BCSD Emergency Information Brochure in English

New This Year Schools will not announce drills ahead of time. It’s important to “perform as you practice” and students and staff will not be told whether or not an event is a drill when it occurs. Unplanned drills are a more accurate representation of our level of preparedness.

IN CASE OF SCHOOL EMERGENCIES • Stay Put, Stay Tuned • Monitor • blaineschools.org • facebook.com/blaineschools • twitter.com/blaineschools • Local Media • Check email and text for urgent messages • Avoid calling or visiting schools, unless instructed

Reuniting With Your Child In rare instances when children are held or relocated for safety: • Wait for official word before attempting to pick up students • Avoid arrivals that can impede emergency response and slow reunification • Students will only be released to individuals listed on their emergency card • Be sure to bring proper identification

EMERGENCY NUMBERS AND NOTES

Talk to Your

Child Remind your child to follow instructions for their own safety. Reassure them that principals and teachers have been trained and know what to do in an emergency. Please encourage your child NOT to use their cell phone during an emergency. This can jeopardize their safety, overload the phone system, hamper the ability of first-responders to effectively handle the emergency, and cause delays in releasing official communication to parents, guardians and the community.

Emergency Information Guide for Parents and Guardians

Following an emergency: Listen to and acknowledge your child’s concerns.

Reassure your child that they are safe.

Assure your child that additional prevention efforts are being put into place.

Seek help from your school social worker or mental health professional if concerns persist.

Cover photo courtesy of the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office.

Blaine County School District #61

Blaine County School District

Written and Produced by the BCSD Communications Department.

Blaine County School District #61 Our Mission: To be a world-class, student-focused, community of teaching and learning.

STAY CONNECTED!

(208) 578-5000 www.blaineschools.org

What You Need to Know Emergencies are rare, but we can be prepared if we work together.

Be Prepared for a School Emergency Ensure that your child’s emergency contact information is accurate, current and updated as needed. To update this information, please contact your child’s school directly.

Set up Skylert notification in Skyward Family Access. If you need help, please contact your child’s school directly.

Remove the attached Emergency Procedure Card and carry it with you at all times.

Become familiar with BCSD’s emergency communication procedures. The district’s goal is to provide accurate and timely information in the event of an emergency.

Subscribe to the BCSD Weekly Update, a weekly email newsletter. To subscribe go to www.blaineschools.org.

Become familiar with the district and school websites at: www.blaineschools.org.

Talk with your child about how they can report emergencies and respond if they are in an emergency situation.

Create a family emergency plan by going to http://www.redcross.org/prepare/ location/home-family.

In Case of a School Emergency

Emergency Terms and Procedures

Official BCSD news sources will share information and updates as quickly as possible. Avoid rumors and speculation; they cause undue concern. Remember, students and staff may not have accurate information right away.

In the event of an emergency at your child’s school, it is important to know these terms and procedures which students and staff will be following.

Stay calm. Remember, most emergency actions are precautionary.

Monitor www.blaineschools.org, BCSD Facebook/Twitter and local news.

Remember to refresh your browser when viewing our website.

Check your email, voicemail and text messages for urgent messages.

Avoid calling or going to your child’s school, unless instructed. Phone lines and staff are needed for emergency response efforts.

Do not inadvertently interfere with emergency response crews.

Do not phone/text your child. Staff and students are discouraged from using cell phones during emergencies.

School may be the safest place for students.

In the case of an actual emergency BCSD will be working with emergency officials and local law enforcement to ensure that students are safe inside their schools.

Code Red - Lock Down Imminent danger. Lock Down. Take cover immediately. If you are outside, do not enter building. Hide. Be as invisible as possible. Be silent. Stay calm. Guide students/staff quickly into nearest room. Lock room. Turn lights off and mobile phones to vibrate. Close windows and blinds. Note extra and missing students/ staff. Remain in place until further action is announced.

Code Yellow - Caution

Lock Down. Work as usual. If you are outside, move inside quickly. Take roll. Report extra/ missing students and staff. Remain in place until further action is announced.

Code Green - Evacuation Evacuate the building. Close windows and doors. Turn lights off. Follow posted evacuation route. Take roll. Report extra/missing students and staff. Remain in place until further action is announced.