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Emergency Operations Plan

January, 2002

  Rochester City School District
Emergency Operations Plan

Table of Contents

District-wide School Safety Plan Committee

1. Introduction
2. Emergency Operations Program
3. Emergency Operations Organization
4. Emergency Operations Key Concepts
5. Preparedness Measures
6. Responsibilities of Site Personnel


7. Specific Situations
7.1 Anthrax Threat
7.2 Bomb Threats
7.3 Civil Disturbance
7.4 Contagious Diseases
7.5 Earthquake
7.6 Explosion
7.7 Evacuations
7.8 Fire
7.9 Guns
7.10 Hazardous Materials/Chemical Spill
7.11 Hostage Situation
7.12 Mechanical Failure
7.13 Medical Emergency
7.14 School Bus Accident
7.15 Snow (or Other Weather-Related Closings)
7.16 Suicide Threat
7.17 Unauthorized Person on Campus
7.18 Utility Failure
7.19 Weapons (Other than Guns)
8. Building Security
9. Security Personnel
10. Prevention and Intervention Strategies
11. Communication



District-wide School Safety Plan Committee

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In compliance with the requirements of the regulations of the SAVE legislation, the Board of Education of the Rochester City School District appointed the following committee to develop the District-wide School Safety Plan

Board of Education

Willa Powell

Student Congress/Student Representative to the Board of Education

Noel Melendez

Parent and Community Representatives

Vicky Brown
Richard Christopher
Mary Conyer Freedia Ogden
Sheryl Gonzalez
Reverend Sammy King
Marvella Ladd
Freedia Ogden
Glenn Williams

Association of Supervisors/Administrators of Rochester (ASAR)

Sandra Jordan

Board of Education Non-Teaching Employees (BENTE)

Aloma Cason

Rochester Association of Paraprofessionals (RAP)

Charles Francis
Linda Nash

Rochester Teachers Association (RTA)

Patricia Brody
Charles Smith

School Safety Staff

Philip Sanagursky

Central Office Staff

Maurice Bell

1. Introduction


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1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this plan is to provide emergency preparedness and response instructions, information, communications procedures, and guidelines to protect the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors at the time of an emergency.

A standardized plan has been developed for all Rochester City School District (hereinafter known as "District") sites to promote coordinated preparedness measures and integrated emergency response procedures. This plan is designed to be adapted to the capabilities and needs of each site.

1.2 Objectives

  1. Protect the safety and welfare of students, staff, and visitors.
  2. Provide for a safe and coordinated response to emergency situations.
  3. Protect the District’s facilities and property.
  4. Enable the District to restore normal conditions in the shortest possible time.
  5. Provide for the interface and coordination between sites and the District Emergency Operations Center.
  6. Provide for the interface and coordination between the District Emergency Operations Center and the media, District staff, parents, police, fire officials, and others external to the situation.


1.3 Scope

This plan encompasses all public schools located within the city of Rochester and all other District-owned or leased sites (all known hereinafter as "Sites") and addresses a broad range of potential major emergencies.

1.4 Authority

The District Emergency Operations Plan is promulgated by the Superintendent and is implemented at the time of an emergency at the direction of the Superintendent or her/his designee. "Site Coordinators" (the principal or building administrator) implement site Emergency Operations Plans when directed by the Superintendent. In the absence of orders from the Superintendent or her/his designee, each Site Coordinator is authorized and directed to implement this plan, or take other action as may, in her or his judgment, be necessary to save lives and mitigate the effects of emergencies.

New York State Regulations (8 NYCRR 155.13) require that all school districts have written emergency operations plans which will be reviewed at least once a year.

1.5 District Emergency Operations Policies

The District has established certain policies governing emergency preparedness and response that relate directly to this plan. These include:

  • Safety is of paramount importance. All actions taken will bear in mind the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors and reflect a zero tolerance for school violence.
  • All employees of the District are potential emergency service workers and may be subject to assignment to emergency service activities.
  • In the event of a major emergency during school hours, students and staff will not be dismissed without the express approval of the Superintendent or her or his designee. If parents or guardians come to the Site, students may be released under the direction of the Site Coordinator once an effective dismissal procedure has been established.
  • Since the District may be required to assist in the post-emergency care of students, arrangements for the care of the families of staff needed during the emergency should be prearranged.
  • Each school and site will have a designated Site Coordinator (the principal or building administrator) who will supervise the planning and implementation of the Site Emergency Operations Plan. An alternate Site Coordinator will be designated by the Site Coordinator to serve in the absence of the Site Coordinator.
  • At the opening of each school year, the Site Coordinator will prepare a list of staff to be assigned specific emergency response roles (Site Emergency Operations Team). Each Site Coordinator will conduct a survey of site personnel to determine employees’ skills or experience that may be helpful in the time of an emergency. Records of such status will be kept current as changes of personnel occur. Copies of records will be kept on file in the Site Coordinator’s office, and a copy of the Site Emergency Operations Team Checklist will be forwarded to the District Emergency Coordinator by October 1 of each year.
  • To the extent that it is feasible, students should be included in the planning and implementation of the Site Emergency Operations Plan. Sports teams, upper class students, clubs, ROTC, and other student organizations should be encouraged to become a source of leadership among students in the event of an emergency.


2. Emergency Operations Program

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The District has developed a comprehensive emergency operations program comprised of three major components – preparedness, emergency response, and recovery activities. Each of these components, and their respective elements, are addressed in both District and Site Emergency Operations Plans. The Superintendent has designated a District Emergency Coordinator to oversee the District’s program and to assist sites with Site Emergency Operations Plan development, implementation, and training exercises. Each Site Emergency Operations Team provides ongoing oversight, coordination, and evaluation of the emergency operations program at that site. (See 1.5f.)


2.1 District Emergency Coordinator (DEC)

The Superintendent has designated the Chief Operating Officer as the District Emergency Coordinator. The District Emergency Coordinator is responsible for coordinating, supporting, and implementing the District’s Emergency Operations Plan. She or he provides planning assistance to Site Coordinators and makes regular reports to the Superintendent on the status of the program.

2.1.1. Central Emergency Support Team

The DEC will identify a Central Support Team that will be dispatched to a site to serve at the direction of the Site Coordinator. The Central Emergency Support Team will also serve as the Site Operations Team for the Central Offices. (See Appendix.)

2.2 Site Emergency Operations Team

The Site Emergency Operations Team will be established to advise the Site Coordinator (see 1.5f) on matters pertaining to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery issues. The team recommends policies for site emergency preparedness and response planning; plans, conducts, and evaluates required drills; reviews the Site Emergency Operations Plan at least annually and revises it as necessary; conducts a review and critique of the site’s response to emergencies; and recommends improvements in the site’s emergency management program.

2.3 Program Coordination

The District Emergency Coordinator is responsible for establishing general emergency operations guidelines for all Sites.

Site Coordinators are responsible for submitting a current copy of the Site Emergency Operations Plan that is consistent with the established guidelines to the District Emergency Coordinator by October 1 of each year

 

3. Emergency Operations Organization


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3.1 Major Elements

The major elements of the District Emergency Operations organization and their general responsibilities during an emergency are described below.

3.1.1 Sites

Site personnel manage emergencies at the Site until the arrival of City emergency response teams; direct evacuations; perform search and rescue; provide first aid as appropriate; account for students and staff; and request emergency assistance from the District Emergency Coordinator, as necessary.



3.1.2 District Emergency Operations Center

The District Emergency Operations Center coordinates and supports the emergency response by students and staff at the affected location. The District Emergency Operations Center functions will be activated to the extent required by the situation and within the limits of available staff to fulfill each function. The District Emergency Operations Center is located in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer on CO-2.

3.1.3 District Field Operations Center

The District Emergency Operations Center dispatches teams of Facilities personnel to perform damage surveys of all District sites that may have incurred damage, and to perform emergency repairs at District sites, as necessary. Damage and repairs are performed in the order as prioritized by the District’s Emergency Coordinator. The District Field Operations Center is located in the Educational Facilities Office on CO-2.

3.2 Emergency Operations Roles

3.2.1 Site Coordinators

Site Coordinators activate the Site Emergency Operations Plan when notified of a declared emergency by the District Emergency Coordinator or as appropriate; establish a Site Command Post; order evacuation from the building or site; collect, analyze, and report status and damage information to the District Emergency Coordinator; and determine the need for and request public safety assistance as necessary.

During off-hours, and upon notification by the District Emergency Coordinator, or on the occurrence of an obvious disaster, the Site Coordinator reports immediately to the assigned site to conduct a damage survey.

3.2.2 Teachers and Paraprofessionals

Teachers and paraprofessionals not assigned to the Site Emergency Operations Team are responsible for providing care and supervision of students; directing students in appropriate emergency procedures; getting students in need of first aid to the Nurse’s Office or first aid station; calming frightened students; helping restore order; taking roll call, reporting missing students and their last known location to emergency responders; and assisting other staff and students as needed.

3.2.3 Non-Instructional Staff

Noninstructional staff members not assigned as Site Emergency Operations Team members will assist with emergency response duties as assigned by the Site Coordinator.

3.2.4 Public Relations

The Communications Department, in collaboration with the Site Coordinator, will coordinate release of any news information to the media or parties external to the situation. This may include controlling media access and coordination of press conferences or interviews with key communicators (coordinating with the Site Coordinator or the Team Liaison as appropriate).


3.3 Lines of Succession

Lines of succession are established for all Site Emergency Operations Team members to ensure that key positions will be filled in emergency situations in the event of incapacity or unavailability of individuals normally filling those positions. Successors have the full authority and responsibility of the position.


4. Emergency Operations Key Concepts


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4.1 Summary of Planned Response

4.1.1 Sites

The response to an emergency begins at the Site or Sites affected. The Site Coordinator will establish a Site Command Post and will direct immediate protective actions following established District emergency procedures. The Site Emergency Operations Plan and Site Emergency Operations Team will be activated as warranted by the situation.

The Site Emergency Operations Team will report to the Site Command Post and will make immediate provisions for the safety and security of students and staff at the site; perform search and rescue and provide first aid care as necessary; conduct a survey of buildings and grounds for damages; turn off utilities, secure unsafe areas as necessary; account for all staff and students; and maintain documentation of the emergency response. The Site Coordinator will coordinate activities at the Site, and between the Site and the District Emergency Coordinator.

4.1.2 District Emergency Operations Center

The District Emergency Coordinator will direct partial or full activation of the District Emergency Operations Center based upon information provided by the Site Coordinator. She or he will advise the Superintendent of the District Emergency Operations Plan activation. Senior-level staff will report to the District Emergency Operations Center and will begin to assess the situation. Based on their findings, District-wide response priorities will be established and appropriate District emergency response teams (e.g., Facilities, Communications, etc.) will be deployed as indicated.

4.1.3 District Field Operations Center

The District Field Operations Center may be activated when warranted by the scope and magnitude of the emergency. The decision to activate the District Field Operations Center will be made by the District Emergency Coordinator. Upon notification, personnel from the Facilities Department will report to the District Field Operations Center.

The District Field Operations Center will organize, coordinate, and direct staff to assist sites and the Rochester Fire Department with search and rescue efforts if necessary; conduct damage surveys of District buildings; and make emergency repairs based on priorities established by the District Emergency Coordinator.

4.1.4 School Buses

Emergency procedures are established for District bus drivers. Radio communication will be maintained with bus dispatch to receive emergency instructions. The District Emergency Coordinator will provide bus dispatch with emergency instructions as appropriate. (See Appendix.)



4.2 Site Emergency Operations Plan Activation

The Site Emergency Operations Plan will be implemented by the Site Coordinator or her or his designee when conditions exist which warrant its execution, or at the direction of the Superintendent, District Emergency Coordinator, or public safety officials.



4.3 Employee Recall

When an obvious disaster occurs outside of normal working hours, essential employees pre-identified by the Site Coordinator should report to the site after ensuring the welfare of their homes and families. For a nonobvious disaster, the Site Coordinator will recall essential employees utilizing telephone calling trees if telephones are operable, or through the local media if necessary.



4.4 Communications

Telephones are to be used only to report emergency conditions or to request emergency assistance. In the event that telephone service is interrupted, cellular phones or portable radios will be used as provided by the District.



4.5 Accountability

The Site Coordinator must take immediate steps to positively identify all students for which she/he is responsible during an emergency event. The exact location of each student and her/his status must be noted and updated as the event progresses. The Site Coordinator must designate one team member (Student Accountability Coordinator) as the central coordinator of all student and staff information during the event. This coordinator must be clearly identified and remain fully accessible at the incident site throughout the emergency event.

All Site staff will be instructed to report any changes in student status or location to the Student Accountability Coordinator. This requirement will allow a quick and accurate response for parents when they report to the site.



4.6 Search and Rescue

The Site Coordinator may organize search and rescue teams of not less than two persons. Site staff should not attempt rescue if hazardous conditions exist (e.g., live electrical wires down, hazardous chemical spills, fire and smoke conditions, etc.). Searchers will assist any disabled students or staff as necessary, and will close all doors in the event of a fire, after ensuring that all students and staff have evacuated the area. Whenever search and rescue must be performed, the Site Coordinator will notify the Rochester Fire Department for assistance.



4.7 Evacuation

Evacuation of a school or site may be ordered by the Site Coordinator, the District Emergency Coordinator, the Superintendent, or public safety officials. Staff will ensure that all students have left the building, will direct evacuation via designated routes, will take the classroom attendance sheet and Portable Emergency File with them, and will maintain control of the students in the predesignated assembly areas.

Following a building evacuation, each teacher will use attendance sheets to account for all students. The Site Coordinator will be notified of the name and last known location of any missing students or adults.



4.7.1. Buses

The District Emergency Coordinator may order buses to the site to hold evacuees in extreme weather.

4.7.2 Alternate Sites

The District Emergency Coordinator may order buses to transport students to an alternate site. (See Appendix.)



4.8 Student Release and Site Closure

Some emergency conditions may require the release of students. Students will not be released without the express approval of the Superintendent or, in her or his absence, the Chief Operating Officer or Chief of Staff. Elementary students must be picked up and signed out by a parent or an authorized representative of the parent or guardian. Release forms should be maintained in the Portable Emergency File. Students who are not picked up will be kept at the Site under the supervision of Site staff until a decision has been made to relocate them.

Parents, guardians, or authorized representatives of the parents or guardians must be directed to report to a designated waiting area to ensure the accurate transfer of students to their responsibility. Because of the confusion typically surrounding an emergency event, particular care must be given to the coordination of parents arriving at the Site. Middle and high school students may be sent home without parent pickup and sign out. However, in extreme circumstances, the sign-out procedure may be put into place.



4.9 Notification Procedures

Initial efforts to report the emergency and to call for fire or medical assistance will be directed first to 911, then to the District Emergency Coordinator.



4.10 Shelter and Closing of Neighborhood by Police

The Site should be prepared to shelter students and staff for a limited period of time following an emergency. If long-term shelter arrangements are required, the Site Coordinator will advise the District Emergency Coordinator. The District will make every effort to maintain minimum emergency supplies in each building.



4.11 Public Relations Plan

The Communications Department will coordinate release of information to external parties, in conjunction with the Site Coordinator, including any news media as necessary.

Upon learning of an existing or potential crisis, the Communications Department will notify the Board of Education Secretary who will communicate the information to school board members.

In specific circumstances, the Communications Department may notify the Mayor/City Council of a crisis situation.

The Site Coordinator may release news items to the press after review by the Communications Department.

Factual data and/or records shall be released to the media only through the Communications Department.

The District may establish a HOTLINE as a source of information to individuals.

The Communications Department, in some cases, may hold a media briefing at the site or at a location away from the crisis site.



4.12 Crisis Incident Stress Debriefing

Students and staff may cope with painful emotions and feelings resulting from a community or school-related emergency event. The District will make counseling available to all students and staff following a major incident. Debriefing and group counseling sessions will be conducted with follow-up, one-to-one counseling made available as required. The District Directors of Psychology, Social Work, and Guidance will jointly coordinate this effort.



4.13 After-Event Critique

Site Emergency Operations Team members, along with the District Emergency Coordinator, will conduct a formal critique following all emergencies. The purpose of the critique is to review the Site’s response to the event, and to identify deficiencies in current plans, procedures, and the emergency operations organization.

 

5. Preparedness Measures


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5.1 Hazard Mitigation

During the month of August each year, the Site Coordinator and the Custodial Engineer will undertake a physical survey of all Site facilities and grounds for identification and correction of potential hazards. This inspection should include examination of such items as fire extinguishers and eyewash stations for adequate function, as well as properly marked egress windows and clearance of school corridors as a means of escape in case of fire or accident.



5.2 Floor Plan

A floor plan of the Site buildings and grounds indicating the location of all exits, marked egress windows in all classrooms and offices, utility shut-off, fire extinguishers, emergency equipment and supplies, will be maintained and updated as necessary by the Facilities Department and maintained at the Facilities Department with copies at the Site.



5.3 Employee Preparedness

A number of measures are taken on an ongoing basis to ensure that Site employees respond immediately and appropriately to disasters. These include:



5.3.1 Orientation to the Site Emergency Operations Plan

The Site Coordinator orients employees to the Site Emergency Operations Plan in August or September of each year. Orientation includes a review of the employees’ mandated roles as emergency service workers during declared disasters; the Site’s Emergency Operations Plan and concept of emergency operations; emergency response policies and procedures; and how to conduct and evaluate required drills.

5.3.2 Employee Skills

At the beginning of each school year, all instructional and non-instructional staff will be asked by the Site Coordinator to identify any special skills or experience that may be helpful during an emergency or disaster. The Site Coordinator may ask employees with specific skills to fulfill certain emergency management roles (e.g., first aid, CPR, search & rescue, and/or fire extinguisher operation). The Site Coordinator will update the list of identified personnel annually.

5.3.3 Employee/Student Special Needs

Employees with temporary or permanent impairments of sight, hearing, or mobility should advise the Site Coordinator what assistance may be required in the event of an emergency.

Students with special needs are identified at the beginning of each school year and a determination is made on what assistance may be required in the event of an emergency. A copy of this information is forwarded to the District Emergency Coordinator and also maintained in a Portable Emergency File that will be removed by the Site Coordinator if the Site must be evacuated.

5.3.4 Home and Family Emergency Preparedness

An immediate post-emergency consideration for most Emergency Service Workers is the status and well-being of their own family members and loved ones. Since it may not be possible for some employees to return home following an emergency, all employees are encouraged to inform their loved ones of the Site’s plan and develop their own home and family emergency plans.

5.3.5 Telephone Tree

The Site Coordinator shall establish a telephone tree list so that all appropriate staff can be easily contacted for an emergency situation that develops during nonschool hours.



5.4 Teacher Partner System

Teachers in adjacent classrooms will be preassigned joint responsibility for both classes. If one of the teachers must remain with injured students or must assume other emergency responsibilities, the other teacher will supervise both groups of students with the help of other available staff and volunteers.



5.5 Assembly Area(s)

The Site Coordinator will designate an outdoor Assembly Area or Areas where students and staff will gather whenever the building is evacuated. Unless instructed otherwise by public safety officials, students and staff will gather by class or other usual groups and attendance will be taken.



5.6 Portable Emergency File

A Portable Emergency File, containing student emergency contact numbers and other emergency information, will be maintained in the school office and will be removed by the Site Coordinator or his/her designee whenever the building is evacuated.

The Emergency File will be the basis for making individual emergency contacts with parents. The Site Coordinator or his/her designee will determine when individual emergency contacts with parents will be made.

Contents:

  • Copy of Site Emergency Operations Plan

  • District Emergency Phone Numbers

  • Student Emergency Contact Phone Numbers

  • Emergency Release Forms

  • Notepad

  • Pens

  • Portable radio or cellular phone if available

  • Site Floor Plans

  • Personnel RosterStudent Special Needs and Medication List


5.7 Bus Driver Procedures

Students riding buses will receive instruction in September of each year from the bus driver on bus evacuation procedures. If students are on school buses when an emergency occurs, students will be taken to their designated school or to the nearest District school if their primary location is not accessible.



5.8 Training and Drills

  1. Instruction and training in fire drills must be given. These fire drills must be held at least twelve times each school year, and eight of the drills must be held between September 1 and December 1 of each year.
  2. Two additional drills during the summer must be held in buildings where summer school is conducted. One of these must be held during the first week of summer school. Students also must be instructed at one of the drills about procedures to be followed if a fire occurs during a lunch period.
  3. Every school year, three fire drills must also be held on each school bus including practice and instruction on the location, use, and operation of the emergency door, fire extinguishers, first-aid equipment, and windows as a means of escape in case of fire or accident.
  4. All students and staff are required to participate in these mandated drills. The Site Coordinator will maintain a record of the drills, and a complete schedule of drills will be forwarded annually to the City of Rochester, Fire Safety Division.
  5. Site plans will include drills for building-specific emergency responses such as fire, bomb threats, hazardous material spills, etc.


5.9 Plan Review and Update

The Site Coordinator is responsible for reviewing and updating the Site Emergency Operations Plan annually and following any incident during which the plan is activated. An updated copy of the plan will be sent to the District Emergency Coordinator by October 1 of each school year.

6. Responsibilities of Site Personnel

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In the event of a declared emergency, all District employees are subject to emergency response roles.

6.1 All Site Personnel

All Site personnel have the following general responsibilities:

6.1.1 Pre-Emergency

  • Be familiar with their role as Emergency Service Workers in the event of an emergency.
  • Review and be familiar with the Site Emergency Operations Plan, emergency procedures, and specific emergency assignments.
  • Attend emergency training as offered.
  • Be familiar with emergency communications methods and procedures.
  • Participate in emergency drills and training.
  • Prepare a home and family disaster plan.

6.1.2 Emergency

  • Implement emergency procedures as appropriate for the situation.
  • Report to their assigned duty station when notified, or when the emergency situation obviously requires it.
  • Implement emergency assignments using applicable checklists and procedures, as dictated by the situation.
  • Maintain a log of emergency actions.

6.1.3 Post-Emergency

  • Analyze the emergency response to determine the effectiveness of the response.
  • Participate in Site after-action critique as appropriate.
  • Recommend changes to the Site and District Emergency Operations Plans as needed.
  • Restock emergency supplies as necessary.


6.2 Site Coordinator

Site Coordinators are responsible for the annual completion of the following:

  1. Be familiar with all duties and responsibilities of the Site Coordinator.
  2. Update the Site’s Emergency Operations Plan by the last day of September each year and submit a copy of the plan to the District Emergency Coordinator.
  3. Assign employees to roles and responsibilities of Site Emergency Operations Team members and alternates, taking into consideration the skills and abilities and normal functions of employees.
  4. Ensure that all employees are familiar with the Site Emergency Operations Plan and are aware of their emergency response and preparedness roles and responsibilities.
  5. Establish a schedule for fire and evacuation drills.
  6. Update as necessary the plan indicating evacuation routes and the location of assembly areas, emergency supplies and equipment, fire extinguishers, fire alarm pulls, master electrical panels, and main water and gas shut-off valves.
  7. Ensure that emergency procedures are posted in each classroom and in cafeterias and staff lounges.
  8. Update the list of any students or staff with special needs or those who may need evacuation assistance or other special assistance.
  9. Appropriately test the Site warning system and ensure that the system’s signal(s) or announcement is recognized and understood by staff and students.
  10. Maintain a list of emergency phone numbers in a readily accessible location.
  11. Encourage staff to make all possible emergency preparations at their homes ahead of time.
  12. Maintain a file of updated emergency contacts information.



6.3 Instructional Staff

Instructional staff are responsible for the completion of the following:

  • Present instruction to students about emergency preparedness plans for the Site and student responsibilities in case of a major emergency.
  • Keep their attendance sheets readily accessible at all times in order to check attendance in the event of an evacuation.
  • Participate in fire and evacuation drills.
  • Have planned activities for students for use during periods of confinement during an emergency situation.
  • Ensure that each student has submitted a complete emergency contact form.


7. Specific Situations

7.1 Anthrax Threat

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If a letter is received claiming to contain anthrax bacterium or a phone call saying there is an anthrax presence at a Site, the first response has to be containment. The key to controlling the situation is to remain calm and limit the area and persons exposed to the threat.

Immediately after identifying the threat, an announcement is made that all staff and students are to remain in the rooms they are in (or proceed immediately to their next scheduled room). If applicable, no one is allowed in or out of the room in which the letter was opened. Do not call in any additional personnel for help, as this will only increase the number of people with possible exposure.

Next, contact the Custodian and advise her or him to turn off all air handling equipment.

After shutting down the people and airflow movements at the Site, contact the District Emergency Coordinator and call 911.

If applicable, note the type of package, how it was delivered, and anything that will help in the subsequent investigation. Limit exposure to any material in the package by leaving the item alone. Close the package or envelope with the material inside if possible. Keep your hands away from your face so you don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Anthrax facts

  • What is anthrax?
  • Anthrax is a disease normally associated with plant-eating animals (sheep, goats, cattle, and to a lesser degree, swine), caused by the bacteria Bacillus Anthracis. Anthrax has been recognized as an illness for centuries. Symptoms of inhalation of anthrax can begin as early as 24 hours after breathing the spores. Initial symptoms may include fever & chills, cough, chest soreness, chest pain, noisy breathing, weakness, and lethargy.
  • How does anthrax infect me?
  • Human infection with anthrax usually results from direct contact with infected animals, or animal products such as wool, meat, or hides. However, when anthrax is used as a biological weapon, breathing anthrax that is released into the air infects people. Anthrax can also enter the human body through broken skin.
  • Can anthrax be transmitted from person to person?
  • No. There have been no reports of anthrax ever being transmitted from person to person.
  • Is anthrax treatable?
  • If treated before symptoms become severe, anthrax is treatable with common antibiotics. Therefore, it is very important to observe anyone with possible exposure for any of the above symptoms.
  • I have flu-like symptoms, should I ignore them?
  • No. Since a threat of anthrax was made, anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms should be seen by her or his doctor or other local Emergency Department.


7.2 Bomb Threats

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7.2.1 Responding to Telephone Bomb Threats (See attached Bomb Threat call lists in Appendix.)

  1. The Site Coordinator shall be responsible to instruct all personnel, especially employees who routinely answer telephone, on what to do if a bomb threat call is received.
  2. A calm response to the bomb threat caller could result in obtaining additional information. If told that the building is occupied and cannot be evacuated in time, the caller may be willing to give more specific information on the bomb’s location, components, or method of initiation.
  3. The bomb threat caller is the best source of information about the bomb. When a bomb threat is called in:
  • Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask him or her to repeat the message. Record every word spoken by the person.
  • If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, ask him or her for this information.
  • Pay particular attention to background noises, such as motors running, music playing, and any other noise which may give a clue as to the location of the caller.
  • Listen closely to the voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, excited), accents, and speech impediments.
  • Use caller ID, if available, to identify the source of the call.
  • Immediately after the caller hangs up, notify the principal.
  • Notify the police via 911.
  • Notify the Central Office Supervisor of that school or site.
  • The Supervisor’s Office will notify the Public Safety Office, the Plant Security Office and, as necessary, the Transportation Department, the site designated as an Evacuation Site, and School Food Services.
  • Remain available, as law enforcement personnel will want to interview you.

4. Initiate the Site evacuation procedure.


7.2.2 Responding to Written Bomb Threats and Suspicious Packages

If a written bomb threat is received, keep the handling of it to an absolute minimum, as it is important evidence. Mail bombs have been contained in letters, books, and parcels of any shape.

Following are some suspicious characteristics to look for:

  • Letter bombs may feel rigid, appear uneven or lopsided, or are bulkier than normal.
  • The container is irregularly shaped, asymmetrical, and has soft spots and bulges.
  • There may be oil stains on the wrapper.
  • The wrapper may emit a peculiar odor.
  • The package may be unprofessionally wrapped.
  • The package may be labeled with phrases such as "Fragile," "Handle with care," "Rush," "Prize enclosed."
  • There may be cut-and-paste lettering on the address label.
  • The package may have no postage or noncancelled postage.
  • The package may exhibit wires, foil, and string or tape sticking out.
  • The package may emit a buzzing or ticking noise.

A suspicious letter or package may arrive just before or after a telephone call from an unknown person asking if the item was received.

If you suspect a letter or package of being a bomb:

  • Do not open or squeeze the letter or package.
  • Do not pull or release any wire, string, or hook.
  • Do not turn or shake the letter or package.
  • Do not put the letter or package in water or near heat.
  • Do not touch the letter or package to preserve any possible fingerprint evidence.
  • Do move people away from the suspicious letter or package.
  • Do notify the principal or the designated Site Emergency Coordinator immediately who will immediately notify the Central Office Site Supervisor.

7.2.3 Evacuation Plan

  1. All bomb threats or suspicious packages will require the evacuation of the Site unless the threat indicates that the bomb is outside the Site or the suspicious package is outside the Site.
  2. Routes of egress and evacuation or sheltering areas should be searched for suspicious objects before commencing an evacuation.
  3. Evacuation areas must be preidentified in the Site Emergency Operations Plan.
  4. The possibility always exists that students, visitors, and staff may have to evacuate a Site during inclement weather conditions. Students, visitors, and staff must not be permitted to access their lockers to obtain their coats. The District will determine on how best to provide temporary shelter should the time outside be prolonged.

 

7.2.4 Sheltering in the School – Potential Explosive Device Outside the Building

A bomb threat that indicates that an explosive device is in a car, in the school parking lot, or somewhere else outside the Site requires that students, visitors, and staff remain inside the Site. Students, visitors, and staff should be moved to areas away from any identified objects and containing as little glass as possible such as gymnasiums and auditoriums. Any students, visitors, and staff already outside the building should be moved further away (at least 1,000 feet) from the suspicious object.

7.2.5 Search Philosophy

Sites should solicit staff for voluntary membership on a Site Search Team. Members of the Site administrative, faculty, support, and custodial staff should be preidentified to assist in searching a Site for a suspicious object. In September of each year, the Site Coordinator should make certain that this volunteer team is aware of their responsibilities, familiar with the search procedures, and willing to carry out such activities. The District will make every effort to make voluntary search as safe as possible.

The Site Search Team will be joined by a Central Team from the Public Safety and Plant Security Offices in conducting a search.

The evacuation or search unit should be instructed only to look for unusual objects and not in the techniques of neutralizing, removing, or otherwise having contact with the device. If a device is located, it should not be disturbed. However, its location should be well marked and a route back to the device noted.

7.2.6 Suspicious Object Located

It is imperative that personnel involved in a search be instructed that their only mission is to search for and report suspicious objects. Under no circumstances should anyone move, jar, or touch a suspicious object or anything attached to it. The removal or disarming of a bomb must be left to the professionals in explosive ordnance disposal.

7.2.7 Sanitized and Cleared Sites

Site Coordinators may have the option of sanitizing and clearing the Site. This option is most appropriate during examination periods. This option cannot be exercised until the Site is thoroughly searched and secured. The search must be comprehensive to include lockers, bleachers, locker rooms, offices, lavatories, and storage areas.

Once the Site has been sanitized, maximum security must be maintained.

The Site Coordinator must consult with the District Emergency Coordinator prior to making this decision.

7.2.8 Reoccupancy of a Site

After a bomb search has been concluded, the Site Coordinator is the person responsible for making the decision to reenter the school building.

7.3 Civil Disturbance

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A civil disturbance is any situation where a person or group of persons disrupts operations or threatens the safety of individuals. Precautionary protective measures must be taken. If participants enter the building, remain calm and do not provoke aggression.

Teachers/Site Staff:

  • Report disruptive circumstances to the Site Coordinator.
  • Do not argue with participant(s).
  • Have all students and employees leave the immediate area of disturbance.
  • Lock all doors.
  • Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
  • Remain inside building, unless instructed otherwise by the Site Coordinator or police officials.

 

Site Coordinator:

Notify the Police Department by calling 911 and an immediate supervisor and await further instructions


7.4 Control of Contagious Diseases

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Whenever a student shows symptoms of any contagious or infectious disease (see Appendix), she or he should be sent to the Nurse’s Office immediately. Any pupil returning to school after an absence due to a contagious disease must present a statement from a licensed physician stating that she or he is free from the disease. Teachers shall not attempt to diagnose any illness of a pupil, but shall refer suspected cases to the school nurse.


7.5 Earthquake

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Earthquakes strike without warning, and the major shock is usually followed by numerous aftershocks, which may last for weeks or months. An earthquake’s effect on buildings will vary. The shaking may activate fire alarm or sprinkler systems. Elevators and stairways will need to be inspected for damage before they can be used.

The major threat of injury during an earthquake is from falling objects and debris, and many injuries are sustained while entering or leaving buildings. Therefore, it is important to remain inside the building and quickly move away from windows, glass, and freestanding partitions and shelves. Take cover under a sturdy desk or table, in a doorway, or against an inside wall until the shaking stops.

Site Coordinator:

  • Determine if the Site Emergency Operations Plan should be activated.
  • Assign the Site Emergency Operations Team to conduct a preliminary damage assessment.
  • Notify 911 and the District Emergency Coordinator.

 

Teachers/Site Staff:

  • Give the "drop and cover" command.
  • After shaking stops, check for injuries and render first aid.
  • If ordered by the Site Coordinator, evacuate.
  • Do not return to building.
  • Keep a safe distance from any downed power lines.
  • Check attendance whether or not evacuation takes place. Report any missing students to the Site Coordinator.
  • Stay alert for aftershocks.

Drop and Cover Procedure

Inside Building:

  • Get under a desk or table or other sturdy furniture with your back to the windows.
  • If not near any furniture, sit in a corner or with your back against a wall.
  • Drop to your knees, clasp both hands behind neck, bury face in arms, make body as small as possible, close eyes, and cover ears with forearms.
  • If notebooks or jackets are handy, hold over head for added protection.
  • Stay away from windows, bookcases, or other heavy objects.
  • Maintain position until shaking stops.

Outside Building:

  • Assume drop and cover position in an open space.
  • Maintain position until shaking stops.
  • Move away from buildings, trees, overhead wires, and poles.
  • Do not enter building until it is determined to be safe.

 

7.6 Explosion

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Teachers/Site Staff:

  • Give the "drop and cover" command.

  • Sound building fire alarm. This will automatically implement action to leave the building.

  • Notify the Police and Fire Department by calling 911.

Provide the following information:

  • building address, including nearest cross street(s)

  • school/site name

  • exact location of the explosion within the building

  • your name and phone number

  • The Site Coordinator will then notify the District Emergency Coordinator.
  • Check attendance. Remain with students.
  • Render first aid as necessary.
  • Keep students and staff at a safe distance from the building(s) and fire fighting equipment.
  • Public safety officials will determine when the building is safe for reentry.

 

7.7 Evacuations

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The evacuation of the Site is best accomplished using the Fire Drill procedure. Evacuation routes and outdoor assembly areas are predesignated and regularly drilled. Site personnel should be designated to make a systematic final sweep through the Site to assure that a total evacuation has occurred.

A written plan should be in place that addresses the needs of nonambulatory disabled individuals on floors above and below ground level during fire incidents and fire drills. Plan development should include, at a minimum, disabled individuals, building administrators and staff, parents of the disabled individual, and the Rochester Fire Department.

Once the plan has been developed, it should be incorporated in the District Emergency Operations Plan.

On floors above and below ground level, consideration should be given to moving disabled individuals to a central location, or safe area, on the floor of occupancy. Consideration should be given to assigning one or two individuals to each disabled person charged with the responsibility of moving the disabled person to a safe area during a fire incident or fire drill. Individuals assigned to disabled persons should be trained volunteers and aware of the location of their charges at all times.

During all fire drills, nonambulatory disabled individuals should be full participants. However, it is not necessary to remove disabled individuals from the safe area during a drill. All actions necessary to move disabled persons to safe areas should be practiced as part of each drill. Only in a real incident would Site personnel remove nonambulatory disabled individuals from the facility.

7.8 Fire

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In any fire situation, it is important to act quickly and decisively in order to contain the spread of the fire. All doors leading to the fire should be closed. Do not reenter the area for belongings. If the area is full of smoke, students and staff should be instructed to crawl along the floor, close to walls, thus making it easier to breathe. Before opening any door, place a hand near the top of the door to see if it is hot. Be prepared to close the door quickly at the first sign of fire.

In the event of a fire:

  • Sound building fire alarm to automatically implement action to evacuate the building.
  • Call 911. This call must be made for all fires.
  • Provide the following information:
    1. building address, including nearest cross street(s
    2. school/site name
    3. exact location of the fire within the building
    4. your name and phone number
  • The Site Coordinator should notify the immediate supervisor.
  • Attempt to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher only if it is a small fire.
  • Evacuate to an outdoor assembly area. Remain at a safe distance from the fire and away from fire fighting equipment.
  • Render first aid as necessary.
  • Check attendance. Remain with students.
  • Clear access routes for emergency vehicles.

Fire Department officials will determine when the building is safe for reentry.


7.9 Guns (Person With a Gun)

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  1. Definition: For the purpose of this plan, a gun is any pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, or object that looks like a gun.
  2. An incident involving a firearm is potentially capable of causing injury to a large number of students and/or faculty. No one should attempt to be a "hero" in these situations because, if the effort is not successful, tragic results could occur.
  3. Reaction:
  • Immediately contact 911 and the District Emergency Coordinator.
  • Contain the situation and, if possible, remove all innocent persons.
  • If possible, isolate the individual with the gun.
  • Control your own actions. Do not raise the emotional level of the person possessing the firearm by your own actions.
  • Do not confront the armed person. If it is practical and possible, wait for law enforcement personnel to arrive to negotiate a settlement.

 

7.10 Hazardous Materials/Chemical Spill

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Hazardous material spills may occur inside a building, such as a spill in a chemistry lab or boiler room. It is most likely that incidents of emergency magnitude will occur outside, such as a tank truck accident involving large quantities of a toxic material.


Spill outside the Building


The Site Coordinator should:

  • Close all windows and doors; request that the Custodial Engineer shut off mechanical ventilating systems.
  • Notify the Fire Department by calling 911 and provide the following information:
  1. building address, including nearest cross street(s)
  2. school/site name
  3. your name and telephone number
  4. location of the spill
  5. characteristics of spill (colors, smell, visible gases)
  6. name of substance, if known
  7. injuries, if any
  • Notify the District Emergency Coordinator and an immediate supervisor.
  • Keep students, visitors, and staff inside building unless ordered to evacuate by the Fire Department. The Fire Department will advise of further actions to be taken.
  • Do not allow students, visitors or staff to eat or drink anything.
  • If there appears to be imminent danger, a fire drill may be called.

 

Spill inside the Building

The person who discovers the spill should:

  • Alert others in the immediate area to leave the area.

  • Close doors and restrict access to the affected area.

  • Notify the Site Coordinator

The Site Coordinator should:

Notify the Fire Department by calling 911 and provide the following information:

  • building address, including nearest cross street(s)
  • school/site name
  • your name and phone number
  • location of the spill and/or materials released
  • characteristics of spill (colors, smells, visible gases)
  • name of substance, if known
  • injuries, if any
  • Notify the District Emergency Coordinator and an immediate supervisor.
  • Do not allow students, visitors, or staff to eat or drink anything.
  • If there appears to be imminent danger, a fire drill may be called.

 

7.11 Hostage Situation (kidnap)

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  • Definition: A person taken and held, against their will, by means of physical force or threat of harm and held by an individual until certain conditions are met.
  • A hostage situation must be carefully surveyed and evaluated. The safety of the hostage(s) is the most important consideration in any hostage situation. Trained negotiators know that the more time that is gained, the more likely it is the situation will be concluded without violence.
  • Reaction:

Immediately contact 911, the District Emergency Coordinator, and an immediate supervisor.

  1. Avoid, at all costs, any reckless and imprudent action.
  2. Don’t force the issue physically or mentally.
  3. Keep a distance.
  4. Don’t make any quick moves.
  5. Use time as a tool to de-escalate this very tense situation.
  6. Get down if you hear a loud noise.

How to respond in a hostage situation if you are held hostage.

  1. Don’t force the issue physically or mentally.
  2. Keep a distance.
  3. Don’t make any quick moves. They might be interpreted as offensive.
  4. Change your mind-set from one of authority to "hostage."
  5. Keep your cool! Don’t "power trip."
  6. Do not become a spokesperson for the system.
  7. Don’t defend the system/school.
  8. Do not negotiate, dictate, confront, antagonize, defend, or plead.
  9. Evaluate potential hiding places or areas that would keep you out of harm.
  10. Be alert for police actions.

 

7.12 Mechanical Failure Closings

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If a mechanical failure occurs during nonschool hours:

  1. The Custodian and the Facilities staff will routinely monitor building systems and conditions.
  2. When a potentially problematic situation is noted, they will confer immediately with the principal to discuss the situation.
  3. After this discussion, a recommendation will be made to the Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer will confer with the Superintendent.
  4. The Superintendent will make the decision to close or keep open the school. If the Superintendent is unavailable, the Chief Operating Officer will assume this responsibility. If the Superintendent and the Chief Operating Officer are unavailable, the Chief of Staff shall assume this responsibility.
  5. The Communications Department will notify the media of the decision to close the school before 6:00 a.m. Only in the most extraordinary of situations will a school be closed after 6:00 a.m.

If a mechanical failure occurs during school hours:

  1. The Custodian and Facilities staff will routinely monitor building systems and conditions.
  2. When a potentially problematic situation is noted, they will confer immediately with the principal to discuss the situation and report to the Chief Operating Officer.
  3. The Chief Operating Officer will make a recommendation to the Superintendent.
  4. The Superintendent will make the decision to close or keep open the school. If the Superintendent is unavailable, the Chief Operating Officer will assume this responsibility. If the Superintendent and the Chief Operating Officer are unavailable, the Chief of Staff shall assume this responsibility.
  5. The Communications Department will notify the media of the decision to close the school as soon as possible.
  6. The immediate supervisor will coordinate an evacuation to an alternate site, including Transportation and Food Services.

 

7.13 Medical Emergency

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Medical emergencies and accidents can occur at any time. Some emergencies may only require first aid care, while others may require immediate medical attention. When in doubt, it is better to err on the side of caution and dial 911. Medical emergencies involving any student or employee must be reported to the Site Coordinator.

The Site Coordinator shall then:

Dial 911

  • Provide the following information:
  1. building address, including nearest cross street(s)
  2. school or site name
  3. exact location within the building
  4. your name and phone number
  5. nature of the emergency
  • Do not hang up until advised to do so by the dispatcher.
  • The Site Coordinator shall notify the District Emergency Coordinator and an immediate supervisor.
  • Dispatch a first aid/CPR-trained employee to the victim if available. Stay calm. Keep victim warm with a coat or blanket.
  • Do not move the victim unless there is danger of further injury.
  • Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink.

 

7.14 School Bus Accident Procedures

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For all accidents:

  • Call the dispatcher – state if anyone is injured, if there are students on the bus, and the exact location.
  • Dispatcher immediately contacts the Safety Director who is sent to the scene to take pictures and give any assistance necessary.
  • Call 911 – (even if no injuries, report required).
  • Dispatch District troubleshooter to the accident scene.

If there are students on the bus -- no injuries:

  • Even if there are no injuries, notify the school.
  • The driver needs to make a list of students (names and ages if possible). If the accident occurs on the way home, the bus driver or District Troubleshooters should speak to as many parents as possible explaining the delay, etc.
  • The school needs to check each child to make certain there are still no injuries being claimed. A note should be sent home with the child to each parent on the bus explaining what has occurred.
  • Contact the Director of Transportation.

Students on the bus – injuries:

  • Contact the Director of Transportation.
  • Call 911.
  • Contact school.
  • Contact Chief Operating Officer.
  • Troubleshooters and Safety Director to:
  • Make certain that no one is moved.
  • Start collecting names of students, keep track of what hospitals children are being taken to, make certain that someone is assigned to go to each hospital.
  • Give information to Dispatcher so that parents can be contacted. If parents are not reachable, send Troubleshooters to homes to find them. Offer transportation if necessary.

d) Interaction with emergency responders on the scene:

  • EMS personnel will make initial assessment and stabilization of all passengers on the bus.
  • Students who have been assessed by EMS personnel and have no obvious injuries may be transferred to a spare bus on the scene.

 

7.15 Snow (or Other Weather-Related Closings)

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If the weather condition occurs during nonschool hours:

  1. The Director of Transportation and Chief Operating Officer are responsible to routinely monitor possible problem weather patterns.
  2. When a potentially problematic forecast is noted, they will confer between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. of the evening before the school day in question to discuss the situation.
  3. After this discussion, they will monitor the weather conditions at 4:00 a.m. of the school day in question. After this investigation, they will confer and determine their recommendation for the Superintendent.
  4. The Chief Operating Officer will advise Communications and those designated to contact school personnel by 4:30 a.m. if the recommendation is to close the schools.
  5. Central Office Supervisors will contact Principals.
  6. The Communications Department will notify the media of the decision to close the schools before 5:00 a.m. Only in the most extraordinary of situations will the Superintendent close schools after 6:00 a.m.

If the weather condition occurs during school hours:

  1. The Director of Transportation and Chief Operating Officer are responsible for routinely monitoring possible problem weather patterns.
  2. When a potentially problematic forecast is noted, they will confer as soon as possible to discuss the situation and determine their recommendations for the Superintendent.
  3. The Chief Operating Officer will advise the Superintendent if the recommendation is to close the schools.
  4. The Superintendent will make the decision to close or keep open the public schools of the District. If the Superintendent is unavailable, the Chief Operating Officer will assume this responsibility. If the Superintendent and the Chief Operating Officer are unavailable, the Chief of Staff will assume this responsibility.
  5. The Communications Department will notify the media of the decision to close the schools as soon as possible. Only in the most extraordinary of situation will the Superintendent close schools once the school day has begun.
  6. The Executive Assistants will notify schools of closings.

 

7.16 Suicide Threat

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  • Definition: A verbal or nonverbal final appeal for help with a problem.
  • The objective in such a situation is to keep the person from committing the act, OR, if she/he has already hurt herself/himself, to get medical assistance and prevent a needless death. Handling suicide threats requires the utmost sincerity, empathy, and tact. The longer the act is delayed, the more likely it is that the person will be rescued and receive the professional help he/she needs.
  • Reaction:
  1. Call 911. If the person is a student, also notify Youth Emergency Services (via 911) and the parent.
  2. Keep talking to the person. Actively engage them in conversation.
  3. Stall for time until additional help arrives.
  4. Appeal to the person’s emotions.
  5. Reassure to the person that you and others want to help.
  • Reaction – If a weapon is involved:
  1. Exercise extreme caution – keep away!
  2. Don’t jeopardize your personal safety.
  3. If the person does not voluntarily give up their weapon/plan, try to stall the rescue until the police arrive.

 

7.17 Unauthorized Person on Campus (in building or on site)

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  • Definition: Any person entering the school who is not school personnel or a registered student.
  • Staff and faculty should automatically recognize and question the presence of unauthorized persons on campus.
  • Reaction:
  1. All visitors must display approved visitor passes.
  2. Determine whether the person is a legitimate visitor or a potential threat to school safety.
  3. Escort all visitors to the office to sign in.
  4. If a person is suspected of posing a threat, notify the Site Coordinator immediately.

Reaction – If a confrontation is imminent:

  1. Notify 911.
  2. Call the main office.
  3. Do not engage in a violent confrontation; take every other step to ensure your safety and that of students.
  4. Instruct students, faculty, and staff to report any armed persons immediately.

Site Coordinator:

  • Approach intruder(s) and determine nature or purpose of their presence.
  • Ask for identification.
  • If they have no acceptable purpose, ask them to leave.
  • If they refuse to leave, call 911.
  • If the situation is very severe, announce the appropriate "code" on the PA system and make sure that your staff knows that the "code" means:
  1. Hold students in class. Delay movement to the next class.
  2. No passes (including bathroom passes).
  3. Lock doors to all rooms and areas.

All free staff will accompany students who have been locked out of their classroom to a secure area – classroom, office, etc.

e) Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree

(NYS Penal Law 140.10 – B Misdemeanor)

A person is guilty of Criminal Trespass in the third degree when he (she) knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in a building, or upon real property, where the building is used as an elementary or secondary school in violation of conspicuously posted Rules and Regulations governing entry and use thereof.

 

7.18 Utility Failure

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Failure of one or more of the utilities (electricity, gas, and water) constitutes a condition that must be dealt with on a situational basis. Sites should remain open and in operation to the greatest extent possible and students will be cared for until their regular dismissal time as long as safety and security are not compromised.

 

Site Coordinator:

  • Notify the Facilities Department and an immediate supervisor and provide the following information:
  1. sections of the Site affected
  2. type of problem or outage
  3. expected duration of the outage, if known
  • Advise Site staff of the problem and actions to be taken.

 

7.19 Weapons (Other than Guns) (See page 21 for Guns.)

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  • Definition: Unauthorized presence or use of dangerous weapons such as knives, bombs, explosives, and firecrackers.
  • Remember that the majority of weapons confiscated in New York State schools fell into this category. Don’t relax just because the weapon is not a gun. All weapons are potentially life-threatening.
  • Reaction:
  1. Call police.
  2. Immediately notify the Site Coordinator.
  3. Do not confront the person.
  4. Identify the person, person’s location, and location of the weapon.
  5. Determine the level of threat.
  • Reaction:
  1. Call for back-up.
  2. If possible, isolate the individual with the weapon.

 

8. Building Security

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8.1 School Resource Officers

  • Middle and high school buildings shall have the services of School Resource Officers (SRO) provided by the Rochester Police Department.
  • Elementary buildings will not have on-site police assigned, but will have access to and support from appropriate Police Sections.

 

8.2 Sentry Personnel

  • Middle and high school buildings shall have school sentry personnel assigned designated security responsibilities.
  • Elementary buildings will have school sentry personnel assigned only as needed on an ad hoc basis as determined by the Chief Operating Officer.

 

8.3 Metal Detection Scanning

  • Middle and high school buildings shall perform metal detection scanning schedules as prescribed by the Superintendent of Schools. (See Procedures in Appendix.)

 

8.4 District Security/Public Safety Personnel

  • District security and public safety personnel will be available to all schools on an as-needed basis.

 

8.5 Walk-Through Scanning

  • District Public Safety Personnel will implement use of Walk-Through Scanning equipment at middle and high schools as designated by the Chief Operating Officer. (See Procedures in Appendix.)

 

8.6 Surveillance Equipment

  • The District will employ cameras and other electronic surveillance equipment in the security of Sites. Every effort will be made to videotape the metal detector scanning process.

 

9. Security Personnel

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9.1 Responsibilities

  • School sentries are responsible for maintaining order and protecting the well-being of students and staff within the school and on school property.
  • School sentries are expected to participate as part of a Site metal detection scanning team overseen by a school administrator.
  • Sentries routinely maintain order in hallways and cafeterias. The role includes direct intervention to control disturbances among students.

 

9.2 Training and Requirements

  • Training for sentry staff includes successful completion of an eight-hour pre-assignment course provided by a local security firm.
  • New York State licensing.
  • Annual eight-hour inservice training thereafter to maintain licensing.

 

9.3 Assignments

  • School sentries are routinely assigned to middle and high schools. Assignments to elementary schools are done on an ad hoc basis.

 

10. Prevention and Intervention Strategies

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10.1 Emergency Operations Training

The following training schedule for staff and students will be implemented annually. The focus of training will be to develop prevention and intervention strategies. Training represents a collaboration of the District and Rochester Police and Fire Departments.

Training Activity

Person(s) Responsible

Time Line

Sentry Training Human Resources Dept. Ongoing
School Building Evacuation Drills Principal Per Fire Code Mandates
Training of Custodial Personnel in Hazard Mitigation Facilities Department September
Orientation of Staff to the Site Emergency Operations Plan Principal First week of school
Training in the Use of Fire Extinguishers Facilities Dept. Fall
Emergency Telephone Tree Drills Chief Operating Officer Ongoing
Disaster Simulation Drills Chief Operating Officer, Rochester Police & Fire Depts. 1 Annually (date to be determined)
Telephone Training for Clerical Staff on Bomb Threat Calls Chief Operating Officer, Rochester Police Dept. Ongoing
Student Training in Drop and Cover Procedures Site Staff Fall
Staff Training in Scanning Procedures & Scanning Equipment Use Public Safety Staff Fall
De-escalation of Violent Situations Chief Operating Officer, Rochester Police Dept. Annually (date to be

determined)

Chemical Spills/Hazardous Materials Management Chief Operating Officer, Rochester Fire Dept. Annually (date to be determined)
Conflict Resolution Training for Students Site Staff Ongoing
Peer Mediation Training for Students Site Staff Ongoing
First Aid Certification for Health & PE Staff Human Resources Dept. August

11. Communication

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11.1 Crimestoppers

  • Each middle and high school building will operate a Crimestoppers program.
  • The Crimestoppers program provides students the opportunity to provide information on threats, violence, and crimes that have occurred or will occur. All reporting is confidential. Rewards are provided to students.

 

11.2 Hotline

  • The District operates a Hotline 262-TELL (262-8355) which is available to staff, students, parents, and community members.
  • The Hotline is in operation 24 hours per day and 7 days per week for the purpose of sharing information with the District.

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