Emergency & Security
Fire / Earthquake Drills and Procedures
Fire / Earthquake Drills
We have fire drills once a month and earthquake drills twice a year to prepare and train for an actual emergency.
Fire Drill Guidelines
When the signal for the fire drill sounds,
1. Evacuate immediately according to the fire exit signs.
2. Leave coats, books, and personal belongings in the classroom.
3. Turn off lights, close doors and windows as you leave.
4. Keep your class together and move at least 300 feet away from the building.
Do not block sidewalks or driveways that may be used by fire trucks.
5. When all students are accounted for, send a student runner to the designated
check-in point to report to the principal or assistant principal.
6. Return to the building only after the all clear bell rings three times.
The assistant principal times and monitors the exit. When all classes are
accounted for and the building is verified “safe”, the secretary
will ring the “all clear” signal.
Earthquake Drill Guidelines
Sonitrol is to be notified by the school secretary prior to the earthquake/fire drill exercises.
When the signal for the earthquake
sounds:
1. Drop and Cover – (teachers model) - Immediately take cover under
desks or tables and turn away from windows.
2. Turn Away From Windows – (teachers model)
3. Stay Under Shelter Until Shaking Stops – (at least 60 seconds)
4. Listen For Instructions – (teacher talks calmly to students, review
procedure for evacuating classroom)
A Fire Drill will immediately follow all Earthquake Drills. When the alarm
rings, everyone in the building is to exit. Your cooperation and participation
will help assure the safety of our staff and students.
EARTHQUAKE SAFETY PROCEDURES
WHAT TO EXCEPT DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
The first indication of a damaging earthquake may be a gentle shaking. You
may notice the swaying of hanging plants and light fixtures, or hear objects
wobbling on shelves. Or, you may be jarred first by a violent jolt (similar
to a sonic boom). Or, you may hear a low (and perhaps very loud) rumbling
noise. A second or two later, you'll really feel the shaking; and by this
time you'll find it difficult to move from one place to another.
It's important to take "quake-safe" action at the first indication of ground shaking. Don't wait until you are certain an earthquake is occurring. As the ground shaking grows stronger, danger increases. For example:
Free-standing cabinets and bookshelves are likely to topple. Wall-mounted objects (such as clocks and artwork) may shake loose and fly across the room.
Suspended ceiling components may pop out, bringing light fixtures, mechanical diffusers, sprinkler heads, and other components down with the.
Door frames may be bent by moving walls and may jam the doors shut. Moving walls may bend window frames, causing glass to shatter and sending dangerous shards into the room.
The noise that accompanies and earthquake cannot cause physical harm. However, it may cause considerable emotional stress—especially if you're not prepared to expect the noisy clamor of moving and falling objects, shattering glass, wailing fire alarms, banging doors, and creaking walls. The noise will be frightening, but a little less so if it is anticipated.
EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE GUIDELINES
During a major or moderate earthquake, the greatest immediate hazard to people
in or near a building is the danger of being hit by falling objects. During
the ground shaking, the school population is safest finding immediate shelter
under desks, tables, or counters.
If Indoors:
· Stay inside; move away from windows, shelves, and heavy objects and furniture that may fall. Take cover under a table or desk, or in a strong doorway (but anticipate that doors may slam shut during an earthquake).
· In halls, stairways, or other areas where no cover is available, move to an interior wall. Turn away from windows, kneel alongside a wall, bend head close to knees, cover sides of head with elbow, and clasp hands firmly behind head.
· In library, immediately move away from windows and bookshelves, and take appropriate cover.
· In laboratories and kitchens, all burns should be extinguished (if possible) before taking cover. Stay clear of hazardous chemicals that mall spill.If Outdoors:
· Move to an open space, away from buildings and overhead power lines. Lie down or crouch low to the ground (legs will not be steady). Keep looking around to be aware of dangers that may demand movement>
· On the school bus, stop the bus away from power lines, bridges, overpasses, and building. Students should remain in their seats and hold on.
Indoors or outdoors, when an earthquake occurs:
TAKE ACTION AT THE FIRST INDICATION OF GROUND SHAKING.