What parents can do to help schools keep their children safe during an emergency

Information related to keeping you student safe during an emergency or crisis situation.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

During some type of emergency situations, schools will implement a lock-down or Shelter in Place mode.  These are procedures recommended by law enforcement and emergency service personnel and are designed to protect students and staff.  Students will be secured in a classroom and other school site and told to remain calm and quiet until receiving further instructions.  Teachers will take their class roster and account for all students in their classroom and those who are elsewhere in the building.  Doors to classrooms and the school building will be locked to protect students.  A buffer zone will be established at each school to provide limited access for parents.  If necessary, students will be evacuated in an orderly, calm fashion.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO:

Trust your school and community emergency services personnel to do what is best for your child.

Tell your child to stay in school and follow instructions.  Students who leave school face greater risks, and the need to search for missing students can delay or impede safety procedures.

Listen to radio and television for the latest information regarding the emergency, or follow your school’s procedures for receiving emergency information.

Refrain from trying to retrieve your child from school.  If necessary, students will be released to parents.  However, in the interest of safety, it may be necessary to request identification to protect your child.

Talk to your school principal or school resource officer about what you can do to support safe schools.

For more information, log onto www.ready.gov or ask your school office for copies of Homeland Security safety information.