUATION PROTOCOL FOR TEACHERS Always remain calm and follow instructions! In the event your school has to be evacuated, please ensure that you take the following steps: 1. Either the firebell or a verbal command over the PA will be used as notification to evacuate. Remain calm and listen for instructions from your Principal or designate. Students in the halls or washrooms will be directed back to their classrooms or the closest, safest class. Do not evacuate until instructed to do so! 2. Take your Orange and Yellow Emergency Flipbook and Classroom Emergency Kit with you. Ask any support staff under your supervision to assist. Shut down only the electrical equipment that present a hazard, such as ovens, stove tops and power tools. 3. If you have a special needs student in the class, assign a responsible student or support staff to help evacuate this person. 4. Direct students to evacuate your classroom in a slow and orderly manner following the authorized and prescribed route unless instructed otherwise. Do not permit students to go to their lockers unless directed to do so by the person in charge. Students on spares or arriving late will be directed to the Student Release and Discharge Desk/Area. 5. Lead your students directly to the designated evacuation area in an orderly manner ensuring to keep all students together. Once at the designated evacuation area please await instructions from emergency personnel. 6. Reassemble your class in the designated locations (see designated evacuation site map). Promptly take attendance and submit an accurate attendance form to the secretaries at the Student Release & Discharge Desk/Area. Let the person in charge know of anyone who has not followed you to the evacuation site and is missing. 7. Keep your class together in a quiet manner and await further instructions. Do not dismiss anyone until directed to do so or student is called over the PA or bull horn. Emergency Preparedness Plan 7

8 SCHOOL EVACUATION PROTOCOL FOR SUPPORT STAFF Always remain calm and follow instructions! In the event your school has to be evacuated, please ensure that you take the following steps: 1. Either the firebell or a verbal command over the PA will be used as notification to evacuate. Remain calm and listen for instructions from your Principal or designate. Students in the halls or washrooms will be directed back to their classrooms or the closest, safest class. Do not evacuate until instructed to do so! 2. If you are in classroom, remind the teacher or TOC to take his or her Orange and Yellow Flipchart and Classroom Emergency Kit with them. Please assist the classroom teacher with supervision of students. Shut down only the electrical equipment that present a hazard, such as ovens, stove tops and power tools. 3. If there is a special needs student in the class help evacuate this person or if you are working with a special needs student directly help this person follow directions. 4. Help direct students to evacuate the classroom in a slow and orderly manner following the authorized and prescribed route unless instructed otherwise. Do not permit students to go to their lockers unless directed to do so by the person in charge. Students on spares or arriving late will be directed to the Student Release and Discharge Desk/Area. 5. Help lead the students directly to the evacuation area in an orderly manner ensuring to keep all students together. Once at the evacuation area please await instructions from emergency personnel. 6. Help reassemble the class in the designated locations (see designated evacuation site map). Promptly take attendance and submit an accurate attendance form to the secretaries at the Student Release & Discharge Desk/Area. Let the person in charge know of anyone who has not followed you to the evacuation site and is missing. 7. Help keep the class together in a quiet manner and await further instructions. Do not dismiss anyone until directed to do so or student is called over the PA or bullhorn. Emergency Preparedness Plan 8

9 SCHOOL EVACUATION PROTOCOL FOR SECRETARIES Always remain calm and follow instructions! In the event your school has to be evacuated, please ensure that you take the following steps: 1. Either the firebell or a verbal command over the PA will be used as notification to evacuate. Remain calm and listen for instructions from your Principal or designate. Do not evacuate until instructed to do so! Leave all electrical equipment running. Place Do not Enter Signs on the Main entrance doors. 2. When instructed to do so, take a copy of the Emergency Operations Manual and your supplies knapsack with you to the designated evacuation site. Please your schools authorization Tag around your neck. Secure the main office and then proceed directly to the designated evacuation site and set up the Student Release and Discharge Desk. 3. When instructed to do so, begin calling parents to notify them that their son or daughter has been evacuated to the designated evacuation site. Depending on the number of individuals manning the Student Release and Discharge Desk, divide the phoning lists as appropriate. Call the Transportation Supervisor, Cindy Laidlaw ( ) and advise them to send busses to the evacuation site. 4. When all students have arrived at the evacuation site, collect attendance forms and generate a list of missing or unaccounted for students. Sign in any student on spares and late arriving students. Direct them to the Administrator. 5. As parents begin to arrive, begin calling students to the Discharge Desk by teacher classes alphabetically and release student only after the necessary forms have been signed. 6. Continue this process until all students have been accounted for and released. Advise the Incident Commander of any concerns. 7. At the first appropriate opportunity, participate in a debriefing and record any suggestions for improvement. Emergency Preparedness Plan 9

10 Adopted: Pol Revised: IMMEDIATE THREAT OF HARM TO STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES Policy Given that schools are vulnerable to threat, the Board believes that in the interests of the safety and security of students and employees, immediate response shall be of paramount importance. This response shall be determined at the school level by the principal or his or her on-site designate. The nature of the response shall be reported immediately to the RCMP and the Superintendent or designate. Should this response include the evacuation of the school and/or building, the responsibility for deciding when a student should re-enter the school and/or building shall rest with a parent of the student. Objective The purpose of this policy is: to ensure that principals and others in positions of responsibility err on the side of caution in maintaining student and employee safety; to ensure that the safety of students and employees is consistently addressed and that procedures to be followed in the application of this policy are clearly identified; to assist the principal in the decision-making process regarding threats to safety; and to clarify the proactive communication procedures to be followed throughout, and at the conclusion of any procedures taken in response to threats to safety. Policy Implementation Principals are required to: 1. establish a site to which students and employees may be safely evacuated; 2. develop procedures for the evacuation to that site and secure the school and/or building for the remainder of that school day and evening after the initial inspection, to provide sufficient time for the following: ( a ) parents shall decide when their child may re-enter the school and/or building; ( b ) employees shall determine if re-entering the school and/or building will create an undue hazard to their health and safety as set out in Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia Regulation 3.12, Refusal of Unsafe Work. WCB Regulation 3.12 (1) A person must not carry out or cause to be carried out any work process or operate or cause to be operated any tool, appliance or equipment if that person has reasonable cause to believe that to do so would create an undue hazard to the health and safety of any person. 3. establish where practicable, in consultation with the Parent Advisory Council, emergency contact procedures such as a phone tree and procedures for the release of students into the care of their parents or other authorized persons; 4. during the month of September, review this Policy and the Administrative Procedures with the school s staff and the school s Parent Advisory Council. Administrative Procedures 1. When a threat of harm is received by the school directly, or through a third party, the principal or Emergency Preparedness Plan 10

11 on-site designate shall be notified immediately. 2. The principal shall assess the level of threat and carry out one of the following courses of action: Imminent Level of Threat Immediate Evacuation (a) if the principal determines that the level of threat requires immediate evacuation of the school or building, he or she shall: i. examine the exits and hallways to determine the safest egress of students and employees, should the evacuation be in response to a bomb threat ii. give direction to evacuate the school or building iii. require that students and employees reassemble in the predesignated site, or with the exception of bomb threats, carry out an appropriate procedure which ensures the safety and well-being of students and employees iv. notify the RCMP and other emergency agencies, the Superintendent, and the Parent Advisory Council Chair as soon as possible v. request the assistance of available agencies (RCMP, Fire Department, Conservation Officer etc.) to inspect the school and/or building vi. activate the emergency contact procedures, such as a phone tree, and the procedures for the release of students into the care of their parents or other authorized persons and/or request the radio media to inform listeners of the procedures for the release of students advise parents of their responsibility to decide when their child may re-enter the school and/or building vii. advise employees, as soon as is practicable, of the nature of the threat and their Workers Compensation Boards rights and their responsibility to decide when to re-enter the school and/or building viii. permit or give direction to re-occupy the school or building only when satisfied that all reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of students and employees ix. distribute a notice to parents and employees within twenty four hours to inform them of the threat and how it was dealt with x. use the appropriate form to provide the Superintendent with a detailed report of the incident, at the principal s earliest convenience Non Imminent Level of Threat (b) if the principal determines that the level of threat is not imminent, he or she shall: i. consult with the RCMP and the Superintendent to confirm his or her assessment of the level of threat to safety and: may then determine not to evacuate the school or building if: the assessment is confirmed and the principal is satisfied that the safety and wellbeing of students and employees are not at risk and no secondary actions such as the examination of the premises by specially trained dogs, staff or peace officers, or the interview or surveillance of a suspect, etc. are deemed necessary to ensure the safety of students and employees shall give direction to evacuate the school or building if the assessment is not confirmed carry out procedures 2. (a) i., ii., iii., v., vi., vii., viii., x. advise the Parent Advisory Council Chair as soon as possible ii. distribute a notice to parents and employees within twenty-four hours to inform them of the treat and how it was dealt with. Extremely Low or Non Existent Level of Threat (c) if the principal s assessment is confirmed by the Superintendent, that the level of threat is extremely low or non existent, he or she shall: i. not be required to do anything further 3. The Superintendent shall inform the media through an information release of the circumstances which necessitated the evacuation of a school and/or building. Cross Reference: Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia Regulation 3.12 Emergency Preparedness Plan 11

12 Adopted: Pol Revised: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Preamble An emergency is a sudden, unexpected occurrence requiring immediate action to stabilize a situation. Emergencies effecting school facilities, school buses and/or school district transport that may prohibit the intended use for an unspecified period of time, may include; (a) earthquake, (b) fire, (c) hazardous material accident/spills, (d) threats to schools (i.e. bomb threat) (e) violent physical incident or threat, (f) school bus accident, (g) weather. Policy The Board recognizes the importance of being prepared for various types of emergencies, both natural and human caused, that could occur while school is in session, necessitating the need to develop appropriate plans and procedures to deal with such emergencies at school facilities or involving school transport. To this end it is important that students, employees and parents be knowledgeable about the various emergency plans and procedures and to be prepared should such an emergency occur. Objectives The Board directs that emergency plans and procedures be developed, implemented and maintained for all school facilities, school board district complex and school buses, and that: (a) all employees shall be informed about the emergency plans and procedures to be followed at their work site, to ensure their safety and the safety of others; (b) students and employees shall practice the emergency procedures implemented at their school or work site; (c) parents shall be advised of the emergency procedures developed at the school(s) where their child(ren) are attending; (d) if materials and supplies beyond those normally provided by the school district are to be kept on hand to augment the school emergency procedures, then it shall be the responsibility of each school to obtain and maintain such supplies in good order; (e) this policy shall be reviewed annually. Administrative Procedures 1. Emergent (a) In the event of an emergency, employees are expected to remain at their worksite to ensure the safety and security of students under their care and/or the school s care until otherwise directed by the school administrative officer (or person in charge); those employees who have a child(ren) in other schools should have arrangements in place for the care of their child(ren) by others until they can be released from their duties. Emergency Preparedness Plan 12

13 (b) All emergencies impacting on the normal operation of a school facility or school bus transporting students are to be immediately reported to the Superintendent of Schools, indicating the nature and location of the emergency and people involved, including type and severity of possible injuries and if assistance of district staff is required. (c) The Superintendent of Schools or delegate(s) will: i. provide appropriate direction regarding the specific emergency, from a command centre located at the School District Board Office complex, as required; ii. liaise with local government agencies according to the type of emergency, including the R.C.M.P., local fire departments, hospital officials, social services and if the severity of the emergency warrants, the Cowichan Valley Emergency Program Coordinator; iii. appoint a media liaison (radio, TV & print), to ensure prompt and accurate information is released when appropriate, rather than School District employees making isolated comments or opinions that might cause unnecessary anxiety concerning the particular incident. 2. Planning (a) The Principal shall be responsible for the administration and maintenance of the School District Action Plan Emergency Events/Tragic Events Manual at his/her school. (b) The Transportation Supervisor shall be responsible for the administration and maintenance of a school bus emergency preparedness plan. (c) An emergency preparedness plan is to be developed and maintained as outlined in the School District Action Plan Emergency Events/Tragic Events Manual for each school facility and as part of the plan, the following must be considered for each type of occurrence: i) method of evacuation, primary and secondary routes of egress; ii) number of physically challenged people requiring assistance to evacuate the facility/school bus including wheelchair bound students, employee(s) and visitors; iii) first aid treatment, including qualified first aid attendants and supplies; iv) personal care, including appropriate supervision, psychological counselling as required, arrangements to provide nourishment, alternate washroom facilities; v) time of day; vi) potential for inclement weather conditions; vii) potential school site, interior and exterior hazards, including: natural gas and propane service lines and shut off valves, storage of chemicals and flammable materials, power lines, to building facilities, water mains, septic systems to building, location and height of interior storage, including size and materials stored, location of combustible artwork displays and teaching materials that are attached to classroom and school hall walls; (should not exceed 20% of the area of the wall) viii) method of accounting for whereabouts of students, staff and visitors; ix) inventory of neighborhood hazards, resources and temporary shelter sites; (information regarding neighbourhood resources and temporary shelter is compiled by the Cowichan Valley Emergency Program LERN [Local Emergency Response Neighbourhood] committee and is available for district schools from the district safety officer) x) release of employees from their work responsibilities after an emergency occurs to attend personal affairs; xi) emergency communication in the event of a power failure, including the use of a power fail telephone connection in the school office; xii) procedures for getting school emergency supply kit(s) to evacuation area, if required. (d) Practice emergency drills are to be conducted on a regular basis for students and employees to implement their evacuation from the facility/bus without difficulty. Emergency Preparedness Plan 13

14 (e) Principals/supervisors are to ensure each employee under their direction, i.e. teachers, teacher assistants, clerical staff, custodians, maintenance employees, transportation employees, are aware of the emergency preparedness plans for each identified emergency that could affect their work and work site. (f) Emergency preparedness plans are to be filed with the Superintendent of Schools and reviewed annually to ensure the readiness of plans. (g) At the commencement of each school year, principals of each school shall communicate with parents, outlining the school's emergency preparedness plan and procedures for parents to take in the event of an emergency at their child's school, including the need to identify other adults authorized to have temporary custody of their child(ren) in the event contact cannot be made with the child(ren) s parents. (h) Parents of new students enrolling in a school during the school year shall be provided with the school's emergency preparedness plan as part of the enrollment material. (i) Parents should be encouraged to respond to emergencies, assisting and providing resources to reduce the impact of the emergency. (j) An emergency evacuation drawing shall be posted at the entrance/exit of each school district building and room, displaying the primary evacuation route to the outside assembly area. (k) The school "Emergency Preparedness Plan should be easily identifiable and located in the school office for access by all school employees, as well as any other location(s) deemed necessary, identifying and outlining each school staff s particular responsibility(s) in an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Plan 14

15 (Reference to School District Policy 2515 & 2516) EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS General 1.1 As an emergency is a sudden, unexpected event, procedures are to be developed, implemented and maintained for various types, both natural and human caused, that may involve employees, students, school facilities or school transport, while school is in session or students are in the care of the School District. 1.2 Emergencies affecting the normal operation of employees and students working in school facilities and/or using school busing/transportation may include; a) earthquake, b) fire, c) hazardous material accident/spills, d) threats to schools (i.e. bomb treat), e) violent physical incident or threat, f) school bus accident, g) weather, h) other, 1.3 All employees are to be aware of the emergency plans and procedures developed at their school or worksite and shall practice the emergency procedures as directed by regulation or policy. 1.4 All emergencies impacting on the normal operation of a school facility or school bus transporting students are to be reported immediately to the Superintendent of Schools, (if not available, contact is then to be made with the Director of Education, Secretary- Treasurer etc., at their office or residence) advising of the nature and location of the emergency and people involved, including type and severity of possible injuries and if assistance of district staff is required. The Superintendent of Schools or delegate(s) will: a) provide appropriate direction regarding the specific emergency, from a command centre located at the School District Board Office complex, as required; b) liaise with local government agencies according to the type of emergency, including the R.C.M.P., local fire departments, hospital officials, social services and if the severity of the emergency warrants, the Cowichan Valley Emergency Program Coordinator; c) appoint a media liaison (radio, TV & print), to ensure prompt and accurate information is released when appropriate, rather than School District employees making isolated comments or opinions that might cause unnecessary anxiety concerning the particular incident. Emergency Preparedness Plan 15

16 Planning 2.1 As an emergency preparedness plan is developed, the following must be considered for each type of occurrence: a) method of evacuation, primary and secondary routes of egress; b) number of physically challenged people requiring assistance to evacuate the facility/school bus including wheelchair bound students, employee(s) and visitors; c) first aid treatment, including qualified first aid attendants and supplies; d) personal care, including appropriate supervision, psychological counselling as required, arrangements to provide nourishment, alternate washroom facilities; e) time of day; f) potential for inclement weather conditions; g) potential school site, interior and exterior hazards, including: i) natural gas and propane service lines and shut off valves, ii) storage of chemicals and flammable materials, iii) power lines, to building facilities, iv) water mains, septic systems to building, v) location and height of interior storage, including size and materials stored, vi) location of combustible artwork displays and teaching materials that are attached to classroom and school hall walls; (should not exceed 20% of the area of each individual wall) h) method of accounting for whereabouts of students, staff and visitors; i) inventory of neighborhood hazards, resources and temporary shelter sites; (information regarding neighbourhood resources and temporary shelter is compiled by the Cowichan Valley Emergency Program LERN [Local Emergency Response Neighbourhood] committee and is available for district schools from the district safety officer); j) release of employees from their work responsibilities after an emergency occurs to attend personal affairs; k) emergency communication in the event of a power failure, including the use of a power fail telephone connection in the school office; l) procedures for getting school emergency supply kit(s) to evacuation area, if required. 2.2 Principals/supervisors shall ensure each employee under their direction, i.e. teachers, teacher assistants, clerical staff, custodians, maintenance employees, transportation employees, are aware of the emergency preparedness plans for each identified emergency that could affect their work and work site, practicing the emergency drills regularly. 2.3 As part of the emergency plan, an emergency evacuation drawing displaying the primary evacuation routes to an outside assembly area from the building, shall be posted at the entrance/exit of each school district building and room. 2.4 The school "Emergency Preparedness Plan should be easily identifiable and located in the school office for access by all school employees, as well as at any other location(s) deemed necessary, identifying and outlining each school staff s particular responsibility(s) in an emergency. (See Appendix 1 for guidelines to develop worksite emergency plans) Emergency Preparedness Plan 16

17 2.5 A supply of the Emergency Procedures Flipbook has been provided to each worksite telephone. All employees should be aware of the locations of these information booklets and how to use the information provided. These information booklets should be just a part of the overall worksite Emergency Preparedness Plan. Emergency Preparedness Plan 17

18 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS A. Earthquake 1. Given that the school district geographically lies in an area which has the significant possibility of strong earthquake activity, appropriate procedures must be developed for implementation should an earthquake and/or earthquake aftershocks occur when school is in session. 2. School earthquake practice drills shall be held at least three (3) per year; first drill - by September 30 th second drill - by November 30 th third drill - by March 31 st (record date and comments of each drill) 3. When conducting a school earthquake practice drill, use the school P.A. system to announce earthquake, earthquake or play a tape simulating earthquake noises for approximately 60 seconds. (fire bells are not to be used for earthquake drills) 4. The following classroom earthquake practice drill procedures should occur; a) the teacher should issue, duck, cover and hold ; b) all room occupants immediately take cover under desks or tables or beside counters; c) face away from windows or glass display cases; d) assume crash position on knees, head down, one hand clasped over neck or head with book or jacket and the other hand holding onto the furniture being used for protection. (it is important that this position/posture be practiced to ensure that the most vulnerable areas, neck and chest, are protected) 5. When an actual earthquake or after shock occurs, the following classroom procedures should occur immediately; a) duck, cover and hold, taking cover under desks or tables or beside counters; b) assume crash position on knees, head down, with one hand clasped over neck or head with a book or jacket and the other hand holding onto the furniture being used for protection; ( it is important that this position/posture be practiced to ensure that the most vulnerable areas, neck and chest, are protected) c) face away from windows or glass display cases; d) the teacher shall count out loud with students until all the shaking has stopped, then recount again to 60, as this allows time for items to finish falling and possibly the first aftershock to occur; (teachers must take immediate steps to protect themselves from personal injury during an earthquake as they have an extremely important role to play in assisting students through the post earthquake recovery stage) e) 60 seconds after all shaking has stopped, the teacher should instruct the students to carefully check for injuries and dangerous objects around them such as broken glass before moving or standing up; (it is important to have footwear on or easily accessible, as broken glass will most likely be on the floor after an earthquake) f) the teacher shall then instruct the students to evacuate the school building in a similar manner to any other drill, do not wait for instructions from the school office to evacuate the building. (take classroom emergency kit out with class) Emergency Preparedness Plan 18

19 g) if the normal evacuation route is blocked due to building damage caused by an earthquake, then direct students out of the building via an alternate route, in a calm manner, walking slowly in single file, insuring no debris is underfoot while maintaining a look out above and on both sides for any possible dangers; h) if an aftershock occurs while in evacuating the building, face away from windows and squat and cover beside an interior wall, placing your head as close to your knees and clasping hands behind the neck, covering the side of your head with arms, however if cover is available, use it or place your back to an interior wall; ( duck and cover at this point is not advisable as the floor maybe littered with debris including sharp glass edges) i) in other areas of the building, move away from windows, shelves or areas where heavy objects are stored and may fall, take cover under a table or desk, in a corner or doorway, in halls or areas where no cover is available move to an interior wall and squat and cover (head close to knees, hands clasped behind neck to cover sides of head with arms), stay inside until the shaking has ceased as the most dangerous place in or around the building is just outside where debris may fall; exit after the shaking has stopped, in science labs and I.E. shops extinguish all burners before taking cover or as soon as possible, in science labs and I.E. shops stay away from hazardous chemicals that may spill. 6. Only those persons able to walk should leave the building after an earthquake, injured persons not able to walk or trapped under building debris should be reassured that help will come and they will be removed very shortly to safety. 7. If outside when an earthquake occurs; a) move quickly away from the building and from overhead electrical wires; b) squat and cover (head close to knees, hands clasped behind neck to cover sides of head with arms) and wait for shocks to subside; c) do not attempt to enter building; (site search and rescue will do so when authorized) d) stay away from all fallen wires; e) teachers should take count of students under their care 8. School District bus drivers transporting students at the time of an earthquake are to; a) stop, away from the road edge or shoulder, (stop as close to the road center as circumstances allow) power lines, bridges, overpasses and multi-story buildings; b) occupants shall assume the crash position between the seat or in the aisles, counting loudly to 60 or until the shaking stops; c) remain in the bus until instructed otherwise; d) bus driver to tune to the local radio station or AM emergency radio frequency; e) attempt to make radio contact via mobile radio with the Transportation office; f) if the roads are passable, proceed with caution to the nearest school facility; g) if the bus is immobilized, in an unsafe position, evacuate to an open area in an orderly fashion due to the potential of further aftershocks; h) administer first aid as necessary; i) proceed when safe to do so, with students, on foot to nearest school or residence; Emergency Preparedness Plan 19

20 j) do not leave students unattended, stay with them until assistance arrives. 9. District staff located at the School Board complex should report to their supervisors after evacuating buildings on the School Board complex, to assist in this emergency. District staff, including Student Support Services, Maintenance staff and Transportation staff, if located at a school site when an earthquake occurs, are to assist the school staff at that school as needed until their services are no longer required and are to try, through the school emergency communications centre, to contact with the School Board Office to advise of their whereabouts and status. 10. Employees operating other district transport when an earthquake occurs are to; a) stop, away from the road edge or shoulder (stop as close to the road center as circumstances allow), power lines, bridges, overpasses and multi-story buildings; b) remain in the vehicle until the shaking stops; c) if the roads are passable, proceed with caution to the nearest school facility; d) if roads unsafe, attempt to make radio contact via mobile radio with the maintenance office, and/or tune to the local radio station or on AM emergency radio frequency. 11. All media enquiries regarding the status of school students, staff and facilities affected by an earthquake, shall be handled through the office of the Superintendent of Schools or as delegated. Emergency Preparedness Plan 20

21 B. Fire 1. As the possibility of a fire occurring at a school facility is real, appropriate procedures must be established for the safety of all students and staff, as well as the recognition of potential fire hazards. 2. Fire practice drills shall be held three times each fall term (September to December) and three times each spring term (January to June) at schools and annually at the School Board Office complex, including Maintenance and Transportation facilities. (record date, time and comments of each drill) 5. The emergency fire safety plan should; a) include a school floor and site plan, showing the locations of: all fire emergency pull stations, all fire fighting equipment, fire alarm panel, mechanical and furnace/boiler room(s), fire evacuation routes, fire department connection to building sprinkler system, fire hydrant(s) located on or near school property, location of gas and power shut offs. b) provide a list of physically challenged and/or wheelchair bound students and staff indicating their whereabouts during the school work day and the need for assistance to evacuate these people. Include a safety plan / procedure for how they will be looked after in the event of a fire. c) provide a list and location of hazardous materials that might be harmful to students, staff and/or fire department personnel, should they become involved with a fire. 6. When a fire is located, found or suspected; a) activate the facility fire alarm before making any attempt to extinguish the fire; b) ensure all occupants are able to evacuate the building immediately to a safe assembly area; c) attempt to confirm the location of the fire in the facility, to advise the responding fire department; d) telephone 911, advising the operator; name of school, location/address of school, nature of fire, if known, whereabouts of school/building occupants. e) upon hearing a fire alarm, teachers should; ensure all classroom activities stop, (gas and equipment where applicable are shut off) acertain if safe to exit classroom via designated evacuation route,(if classroom door closed, before opening determine if door excessively hot, if so, do not open) if able to exit classroom as planned, direct students to walk in an orderly manner along evacuation route to desiganted assembly area, when exiting, attempt to close classroom windows, if possible, Emergency Preparedness Plan 21

22 allow students to take clothing immediately accessible to them when evacuating, ensure class list, which includes that day s attendance, is taken out (with emergency classroom kit) and attendance is immediately taken at the assembly area, immediately report any missing students, staff and/or visitors to the Principal if unable to exit via classroom door, open exterior window and evacute if on ground floor or call for help if unable to evacute through open window. f) Principal (or person in charge) to check school property access; to determine if all students/staff, visitors have safely exited the school building(s), informing fire department officials immediately upon their attendance of names and ages of unaccounted for students, staff, visitors and their possible location in the building, including any wheelchair bound students waiting in secure areas of the school for assistance to be removed from the building, to ensure all gates to school property are open and not blocked, to stand by and be of assistance to fire department officials as needed. 7. As some physically challenged students cannot move along halls at the same pace as their classmates, they should be allowed to follow their class at their own (fast) rate of speed with the assistance of a teacher or teacher assistant. 8. If it is determined the safest place for a physically challenged student is in the classroom or at a refuge area, the Principal (or person in charge) shall be immediately notified of the student s identity and location so emergency rescue personnel can remove the student safely. 9. Should it be impossible to return to the school building due to fire damage, etc. dismissal procedures should be followed. 10. All media enquiries regarding a fire incident at a school district facility shall be handled through the office of the Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the responsible fire department Emergency Preparedness Plan 22

23 C. Hazard Material Accident/Spills/Explosions 1. Hazardous material accidents/spills/explosions are those incidents, occurring at or near a school facility, involving toxic chemicals, flammable and/or explosive substances, that require emergency action to be taken by school administration to ensure the safety of students and employees. 2. Hazardous material accidents/spills/explosions occurring on a school facility, involving school controlled materials should be reported immediately to the school Principal who should determine; a) the type of material involved (ie. toxic, flammable, explosive; name of material, stability of material, obtain information from the relative MSDS, etc.), b) location of accident/spill, size of area affected and containment of the material involved, c) effect to school occupants, d) safe area to evacuate school occupants to, if required, e) clean-up and disposal of material as indicated on MSDS, utilizing appropriate personal protection equipment and proper neutralization and absorption materials, f) need for assistance from district maintenance staff and/or local emergency services (fire, ambulance, police - 911),to assist with control/security of affected area, aid to injured and containment and clean-up of material. 3. If evacuation of the building or part of it is required, the local emergency services (fire, ambulance, police - 911) should be immediately notified giving details of the location, severity, material involved and area evacuated to. 4. The Superintendent of Schools should be advised immediately if evacuation of a school is necessary with details of the incident. 5. Prior to re-occupying the affected school facility, the Principal, Superintendant and OHS Manager will consult with local emergency officals to confirm that the hazard has been reduced to a non-hazardous state. 6. As various federal and provincial regulations affect the disposal of hazardous materials, the OHS Manager should be contacted for advise regarding proper disposal. 7. A hazardous material accident/spill/explosion occurring off school property, involving materials under the care and control of others, but affecting the normal operation of the school, should be reported to the Superintendent of Schools as soon as practical, indicating; a) location and type of accident/spill/explosion in proximity to school, type of material involved and associated hazards; b) recommendations from officials and/or company personnel involved in the spill containment/clean-up or investigation of accident, including their name(s), regarding any evacuation of school facilities; c) time allowed to evacuate or if evacuation occurring, location and method of evacuation to safe area; (ensure class list with day s attendance and classroom emergency kit taken out with class) d) name(s) of any school personnel or students injured and/or requiring medical attention. Emergency Preparedness Plan 23

24 8. If circumstances prevent the return of students and staff to the school facility, dismissal procedures should be followed. 9. All media enquiries regarding an incident involving school controlled material shall be handled by the office of the Superintendent of Schools, while incidents involving material under the control of others, shall be handled by the responsible authority with the affected school s action being handled by the office of the Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the responsible authority. Emergency Preparedness Plan 24

25 D. Violent Incidents / Threats to School Occupants / Facilities (ref. CVSD Policy 2516 Immediate Threat of Harm to Students) (ref. CVSD Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol) 1. Threats to school may involve a bomb, chemical substance or any other material that can cause physical harm to building occupants and to school district facilities. A violent incident/threat may include armed or physical abusive intruders, students possessing weapons, gang or group assaults, hate-motivated violence, or any other type of occurrence where the act or threat of violence is or may occur, interfering with the safety and security of students and staff and the normal operation of a school. 2. While threats to schools are usually false, meant to disrupt the school operation with no intent to harm the occupants or buildings they still must be taken seriously. 3. The details of a threat call are to be recorded on the School Community Threat Checklist located in the yellow and orange Emergergency Procedures Flipbook, which is located in all school district facilities by each telephone receiving incoming telephone calls from the general public. The employee receiving a threat to school by telephone, shall make use of the check list and try to note and record; a) the date and time of the call, b) the exact wording of the threat, c) the time the threat will occur, d) if a bomb, its location and appearance, e) the name of the caller, f) the age and gender of the caller, g) any noticeable accent or identifying vocal characteristics, h) background noise which might identify the location from where the call is originating. 4. If a written communication is found on a school district site, or in a building, handle it with care, by the edge, placing it in a folder as soon as possible so as to not disturb any physical characteristics of the note or any evidence that might be on the note material. If the threat is written on a wall do not clean off and secure area. 5. When a threat to school occupants and/or school facility, including school grounds, is received, the school Administrative Officer (or person in charge - Site Manager) is to be immediately advised in a confidential manner. 6. Should a violent incident/threat occur; a) notify the Principal or Designate immediately, b) follow procedures as outlined in the CVSD #79 Violent/Threat Risk Assessment Protocol and the Emergency Procedures Flipbook. 7. The Principal with assistance from the VTRA team and the RCMP will make an initial determination regarding the validity of the threat. Emergency Preparedness Plan 25

26 8. If it is determined that the threat requires immediate action, the Principal or designate shall direct; a) the evacuation of the building in an orderly manner, b) notification of the Superintendant of Schools and the RCMP if they have not already been notified, c) students and staff to assemble in another predesignated location where attendance of students can be determined (ensure class list with day s attendance and classroom emergency kit taken out with class, d) or with the exclusion of bomb threats, carrout some other activity which ensure the well-being of students and staff, If on a lockdown, staff and students should remain in their classrooms, with classroom doors locked and windows covered to restrict access from the hallways, so as few people are exposed to the threat or in a position to be a hostage (police are far more prepared to know how and when to evacuate classrooms). Students are to turn off all cell phones. a) Upon police attendance, all decisions regarding the safety and security of students and staff, will be determined by the police, until the incident is resolved. b) Should evacuation of students and staff occur, exit the building to a safe and secure area as directed by the RCMP. c) Police are to be provided with a detailed floor plan of the school showing all entrances, windows, closets/storeroom and any other areas that maybe used as a place to barricade oneself and information concerning numbers of students, staff and visitors in the school facility at the time of the incident. 9. If the threat received indicates a bomb, the use of school walkie-talkie radios is to be curtailed immediately until it is determined the threat is false or the mechanism does not include a radio frequency transmitter. a) Under the direction of the RCMP, with assistance of available school staff, a search of the school facility including grounds may occur to determine if, in fact, a bomb or other threat is present. b) School staff conducting a search should note any objects that seem out of place or suspicious looking, do not disturb the item(s) and report their location immediately to the RCMP on site. c) If a school is evacuated and search conducted results in no threat being present, the students and staff shall return to the school at the principal s direction. (ref. S.D. Policy 2516, paragraph 4) Emergency Preparedness Plan 26

27 10. School bus driver s must also be aware that a violent incident/threat can occur on a school bus, requiring the driver to take such action as deemed necessary to maintain as safe and secure an environment for students (and staff), as possible. Should such an incident occur, the driver shall; a) instruct all passengers to remain still and quiet in their seats, b) follow the instructions of the person(s) directing the illegal act, c) attempt to report the incident over the school bus 2-way radio to Supervisor of Transportation who shall immediately notify the RCMP (911) and the Superintendent of Schools of the known details. 11. All media inquiries regarding occurrences of this nature are to be handled by the RCMP who will release information to the media and public regarding the occurrence, including the safety of students and staff as circumstances allow, in consultation with the Superintendent of Schools. Emergency Preparedness Plan 27

28 E. Severe Weather 1. In this area, most climatic changes are predicted in advance by Environment Canada, enabling appropriate planning to occur well before a weather change. 2. If a severe storm does occur in this area during non-school hours, the Superintendent of Schools, upon receiving appropriate information will determine the need for school closure. (Ref. Board Policy 3500). 3. If a violent storm occurs during school hours, students and staff should remain in the school building away from exterior windows and walls, ensuring classroom windows are closed. 4. If evacuation of the school building is required, all students and staff should be evacuated to a safe and secure area. (same procedures as a fire drill - ensure class list with day s attendance and classroom emergency kit taken out with class) 5. Should it be necessary to dismiss students from the evacuation site, student release procedures should be implemented. 6. The Superintendent of Schools is to be advised immediately if evacuation of a school is necessary with details of the incident. Emergency Preparedness Plan 28

29 F. School Bus Accidents 1. With the increasing number of students being transported on school district buses and the increased use and traffic on area roads, the potential for a school bus being involved in a motor vehicle accident increases. 2. In the event of a school bus accident or fire; a) drivers are to take appropriate action to evacuate students from the bus to a safe and secure area, b) drivers are to report the accident, if possible, to Supervisor of Transportation who shall immediately contact emergency services (police, fire, ambulance - 911) to confirm their attandance at the accident scene and will notify the Superintendent of Schools of the details, c) the Supervisor of Transportation will arrange for alternate transportation for students and advise the affected school Principal(s) of the accident, d) the Supervisor of Transportation will obtain a list of students on the bus at the time of the accident and record information regarding whether the student was transferred to the hospital or continued en route to school and communicate this information to the Superintendent of Schools. 3. Should the accident cause injury to students and/or the bus driver, the Superintendent of Schools will appoint a school district representative(s) to attend at the acute care hospital(s) to ascertain the extent of injuries and to assist hospital officials as may be required. (Depending on the severity of the accident, a command centre may be established by hospital officials at the hospital to deal with relatives, media, etc.) 4. The Superintendent of Schools will delegate an employee to contact a parent of each student involved in the bus accident to advise of the accident and the student s condition and present whereabouts.(persons making contact with parents should not discuss causes of the accident or opinions) 5. Students who continue on to school should be given the opportunity to speak with the school counsellor(s) concerning the accident. 6. All media enquiries are to be directed to the Superintendent of Schools. Emergency Preparedness Plan 29

30 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL STAFF As part of an emergency preparedness plan, the roles and responsibilities of all school staff should be defined, reviewed on a regular basis and understood by all school staff (teachers, TA s, secretaries, custodians and any other support staff and/or volunteers regularly attending the school facility). The following is a suggested list of these roles and responsibilities. 1) The incident commander, normally the Principal, is the person in charge of developing, implementing and coordinating the site emergency plan which includes assigning responsibilities as identified, for the site search and rescue, first aid, assembly area, release station and utilities, ensuring; a command post is established, monitor evacuation of building(s), receive reports from evacuated staff, recording details, monitor evacuation or assigned tasks relating search and rescue, first aid, communications, utilities, assembly area(s) and student release station(s); maintain continued safety of students, staff and visitors; delegate any other tasks that may be required to be completed. 2) Site search and rescue to develop plans to; systematically search building(s), priorize rescue and first aid treatment of persons trapped in building(s), identify hazards/damage to building(s) including fires, gas leaks, etc., rescue victims, identified by staff as still trapped in building(s), report status to the Incident Commander as directed Search and rescue personnel should be equipped with the appropriate equipment including hard hats, gloves, goggles, basic first aid supplies equipment, crowbar, etc. that will assist them in the successful removal of trapped victims. 3) Site first aid personnel are to develop procedures to; store first aid equipment and supplies in marked, safe accessible areas at the site for use in an emergency, establish a first aid reception area to treat the injured, and those with other medical conditions, identify medical alerts, assist site search and rescue to prioritize injury severity of injured trapped in building and treat, transporting the injured to first aid reception area, maintaining first aid reception area in a clean and organized state, report the status of injured to the Incident Commander as directed. Emergency Preparedness Plan 30

31 4) Communications - to develop plans to; provide communications for the Incident Commander with site search and rescue, first aid station, student assembly area and student release station, establish communications with the Superintendent of Schools to advise of the condition of students and staff, including any district staff, Student Support staff, Maintenance/Custodial staff and/or Transportation staff that may be located at the school site; and of facility condition after the earthquake, communicate with the local community emergency operations centre of PEP, if circumstances warrant, if circumstances of the emergency warrant, monitor AM emergency frequency radio broadcast, advising the Incident Commander of any information or instructions relating to the school site s situation. 5) Student Assembly Area - to develop plans to; provide a safe assembly area away from known and/or potential hazards with clearly defined boundaries,(ie. using marking tape and/or traffic cones, etc.), conduct a head count of all students issuing identification tags to elementary students, paring older and younger age classes together, (it is doubtful if middle and secondary school students would wear such identification), provide personal care as required, maintain up to date list of students and staff requiring medication for personal disease within first 24 hours, including diabetes, asthma, etc. (utilize student medical forms). 6) Student Release Station - develop procedures for releasing students to parents, guardians and adults as authorized on the Student Release Form, documenting time student is released and whom student is released to with signature of receiving person. 7) Site Utilities - to develop procedures to; shut off natural gas/propane supply, electrical supply and water supply, to school building, if possible, without exposing persons to greater risk of injury, should the emergency require this action be taken, conduct a site survey to identify facility hazards, including fires, downed wires, chemical spills, unstable building areas, flooding, etc. should circumstances warrant such action (ie. earthquake), making use of individuals trained in Rapid Damage Assessment if possible, clear debris from site access(es), identify condition of surrounding neighborhood and roads to assist in determining extent of emergency, keep non-school personnel away from building(s) so orderly search and rescue may be completed. Emergency Preparedness Plan 31

32 SCHOOL EMERGENCY KITS SECURE NEAR EXTERIOR EXIT OR IN SCHOOL KOISK (One kit for 250 people) Recommended Contents: Master list of students/staff and release information Copy of Site Emergency Plan 1 roll of 20 x 60 6 ml plastic with grommets or large tarp(s) 1 battery-operated megaphone or portable public address system (spare batteries) 12 tent pegs 12 triangular bandages 2 flashlights with batteries (spare batteries) 10 camper blankets 10 dust masks (3M-99-70) 2 rolls of plastic surveyor s marking tape (fluorescent orange) 4 hard hats (orange) 4 pair of leather work gloves 4 pair of mono goggles 1 container to put all of these materials in 1 camping shovel (folding) 2 hammer and 20-4 common nails 2 crow bars 100 feet of 1/8 nylon rope 100 feet of 3/8 nylon rope 1 roll of 2 duct tape 2-4-litre bottle (non-breakable) distilled water 4 rolls of toilet paper 1 battery operated radio (spare batteries) 1 folding stretcher 1 box waterproof matches pencils, pens, felt pens & paper NOTE: This equipment must only be used during an emergency or an emergency drill. Emergency Preparedness Plan 32

33 PRINCIPAL S EMERGENCY KIT PLACE IN AN ACCESSIBLE LOCATION IN SCHOOL OFFICE FOR AN EMERGENCY (To be carried out on each drill) Recommended Contents: One Pack Sack (nylon) with exterior pocket, to include: Copies of facility site plan (single line drawings) Copy of Site Emergency Plan school student & staff list key to emergency kiosk (if kiosk located at school facility) cellular phone (if available) reflective vests (one for each Principal/Vice-Principal. & office staff) one 1-litre bottle (non breakable) I.D tags (for each Principal/Vice-Principal & office staff ) 1 note book & pencils 3 pair of gloves (leather palms) 3 dust masks (3M-99-70) list of visitors in school facility at time of incident Note: This equipment must only be used during an emergency or emergency drill. Emergency Preparedness Plan 33

34 BUILDING FLOOR PLANS Emergency Preparedness Plan 34

35 EVACUATION ROUTES Emergency Preparedness Plan 35

36 SUGGESTED RELEASE FORM RECORD EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Div.: Grade: Teacher: Station Official: Student Release Station - Release Form Record (Guardian or temporary guardian must verify accuracy of information and initial) Name Address Telephone Parent/Guardian Time of release Name of Adult Student released to Expected Destination Apparent condition of child Emergency Preparedness Plan 37