Severe Weather Emergency

MITIGATION / PREVENTION

• Prepare school safety plan for severe weather.
• Include information for students about safety measures to be taken at home and at school during instruction about natural events such as severe weather, earthquakes or floods.

PREPAREDNESS

• Conduct regular tornado drills in accordance with Indiana State Laws and school district policy. (Twice per semester including once during tornado awareness week).
• Test emergency communications systems and weather radio.
• Review tornado drill procedure annually and make necessary changes.
• Train new staff on tornado drill procedures.

RESPONSE

• When the school receives information of a tornado “WATCH”, all staff members will be informed by verbal communication from the principal or secretary.
• Custodians will be posted as “storm watchers” at the southwest corner of the building.
• The secretary will be designated to monitor the weather radio and corporation emergency radio.
• When a tornado “WARNING” has been issued by the National Weather Service, the building alarm will be activated.  The signal for a tornado warning is an intermittent tone from the fire alarm.
• In case of power failure, the principal or designee will go throughout the building with the “bull horn” to announce the warning.
• Program Assistants will share responsibilities for the security of children with disabilities.  During a “Warning” or drill, Program Assistants will assist getting the students to the shelter areas.
• Students will leave the classrooms and go to the designated shelter areas.
• Windows and classroom doors will be closed.
• Students will kneel toward the wall and place their hands over the head.
•  Teachers will be responsible to account for all students and to keep them closely supervised.
• If there is reported damage to the building or anywhere with-in school boundaries, the Safety Management team will activate as outlined on page 9 of this plan.