| Otsego Public Schools |
| Bylaws & Policies |
8420 - EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AT SCHOOLS
The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe learning and work environment. Unfortunately, natural and man-made disasters do occur. Such emergencies are best met by preparedness and planning.
The Board directs that a system of emergency preparedness be developed that addresses the following goals and/or objectives:
| A. | the health and safety of students and staff are safeguarded; | |
| B. | the time necessary for instructional purposes is not unduly diverted; | |
| C. | minimum disruption to the educational program occurs; | |
| D. | students are helped to learn self-reliance and trained to respond sensibly to emergency situations. |
All threats to the safety of District facilities shall be identified by appropriate personnel and responded to promptly in accordance with the plan for emergency preparedness.
Each school shall conduct at least six (6) evacuation/fire drills, two (2) tornado drills and two (2) lock down drills each school year. At least four (4) of the fire drills shall occur in the fall.
The Superintendent shall develop procedures for the handling of emergencies which include:
| A. | a plan for the prompt and safe evacuation of the schools which shall be practiced monthly in fire drills conducted in accordance with law; | |
| B. | the conduct of bus evacuation drills in accordance with provisions of the rules of the State Board of Education; | |
| C. | the designation of appropriate locations to shelter students in case of tornado; | |
| D. | procedures for the safe dispersal of students from school property and, if necessary, a plan for the sequester students in a safe place other than the school; | |
| E. | design of a communications system to alert the whole District community, when necessary, and to notify parents of the evacuation of students; | |
| F. | instructions in safety precautions to be taken in case of tornado alert or warning; | |
| G. | instruction in emergency preparedness and survival techniques as a part of the regular curriculum of the schools; | |
| H. | the immediate notification of appropriate administrative personnel whenever any employee becomes aware of an emergency or impending emergency; | |
| I. | cooperation with such local officials and agencies as the Fire Marshall, law enforcement, civil defense, and other educational institutions; | |
| J. | instruction of staff members in decision making and the techniques of handling emergencies; | |
| K. | the continual evaluation of the effectiveness of emergency planning in preparing the schools to cope with disaster. |
M.C.L.A. 29.19
A.C. 1301:7-7-01, 3301-35-03 (D), 3301-83-15
Revised 12/11/06