The purpose of this booklet is to ensure that everyone knows what to do when faced with a threatening situation. It covers emergency procedures and reactions to specific situations.
At the core of the School’s emergency procedures is our Security Team, Staff/Students, Crisis Management Team (CMT), and Medical Team.
If you are the first on the scene of an emergency situation, you will need to determine if it is a school-wide emergency or if it can be treated as a localized emergency.
(Individual injury, small isolated fire or accident, etc.)
1. Call SECURITY first for ALARM.
2. Call the NURSE’s office if there are injuries. Ext - 1110
044-22549000
044-22541393 Ext - 1228 / 1200
High School - 2210 / 2212
3. Call the nearest SECTION OFFICE if you can.
Middle School - 2202 / 2204
Elementary School-2144 /2146
• Ensure your safety and the safety of anyone in the area.
• Inform the nearest Section Office/Head of School Office/security personnel if you can’t use a phone.
• Redirect students or others away from the scene.
In any case of emergency, there are only two possible optional reactions: (1) Evacuation, (2) Shelter in Place
Each and every emergency will be communicated to the staff in two ways:
• Through the PA system
• In person by one of the security personnel
If you are not sure what to do and/or if there is an emergency, stay in classes, SHELTER IN PLACE, and wait for a security person to contact you. SHELTER IN PLACE will always be the default reaction. Further instruction will come from the Crisis Management Team (CMT) through security personnel.
• Security Manager
• Security Coordinators/Supervisors
• Quick Reaction Team
• Command and Control Room Operators (CC Room)
• Console Operators
• Security Guards
In the event of an emergency, the Security Team will react according to the Security Team Emergency Procedure. Instructions regarding the emergency will come from the Security Manager through radio communication and Security Personnel.
The School’s Security Team is trained to respond to specific emergencies.
Teachers are responsible for the supervision and safety of students in their charge. Teachers who do not have a class at the outset of an emergency should report to the nearest security personnel for instructions or use their common sense in making themselves useful.
During an emergency, teachers will do the following:
• Respond to the specific emergency as described in this booklet and direct students accordingly through the appropriate emergency procedures.
• In the event that an emergency occurs during a field trip or other off-campus school-sponsored activity, contact the Command and Control Room immediately.
• Give clear and calm instructions to students during an emergency.
• Remain with students until released by the Security Team.
• Direct the evacuation of students under their supervision to designated areas according to Security Team instructions or common sense.
• Take attendance as soon as conditions allow.
• Report missing students to the Security Team and wait for instructions.
• Assess physical condition of students. Any students requiring first aid should receive it as soon as conditions allow.
• Keep order.
• Ensure communication with and from outside sources is appropriate, relevant, and accurate.
The safety of children is the prime consideration in any emergency. Student cooperation is critical during any emergency situation. Students will follow the directives given by their teachers and/or Security Team.
Shelter in Place: Whenever an emergency situation presents itself such that it is safer for students and staff to remain inside the school building, the Head of School, Principal or designee may order “SHELTER IN PLACE.” Shelter in Place, generally, will be ordered when a situation presents a danger to a large portion of the student body. The Crisis Management team may modify the SHELTER IN PLACE or make a planned release from SHELTER IN PLACE if the danger is contained or has subsided. This response action is initiated when there has been an accidental or intentional release of a chemical in the vicinity of the School SHELTER IN PLACE Shelter may also be called for, in response to severe weather, explosion, and civil unrest.
Evacuation: This emergency response activity is initiated when it is determined that it is not safe to remain in school buildings or stay on campus. In this situation, students and staff are moved to a safer location either on or off-site. Evacuation is initiated in case of fire on campus, major earthquakes, etc.
The Crisis Management Team includes the following school professionals:
Head of School (CMT Manager) - Greg Clinton
Chief Operating Officer - Vineet Sawhney
High School Principal - Justyna McMillan
Middle School Principal - Kelsey Bull
Elementary School Principal - Lynn Schneider
Director of School Strategy - María Pérez Talavera
Director of Advancement - Gautami Ramachandhran
Director of Enrollment Management - Anna Dearden
Security Manager - Vinodh Ashokan
Data and Information Systems Director - Vimal Krishnamurthi
School Physician - Dr. Sharadha Srinivas
Health Care Professionals - Jessy David/Suvitha R./Barakathunnisa Begum
Director of Athletics & Extended Learning - Gemma Adderley
Executive Manager (HoS Office) - Sandra Alex
• The CMT will NOT be activated automatically and in full strength.
• The CMT will be activated after the immediate reaction and once the crisis is stabilized.
• The CMT will be activated only by the Head of School or acting Head of School.
• The activation will be implemented through direct telephone call that will indicate the time and place.
• To conduct a status assessment based on the reports of different CMT professionals;
• To make operational decisions for managing and stabilizing the crisis;
• Coordination with local authorities;
• Communicate to the community through SMS and emails; and
• Close the incident.
(Situations: Imminent Threat, Natural Calamities, Chemical, Radiological, or other hazard.)
During the alarm, you will be guided by the voice note for the sequence of responses to be carried out during the crisis.
• Lock the door and maintain SILENCE.
• Turn OFF lights.
• Turn mobile phones on SILENT, stay out of sight.
• Close blinds/shades or use desks or other materials to cover windows.
• Get behind or under furniture (away from windows or doors).
• During SHELTER IN PLACE, disregard fire alarm.
Maintain silence until:
“ALL
CLEAR - BACK TO ROUTINE”
signal is given at the door or over the PA system.
• If students are in the bathroom, they should remain there. Security will handle them.
• If students are en-route from a special, they should enter the nearest classroom.
• Teachers should immediately gather stragglers from the hallways into their classroom, immediately lock the door, and close hallway blinds.
• If confronted by an intruder, staff member should direct the intruder away from the students and signal the nearest staff member to contact security immediately.
• Parents on campus should immediately find and enter an unlocked room.
• Level 1 will SHELTER IN PLACE in the kitchen and storage rooms, and nearest lockable rooms (avoid rooms with glass windows and doors).
• Level 2 will SHELTER IN PLACE in the nearest classrooms.
• Level 3 will SHELTER IN PLACE in the auditorium.
• SHELTER IN PLACE (please exit and find the nearest lokable room)
• This will act as a self-contained unit for SHELTER IN PLACE Emergencies and will not SHELTER IN PLACE unless instructed to do so by security or the Head of School Office. In the event of a SHELTER IN PLACE emergency at the Business Office, personnel will follow the same procedures as on the main campus and communicate with the Security Team when it is safe to do so. This includes the offices of the Chief Operating Officer.
During the alarm you will be guided by the voice note for the sequence of responses to be carried out during the crisis.
• Line up your students outside your classroom door.
• Lead your students in SILENT, orderly lines to the evacuation point.
• Move towards the evacuation point and help others who may need assistance. Maintain SILENCE.
If you are not sure of the instruction being announced, stay in the classroom and wait for security personnel to contact you in person.
• Hold up a Green Card if every student on your class list is present in your sight (do not assume they are with someone else).
• Hold up a Red Card if someone on your class list is not present in your sight.
• Elementary School Teaching Assistants (TAs) help class teachers monitor students and maintain order (there should be at least one adult with each grade or class).
Maintain silence until “ALL CLEAR - BACK TO ROUTINE” signal is given.
During the alarm you will be guided by the voice note for the sequence of responses to be carried out during the crisis.
Upon noticing fire or smoke, the individual observing fire or smoke is required to activate the nearest alarm. DO NOT attempt to put out the fire—leave it to the Security Team.
a. At the sound of the fire alarm, teachers should line up students quickly and quietly and evacuate the room, closing all doors. Teachers should take their EMERGENCY BOOKLET and CLASS ROSTER as they leave the room.
b. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
c. Proceed in a single line along the prescribed evacuation route to the soccer field. If you are not in a room, use the most direct route to the soccer field assembly area. Evacuation Routes are found on the route map in all classrooms and offices.
d. Parents on campus should move directly to the soccer field without disturbing the traffic flow of faculty and students in any way.
In case of an accidental/prank/short circuit activation of the fire alarm:
a. The Security Supervisors will (1) locate the station where the alarm has been activated, (2) move to the station triggered, and (3) confirm it is a false alarm.
b. CC Room operator will announce, “FALSE ALARM.”
c. Teachers, students, and staff are to stand still where they are at the time of announcement.
d. CC Room announces, “ALL CLEAR–BACK TO ROUTINE,” upon confirmation from Security Manager.
Each class will line up in single line as they arrive. The teacher will stand at the front of each line.
Each class will line up in single line as they arrive. The teacher will stand at the front of each line.
The School’s “Safe Haven” is located at the Gym. The Safe Haven will be used as the School’s “Lockdown” option depending on the kind of emergency.
The Safe Haven is equipped with food and water supply for 72 hours for all students and staff.
• Have your students line up outside your classroom door.
• Lead your students in SILENT orderly lines to the evacuation point.
• Move towards the evacuation point and help others who may need assistance. Maintain SILENCE.
• Hold up a Green Card if every student on your class list is present in your sight (do not assume they are with someone else).
• Hold up a Red Card if someone on your class list is not present in your sight.
• Elementary School Teaching Assistants (TAs) help class teachers monitor students and maintain order (there should be at least one adult with each grade or class).
Maintain silence until “ALL CLEAR - BACK TO ROUTINE” signal is given at the door or over the PA system.
• The Medical Team includes the Health Office and the Security Team. The Health Office is equipped with radio communication to connect to the CC Room or any other security personnel directly.
• In case of a medical emergency, the Medical Team will assemble at the site of the emergency and respond to the directives of the nurses and Principal.
Call the Health Office - (Extn: 1110 / 9840729563 / 9940635827 and / or the Command and Control Room (Extn: 1200 / 044-22541393 / 95000 20841 / 93848 42883 / Main Security Desk (Extn: 1228 / 98407 05625).
Remember to speak clearly, precisely, and slowly to be easily understood.
• Your name
• Exact location (Landmark, Floor, Room number)
• Nature of emergency
• Number of casualties
• Indication of type and extent of injuries and help given
Main Security Desk
Health Office
PE Office
FAC Cafeteria
FAC Level 3 (Near elevator landing area)
Elementary Covered Play Area
When inside a building, “DUCK, COVER and HOLD” under the nearest table or desk and as far away from windows as possible.
1. Remain under cover until TREMORS stop.
2. If the table or desk moves, move with it.
3. If in an area where no cover is available, move to an interior wall, drop down, and cover your head with arms.
4. When the tremor has stopped (usually about 2-3 minutes), teachers should line students up quickly and quietly, evacuate the room, and exit the building.
5. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
6. The teacher should take the Emergency Procedure Booklet and Class Roster with them as they leave the room.
7. Proceed in a single line along the prescribed evacuation route to the Soccer Field or to the area specified/announced by the CC Room. If you are not in a room, use the most direct route to the soccer field assembly area. Evacuation routes are found on the route map in all the class rooms and offices.
8. At the soccer field or specified area of assembly, the teacher should remain with their assigned grade-level groups, take attendance, and report attendance to the administrator in charge. Teachers and students should maintain a quiet, orderly presence until the “ALL CLEAR” signal is given.
9. Parents on campus should move directly to the field without disturbing the traffic flow of faculty and students in any way.
10. PRECAUTIONS – Drop, cover, and remain still until the tremors subside. Shield head with hands and elbows, shield eyes with arms, move away from windows, shelves, heavy objects, suspended objects, light fixtures, and furniture that may fall. Take cover under desks, tables (hold on to legs of tables), doorways, or other heavy furniture; choose to take cover near interior walls, leave doors open.
PRECAUTIONS - If you are in a hallway, stairway, gymnasium or other areas where no cover is available, move to an interior wall. Turn away from windows, kneel alongside the wall, bend head close to knees, and clasp hands firmly behind neck, cover the sides of your head with your elbows, with your back to the wall.
Library: Move away from shelves and take cover under a desk or table.
Laboratory or Kitchen: Extinguish all burners (if possible) before taking cover. Stay clear of hot food, oil or hazardous chemicals or foods that may spill.
School bus or other vehicle: The vehicle should pull over and stop, away from power lines, bridges, overpasses and buildings. Passengers should remain in their seats and brace themselves.
After-shocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks, and that a larger earthquake might occur.
Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to reach a nearby safe place.
Follow these steps in case you feel tremors:
If indoors:
1. Drop to the ground; take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and hold on until the tremor stops.
2. If there is no table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
3. Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table or even under a bed.
4. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
5. Stay in bed if you are in the Health Office when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
1. Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway.
2. Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
3. DO NOT use the elevators.
If outdoors
1. Stay there.
2. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.
3. If you are in an open space, stay there until the tremor stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
4. Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
5. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris
6. Do not light a match.
7. Do not move about or kick up dust.
8. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
9. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout if you have no other way to communicate. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust so be careful.
All bomb threats are taken seriously until proven otherwise. Most bomb threats are received by phone/email. However, threats may be received via handwritten note, email, instant messaging, or other means.
• Remain calm.
• If someone calls you with a bomb threat, get as much information as possible (use checklist attached)
• Reach out to your supervisor and security immediately with the checklist.
• Make yourself available to responding authorities in the event they need additional information.
• If a threat was sent electronically, DO NOT clear or delete messages.
• If a threat is by written note, DO NOT handle the document.
• Contact your supervisor as soon as possible.
• Make yourself available to responding authorities in the event they need additional information.
• Do NOT panic!
• Do NOT go looking for the bomb!
• Do NOT give any information about the bomb threat to anyone except Law Enforcement Personnel.
• Do NOT give any statement to the media or press.
• DO NOT use two-way radios or cell phones within 100 feet of building—radio signals have the potential to detonate a bomb.
• DO NOT activate the fire alarm.
• DO NOT touch or move a suspicious package.
The CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM (CMT) will:
• Be activated after the immediate reaction and once the crisis is stabilized.
• Make operational decisions for managing and stabilizing the crisis.
• Coordinate with local authorities and law enforcement.
• Communicate to the Regional Security Officer at the US Consulate Chennai.
• Communicate to the community through SMS or emails based on the situation.
• The “Shelter in Place” emergency response will be followed initially. Refer to Page 10 of this emergency booklet for more information.
• “Evacuation to the Safe Haven”: This decision will be taken based on the situation that it is not safe to remain in the classrooms. The AISC Security Team will carry out thorough inspection of the Safe Haven before evacuation.
• “Evacuation”: This emergency response activity is initiated when it is determined that it is not safe to remain on campus.
• “Controlled Release”: A coordinated, monitored release of students and staff from the campus after an emergency incident and/or crisis event. Refer to Page 23 of this emergency booklet for more information.
Instructions: Remain calm and be courteous with the caller Do not interrupt the caller Pretend you can’t hear the caller and try to keep the caller talking Fill out the form below with as much information as possible
1 Where is the bomb going to explode?
What will cause the bomb to explode?
2 When is the bomb going to explode? 6 Did you place the bomb? If so, why?
3. What does the bomb look like?
4. What kind of bomb is it?
Exact wording of the threat: Time of Call:
What is your address?
What is your name?
Phone Number Call Received From:
Your Position: Date of Report:
Note: Reach out to the security immediately (Extn. 1200/1228) with the checklist.
Controlled Release: A coordinated, monitored release of students and staff from the campus after an emergency incident and/or crisis event.
Assembly Area: A place where all students and staff will gather before the release.
Check Point: Entrances to the assembly area that are managed by supervisors to assure a quiet and calm reunification between parents and students.
Release Point: A station that will monitor the release of all people leaving the campus.
• A Controlled Release procedure will be activated according to the Crisis Management Team’s decision. The order will be given by the Head of School (or acting Head of School) through the Principals.
• Before a Controlled Release, all students and staff will be assembled in a designated area according to instructions (soccer field). Principals will have to report to the Head of School about the presence of their section staff and students. The Security Manager will report to the Head of School about the clearance of the building and the presence of parents and visitors.
• Each teacher will ensure that their students are reunited with their respective parents, through a check-list, and will report to their Section Principal.
• No child will be released without a signout process at the release points. Every child must be released to a parent/ guardian or a pre-authorized adult.
• Security supervisors managed by the Security Manager will be responsible for controlling and monitoring parents to
contact their children physically through the checkpoints at the school assembly area.
• Two release points will be deployed at the Main Entrance and the Elementary School Entrance to monitor the leaving of families. Each station will be staffed by security supervisors and an administrator.
• A supervisor, receptionist, and administrator will be deployed by the CMT at the Main Entrance and Elementary School Entrance stations respectively.
• Both stations will have a full list of students and their contact numbers along with the pre-authorized controlled release form.
• Every student will have to sign their release form at the time of leaving.
• Staff and security personnel will leave the campus after the release of all students.
Hold up this RED CARD if someone on your class list is not present in your sight.
Hold up this GREEN CARD if every student on your class list is present in your sight (do not assume they are with someone else).