crisis_management_and_prevention_in_georgia_public_schools_december_2012.pdf | |
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Our Crisis Plan
We have compiled several parts of the best crisis plans we have found to adapt into our Classroom Crisis plan. We thank the Department of Risk Management and Security, Prince William County Public Schools, Manassas, VA and Hanover County Public Schools, Ashland, VA for their contribution to our endeavor. Intent of Crisis Management Plan Crisis Management is a central component of comprehensive School Safety. The most important consideration in both Crisis Management and Safe Schools efforts is the health, safety and welfare of the students and staff. A comprehensive Safe Schools Plan places a strong emphasis on prevention using strategies which range from building design to discipline policies and programs which improve school climate. Definition of Crisis 1.“Crises” shall include but not be limited to situations involving the death of a student, staff member, or a member of a student’s immediate family by suicide, substance abuse, illness, or accident. The principals shall have the authority to determine what is a crisis incident and to convene the Crisis Management Team. 2. “Critical incidents” shall include situations involving threats of harm to students, personnel, or facilities. Critical incidents include but are not limited to natural disasters, fire, use of weapons/explosives, and the taking of hostages. Such incidents require an inter-agency response involving law enforcement and/or emergency services agencies. Classroom Crisis Plan 1. Stay calm and quiet and listen to instructions 2. Make a single file line at the door and wait for the teacher to give the instruction to leave the room 3. Walk orderly in a single file, stay close to the wall. 4.Exit the building and wait at the designated area. 5. Remember that during a crisis we may need to move fast. Remember our emergency drill and do exactly what you have practiced. Fire Procedures In the event a fire is detected within a school building, proceed according to the following plan: 1. Sound the FIRE ALARM by pulling the alarm system located in the halls or in specific rooms. 2. Close all doors and windows, including any doors separating sections of the building and at stairwells to confine the fire. 3. Evacuate the building immediately to at least 300 feet from the structure and out of the fire department’s operational area. 4. Make special provisions for handicapped students. • Specific persons, plus alternates, should be assigned to assist specific handicapped individuals. • Evacuate plans for the handicapped should be reviewed and practiced and periodically updated. 5. Initiate roll. Each teacher should leave the room with the roll book to check student names. In order to avoid confusion, all student absences should be recorded. 6. Render first aid as necessary. 7. Notify utility companies of a break or suspected break in lines which might present an additional hazard. 8. Keep access roads open for emergency vehicles. 9. Have fire department officials declare the area safe before allowing students/staff to return to school. 10. If the school needs to be closed and students transported to another location or home, contact the director of transportation at . Anytime elementary pupils are sent home during the regular school day it is important to place teachers on the buses for the purpose of bringing back those students who cannot be placed in the hands of competent persons. In some cases they may be housed at another school until dismissal Asbestos Release PRINCIPAL • Evacuate the immediate area. • Instruct the building engineer to shut down the HVAC system. • Ensure the affected area is sealed off and doors are closed. • Notify: — Superintendent — Risk Management and Security — Maintenance TEACHER AND STAFF • Evacuate the immediate area. • Seal off the area by closing doors when exiting. • Notify the Principal. • Note all persons who were in the area of the asbestos release. Assault by Intruder Checklist Assess the situation. If continued danger, institute lockdown. Provide first aid. Question victim - make reasonable notes for potential court case: - description of assailant - report of events Contact police (School Resource Officer and/or 911 Notify Superintendent. Instruct person answering the telephone to direct all requests to Public Information Office Complete police information for charges. Prepare a written memo for staff and parents. Schedule follow-up programs for staff and students. Call emergency staff meeting. Specifics 1. Assess the Situation: • Request police assistance when assailant(s) are outsiders. • Determine the number of victims. • Determine the amount of threat still pending - was this an isolated incident which is now over? • Is there continued danger to the individuals already involved or to any other potential victims? • Determine the need for first aid. 2. Move Others to Safety: If the assailant has not been contained and continues to be a threat to others, institute lockdown. 3. Provide First Aid: Provide first aid for victim(s) via nurse, nurse’s aide, trained staff member, or 911. Have someone at the entrance to meet and direct the ambulance staff to the victim and designate a staff member to accompany victim(s) in ambulance. 4. Question the Victim: Make notes which can be shared with the police upon their arrival. These notes may be helpful in a court case. 5. Contact the Police: Contact 911 and your School Resource Officer. 6. Notifications: • The Superintendent’s Office should be contacted as soon as possible. • The Public Information Office will handle all media and community inquiries into the event(s). • The parents (or spouse) of the victim should be notified as soon as possible. • Inform staff of situation as soon as possible. A Crisis Team, identified for the school, can effectively deliver information to the other staff members so your time can be used for other decisions/actions. • The Transportation Department can, in extreme emergencies, provide buses for early dismissal. The Transportation Department will notify the Superintendent of the need for this dismissal. • The students will be able to deal with the situation by being informed of the facts as soon as possible, rather than receiving their “facts” through rumors. • The other schools should be given the basic information as soon as possible by the Public Information Office, since siblings/neighbors will quickly learn of the disturbance. • The Pupil Personnel Services may be needed to provide counseling support for students and staff in dealing with the trauma. This office may seek additional help from the County’s Department of Human Resources. • The parents of other students in the community will need to learn the real facts, just as their children have learned them, to reduce the rumor factor. • After the crisis is over, the principal may wish to arrange a special press conference to give the media the same information that has been shared with the parents. 7. Telephone Answerer: Prepare a statement for the individuals who answer the telephones to read. Instruct them that any further inquiries should be made to the Public Information Office. Give them the telephone number for the caller to use as a reference. 8. Police Information for Charges: The police will need to be sure of details from you as well as from the victim. Assault/Battery are chargeable offenses. 9. Written Memo for Staff and Parents: As soon as the immediate crisis/danger is over, the staff and parents will need to know, not only what occurred, but why you took the action that you did. Individuals with the correct facts can help to stop rumors and misperceptions. 10. Follow-Up Programs School guidance counselors will arrange special counseling for students and staff through Pupil Personnel Services. 11. Call emergency staff meeting. (Source: Department of Risk Management and Security, Prince William County Public Schools, Manassas, VA) Bomb Threat Bomb Threat/Telephone Threats The building director must evaluate the seriousness of bomb threats or other disruptive types of demonstrations using input from all sources; then, the director acts in such a manner that reflects the best safety interests of those under his/her charge. Bomb and other threats may be originated in writing, in person, over the telephone or related through a second source. Basic Documentation - The individual taking the call should: • Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. • Notify principal/building director. • Write down all the information obtained in the exact words. Use the record sheet immediately following these instruction pages; place copies of the bomb threat sheet at switchboard and other appropriate phone locations. • Find out what time the bomb is due to go off. • Document in writing, as soon as possible, other types of threat contacts including: - Specific time message is received. - Date and day of week. - Exact wording of message. - Estimation of sex, age, cultural background of person making call. - Make note of background noises, tone of voice. Authorities to be involved: Telephone numbers Police Directors below will immediately notify Deputy and the Superintendent. It is only necessary to call one of the following: Managing Director, Facilities of Services Director of Community Relations Environmental Health and Safety Office The building administrator or designee shall: • Notify the authorities. • Consider the safety of students and staff as the prime factor. If advised, direct students and staff to safe areas of the campus. Nothing is to be touched or altered; do not open desks or lockers. Do not re-enter building until authorized: • Alert staff of situation and implement building search procedure (see below). • School activities should be continued as normally as possible in designated safe areas. • The recommendation to close school will be made only after consultation between the Central Office, security and building administrator. • Submit written reports as appropriate to Director, Department of Facilities following the incident. Confidential building search procedures for use by staff only: The principal and/or assistant principal will: A. Call Police Department. B. Call Superintendent’s Office. C. Call Maintenance Department. D. Notify school staff by pre-arranged signal A fire drill will be called about 15 minutes before threatened time, if known. • Following the signal, the staff will conduct a thorough search of assigned areas as outlined below. If anything is found, it should not be touched in any way. Get an adult to “watch it,” while you report it personally to the principal. Following the search, each staff member responsible for searching areas (all teachers and others) must send a note to the office reading, for example, “Brown - Clear.” • Responsibilities for search effort: All search efforts should be conducted quietly and quickly without alarming or informing pupils. Each teacher will search his own area, in addition to the following search responsibilities: Checklist Listen carefully to the caller to gain as much information as possible. Notify the building School Resource Officer if the caller is in the building. If the call appears to be a crank call, ask teachers to survey their instruction area and nearby restrooms. If the call could be real and the School Resource Officer is not in the building, call 911 immediately. Evacuate the building. DO NOT USE PA SYSTEM OR TURN LIGHTS ON OR OFF. Notify Superintendent’s Office Follow established Policy regarding return to the building. If necessary, give contact transportation to arrange for early dismissal. Follow-up activities. Bus Accident Goals: • Safety • Mobilization • Containment • Assessment and follow-up • Effective communication Prevention: Have a clear operation plan and be familiar with that plan. Maintain a bus accident folder including a list of each bus number, names and emergency telephone numbers of all occupants. Intervention: In the event that a bus accident occurs and the school has been contacted for assistance, the principal or designee determines and coordinates the appropriate responses. Interventions may include: At the Scene • Provide emotional support • Be available and attend to the injured, as directed by emergency medical personnel. • Be available and attend to the uninjured and account for all. At the School • Provide emotional support and coordination • Provide emotional support and attend to the affected students • Provide information to faculty. • Call Mental Health for assistance, as needed • Contact parents of students involved. At the Hospital • Provide emotional support for the injured and their families. Follow-up: • Send letter to parents. • Assess the response and arrange follow-up. (Crisis Team) (Source: Hanover County Public Schools, Ashland, VA) |
The following is the Richmond County Crisis Management Checklist, part of the Crisis Management and Prevention Plan that most schools in GA follow. Our school's plan uses this document as guideline and we have included it in this page so you may examine it and compare them. Building and Grounds 1.The designated entrance door has clearly visible signs showing the location of the main office and advising visitors to report to the office 2. The entrance lobby is visible from the main office 3. Staff members, volunteer personnel, or a security camera monitor the main entrance lobby 4. Visitors are required to sign in at the main office 5. Hallways are free of travel impediments 6. Hallways leading to required exit doors are kept clear and unencumbered with rugs or furniture which might impede traffic flow from building 7. Blind spots in hallways and stairwells are equipped with parabolic mirrors (or similar surveillance device) 8. Remote and isolated hallways are monitored by security cameras or other monitoring methods 9. Stairwells are monitored 10. Restrooms are inspected for cleanliness and safety on a regular basis 11. Restroom walls and stalls are free of graffiti 12. Restrooms have a smoke detector 13. Restrooms comply with ADA requirements 14. All cafeteria food and perishables are stored properly 15. Choking guidelines are clearly posted in cafeteria dining area 16. Cafeteria staff can hear school alarms and announcements 17. A staff member is assigned to make sure the cafeteria staff is contacted in the event of a lockdown or severe weather threat 18. Surveillance cameras and monitors are installed in strategic locations 19. If a classroom is vacant, students are restricted from entering unsupervised 20. Seating for the disabled is available, as per ADA requirements, in the auditorium and the gym 21. Clear and precise emergency evacuation routes are posted at critical locations 22. Fire extinguisher locations are clearly marked and regularly inspected 23. School staff is trained on the use of fire extinguishers 24. Access to catwalk and prop areas is restricted 25. Access to electrical panels is restricted Lighting 1. The main lobby is properly lighted 2. The hallways are properly lighted 3. Bathrooms are properly lighted 4. Classrooms are properly lighted 5. Hallways have emergency lighting 6. Exit signs are properly lighted, clearly visible, and point in the correct exit direction Doors 1. Faculty members are required to lock classrooms upon leaving 2. Multiple entries to the building are controlled and supervised 3. Doors accessing internal courtyards are locked to prevent outside entry 4. Areas accessible to intruders are secure 5. All doors are properly labeled and numbered Lab Safety/Chemicals/Hazardous Storage 1. Boiler room is clean, free of debris, is not used for storage, access is controlled, and is inspected 2. Lab safety procedures are reviewed and clearly posted 3. Chemical storage areas are locked 4. Lab preparation areas, hazardous storage areas and mechanical rooms are properly protected from unauthorized access 5. Eye wash station in labs and vocational shops are in working condition 6. Paint booths, auto shops and welding booths are well ventilated and exhaust directly to the exterior School Exterior Signage 1. Visitor signs are posted near entrance advising visitors to report to the main office 2. School Safety Zone/Weapons law signs are posted 3. Drug-free/Tobacco-free campus signs are posted 4. Clearly marked visitor entrance signs are posted 5. Visitor and handicapped parking areas are clearly marked Extracurricular/Play Areas 1. Emergency vehicles can access play and athletic fields easily 2. Bleachers are in good condition (no signs of rust) 3. The risers between bleacher seats are protected to prevent entrapment and children from falling through 4. Field houses can be secured for safety and security 5. The school ground is free of obstacles, graffiti, trash and debris 6. Surveillance cameras are installed in strategic locations 7. Stadium evacuation procedures are posted 8. Mechanical, electrical and other equipment on school grounds are surrounded by a protective enclosure 9. Deep recesses in buildings with wings are fenced for safety Surveillance 1. The school has designated points of entry which are monitored to control building access 2. Visual surveillance of parking lots or monitoring by remote security cameras is possible from the main office or some other area 3. The location of trailers/portable classrooms enables natural surveillance 4. If located in isolated areas, the trailers/portable classrooms are monitored with security cameras 5. Trailers/portable classrooms are connected to the school’s central alarm system 6. Crawl spaces below building/trailers are closed off 7. Shrubbery and trees are well trimmed 8. Law enforcement, security, or other staff members patrol parking areas during school hours 9. Student drivers and staff members must obtain parking decals or some other appropriate form of identification to authorize legitimate parking on school property Lighting 1. There is adequate lighting around the building to enhance night safety 2. Lighting is provided at the entrances and other points of possible intrusion 3. There is adequate lighting around trailers/portable classrooms 4. Directional lights aimed at the building 5. Lighting in parking lot provides uniform coverage to support camera surveillance Windows and Doors 1. Windows and doors are in good repair 2. Windows and doors are adequately secured after hours 3. Building perimeter is free from trees, branches, and telephone poles that may provide unauthorized access to upper floor levels or roof 4. All exterior doors have non-removable hinge pins 5. Exterior doors, unless designated for entry, have no exterior hardware 6. Exterior doors have a protective plate covering lock 7. Exterior double doors have an astragal (plate) covering the gap between doors 8. Required exit doors are equipped with panic hardware 9. Doors accessing internal courtyards are tied into the central alarm system 10. The school has developed written regulations regarding access to and use of the building by school personnel after regular school hours Student Transportation Issues 1. Staff members are assigned to bus area during loading/unloading 2. Access to bus loading/unloading areas is restricted during arrival/ dismissal 3. An area is designated as the pick-up/drop-off zone for non-bus riders 4. An emergency dismissal procedure is in place (i.e., student and staff evacuation from facility and vicinity) School Procedures/Guidelines Security 1. School has a procedure for handling all cash collected 2. An escort is available at the end of each day for school personnel responsible for money collected or deposited during the school day 3. Unused areas of the school can be closed off during after school activities 4. Two-way communication is possible between administrators and SROs 5. Teachers have the capability of communicating to office from classroom 6. There is a central alarm system 7. Alarm system is tested on a regular basis 8. Identification badges are issued to all employees (including support staff and bus drivers) and are clearly visible 9. Visitors are required to sign in and out 10. Visitor/guest badges are issued 11. Proper photo ID is required of vendors, repairmen, etc. 12. One person is designated to perform the following security checks at the end of each day: Check that all classrooms and offices are locked Check all restrooms and locker rooms to ensure that everyone has left the building Check all exterior entrances to ensure that they are locked Check the security alarm system Law Enforcement Role 1. A School Resource Officer is assigned to the school 2. Law enforcement monitors school grounds after regular school hours and can contact school administrator(s) 3. Incidents of crime that occur on school property/events are reported to law enforcement and other appropriate agencies 4. Law enforcement personnel are involved in the development of the school safety plan 5. The school and law enforcement have an agreement of understanding that defines the roles and responsibilities of each group Emergency/Crisis Plan 1. The school has an Emergency/Crisis Plan 2. The plan includes all categories as required by Georgia law 3. The plan is reviewed and updated each year 4. The staff has received training on emergency procedures 5. The staff has access to the Emergency/Crisis Plan 6. The plan has been submitted to GEMA 7. The plan includes clear strategies for dealing with the media in the event of a crisis 8. The plan includes a component for post-crisis response, such as the availability of counseling services for students and staff members, dealing with the probability of “copy cat” incidents and dealing with post-traumatic stress 9. Primary and secondary evacuation sites have been pre-determined for fire (500’) & bomb threat (1000’) 10. School has developed an evacuation plan to accommodate students with physical disabilities in the event of a crisis 11. Table top exercises and/or practices have been conducted with staff 12. A reunification site has been established in case of emergency evacuation 13. School staff is aware of proper response to blood and body fluid spills 14. An appropriate number of staff members are trained in CPR 15. School has access to an AED/defibrillator 16. An appropriate number of staff members are trained in the use of AED/defibrillator 17. Fire/tornado drills are conducted as required by Georgia law 18. The school maintains a record of fire inspection by the local or state fire officer 19. Intruder alert drills are conducted 20. School has a pandemic/epidemic preparedness plan 21. School has carbon monoxide detectors Administrative Procedures 1. School or school district conducts pre-employment background checks for all employee 2. The principal and administrative staff are highly visible 3. The Student Code of Conduct is revised and reviewed annually (students/staff 4. Students and/or parents sign for receipt of Student Code of Conduct 5. Behavioral expectations and consequences for violations are clearly outlined 6. A chain-of-command has been established when the principal is away 7. Disciplinary consequences are fairly and consistently enforced 8. Security measures/administrative supervision is established for extracurricular activities 9. Staff members are assigned to supervise students (halls/bus/restrooms/cafeteria) 10. Parents are an integral part of the planning of student discipline procedures and actions 11. Student medicines are secured (locked cabinet/desk) 12. Student check-out procedures are in place; only to an authorized adult 13. Teachers/administrators are aware of mandatory reporting requirements (weapons, drugs, child abuse, etc.) 14. Federal/state laws regarding students with disabilities are followed 15. Policies and procedures have been developed to allow students to transfer to another school if they are a victim of a violent criminal offense 16. School files and records are maintained in locked, fireproof containers or vaults 17. There is a control system in place to monitor keys and duplicates and/or card access systems 18. School maintains a record of required health permits 19. A log is maintained of all chemicals and other dangerous substances 20. The school maintains record of all maintenance on doors, windows, lockers, and other areas of the school Data Collection and Reporting 1. An incident reporting database has been established 2. Discipline incidents are accurately recorded as required by law 3. The school has established a system for analyzing data to identify recurring problems and to provide information relative to prevention and intervention procedures 4. The school has developed a procedure for periodic review and update of the incident reporting system 5. Discipline incidents are regularly monitored 6. Administrators are aware of mandatory reporting requirements (weapons, drugs, child abuse, etc.) 7. Chronic discipline procedures have been developed concerning students with recurring problems 8. Students are referred to a disciplinary tribunal hearing for serious violations of school rules 9. The outcome of disciplinary tribunal hearings are recorded in the student’s discipline record 10. Unsafe School Choice Option (USCO) violations are accurately reported in the end-of-year data collection process 11. School staff has been trained to accurately report USCO violations and discipline incidents on the annual discipline report Prevention and Intervention 1. Bullying prevention programs or strategies are in place 2. Students have access to conflict resolution/peer mediation programs 3. Students may ask for help without the loss of confidentiality 4. School policy provides a system whereby staff and students may report problems, incidents, or potential dangers anonymously 5. Diversity awareness is emphasized 6. Academic programs are available for “at risk students” 7. Students and parents are aware of school student support resources 8. School has a well-developed network of service providers to which students can be referred 9. Adequate suicide prevention support systems are in place for students 10. Administrators and teachers have been trained to recognize the early warning signs of potentially suicidal students, including knowledge of the appropriate steps in referring students for help 11. Counselors facilitate student assistance programs/groups 12. Students have opportunities to be actively involved 13. Parents are encouraged to volunteer and play an active role in the school 14. School has implemented a character education program in accordance with Georgia law 15. School safety and violence prevention information is provided regularly to staff as part of a school or system-wide staff development plan |