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In our continuing efforts to be prepared for various kinds of emergency events, we would like to ensure that you know procedure should there be a possible evacuation of our school.
In the event of a small emergency, such as the smell of smoke or a small fire, the students would be evacuated out of their classrooms to locations outside and away from the building. This procedure works very well for the short duration/minor emergencies that we could experience, and we practice this type of evacuation regularly. If we are able to correct the situation, the students will return to the classroom, and the normal school day resumes. However, in a larger event we need to institute a program of evacuation that corresponds with the increased potential threat to the safety of the students. In the event of a significant emergency, for example a large fire or a nearby hazardous materials spill, we are going to be moving the students out of harm's way to the Newcastle United Methodist Church, or the Newcastle Elementary School campus. This action will allow us to safeguard the welfare of the students by removing them to a safer area further away from any dangerous or hazardous incident. By moving the students to another location we also accomplish two other very important tasks. We will be removing the students from an environment where there could be large numbers of first responding emergency personnel, such as firefighters and police officers, along with their complicated machinery and equipment. We will also be providing a much safer and less confusing area to reunite the students with their parents, or other means of transportation, in the event that we cancel the school day. Linked to this page is our map showing details the off-campus locations where we could evacuate our students. It is very important that you hold onto this map during the school year and place it somewhere that you can find it quickly. In the event that you hear news reports regarding the evacuation of our campus we do not want you to go directly to our campus. Parents coming to the campus would greatly increase the confusion and traffic congestion around the school, especially at a time when emergency personnel are present or are trying to move in equipment. If you hear about an emergency and a possible evacuation, please listen to KAHI News Radio, 950 on your AM dial, for news updates as to location where students have been moved to. The specific location that we pick will depend upon the type of emergency and other critical factors. We will advise KAHI News Radio the exact school location where we have evacuated the students, and they will broadcast this information on a frequent basis to aid us in our reunification efforts and the proper release of our students. Additionally, we will put out messages via email and text with Remind to keep you updated with information regarding the emergency situation, and provide you with reunification information and pick up points. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please don't hesitate to contact the school office. Thank you very much in helping us with our continuing efforts to provide a safer school environment. |
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