Table

of Contents
Section 1- Annual Preparation
PRINCIPALS PACKET COMMUNICATION CONTACT CHECKLIST ................................. 4
ANNUAL STAFF REVIEW INSERVICE ................................................................................. 5
SCHOOL SAFETY RESPONSE PLAN VERIFICATION FORM............................................... 6
PRINCIPALS GO PACK BACKPACK ................................................................................... 7
Section 2- Procedures
RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEACHERS DURING A CRISIS ........................................................ 9
REMINDERS ............................................................................................................................... 10
LOCKDOWNS ............................................................................................................................. 11
NON-EMERGENCY LOCKDOWN ........................................................................................... 11
EMERGENCY LOCKDOWN ..................................................................................................... 12
INTRUDER- Unidentified/Unauthorized Person ......................................................................... 13
ARMED STUDENT OR INTRUDER ......................................................................................... 14
HOSTAGE SITUATION.............................................................................................................. 15
EVACUATION OF THE BUILDING TO AN OFF-SITE LOCATION .................................... 16
OFF-SITE EVACUATION LOCATIONS................................................................................... 18
POST-EVACUATION PROCEDURES ...................................................................................... 19
SEVERE WEATHER TORNADO RESPONSE ...................................................................... 20
BOMB THREAT .......................................................................................................................... 22
BOMB THREAT INTERVIEW/INCIDENT FORM .................................................................. 23
BUS ACCIDENT ......................................................................................................................... 25
TELEPHONE CENTER PERSON............................................................................................... 27
PRINCIPAL COMMUNICATION IN A TIME OF CRISIS ...................................................... 28
VERIFY THE FACTS .................................................................................................................. 28
ONGOING RESPONSE ............................................................................................................... 29
ONGOING RESPONSE (Continued Feedback) .......................................................................... 30
SUICIDE: VERBAL OR WRITTEN THREATS ....................................................................... 31
POST SUICIDE AT SCHOOL OR IN THE COMMUNITY ...................................................... 32
1

DEATH OR HOMICIDE AT SCHOOL ...................................................................................... 33

BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR GUIDELINES STUDENT DEATH....................................... 34
ADMINISTATOR GUIDELINES FOR FAMILY CONTACT IN THE DEATH OF A
STUDENT .................................................................................................................................... 35
USE OF EpiPen ............................................................................................................................ 36
ALLERGIC REACTION.............................................................................................................. 37
DRUG OVERDOSE ..................................................................................................................... 38
Section 3- Miscellaneous Procedures
LIAISON TO THE HOSPITAL ................................................................................................... 39
ASSAULT/ SEXUAL ASSAULT................................................................................................ 41
MISSING OR ABDUCTED STUDENT ..................................................................................... 42
UTILITY ACCIDENTS ............................................................................................................... 43
UNSAFE CONDITIONS REPORT FORM ................................................................................. 44
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILL............................................................................................. 46
DEALING WITH THE AFTERMATH OF A CRISIS................................................................ 47
EMOTIONAL RESPONSE .......................................................................................................... 48
SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE OR ENVELOPE ............................................................................... 49

Section 1
Annual
Preparation

SCHOOL YEAR_______________

Evacuation Drill Date_______________________

PRINCIPALS PACKET COMMUNICATION CONTACT CHECKLIST

CRISIS CORE SAFETY RESPONSE TEAM Building specific
The purpose of the Core Response Team is to carry out the directives of the Safety Response plan and
provide a planned and caring approach to assist students and staff members in consistently dealing with
the impact of a sudden crisis in our school community. At the time of being notified of a crisis situation
requiring evacuation, the Crisis Team is instructed to report to the meeting site for further instructions.

CRISIS RESPONSE CENTER:___________________________________

ALTERNATE SITE:____________________________________________
Crisis Team Composition

Name

Work #

Home/Cell #

___ Response Team Head

___ Alternate Team Head
___ Evacuation Site Supervisor
___ District Office Contact
___ Student Service Personnel
Coordinator for Parents
Additional Resource Contact
___ Recorder
___ Telephone Center Person
___ Hospital Liaison
___ Law Enforcement Liaison
___ Custodial Representative
___Person updating Go Pack
Optional Crisis Team Support Resources:
Regions Hospital Emergency Center
Regions Hospital Main Line
Regional Poison Center
Public Health Department
Safeway Bus Company
Law Enforcement
FBI
Fire Department

651-254-3307
651-254-3456
800-222-1222
651-554-6100
651-451-1375
651-450-2525/911
763-569-8000
651-455-5082/911

Copy to the Superintendent

4

ANNUAL STAFF REVIEW INSERVICE

Date Reviewed with Staff________________________
The principals shall do the following annually:
1.

In-service faculty and staff to train Safety Response responsibilities.

2.

Review the Staff Safety Procedures with all staff, including non-teaching staff.

3.

Review Evacuation Procedures and make sure each area has posted the necessary
procedures for evacuation, tornado and fire. This should be checked annually with the
district safety official. Copies of all building information must be provided to the
superintendent. One evacuation drill to the alternate site should be scheduled annually.

4.

Determine who will be part of the Building Crisis Team and meet with them to review
their responsibilities. Inform the superintendent of these identities on an annual basis. Be
sure to practice any necessary procedures.

5.

At the beginning of the school year, check the Go Pack for completeness. Update any
changes as they occur.

6.

Designate a person and back-up that will be responsible for staying outside and directing
ambulance and/or other emergency vehicles to the necessary and best points of access to
the building.

7.

Assign a person and back-up who will be a recorder of events as they occur. This person
is also responsible to prepare a detailed incident report for future review by the district.

8.

Assign a person and back-up to be responsible for communicating with the command
center when the need exists.

9.

Assign a person and back-up with the responsibility to travel with student or students in
the ambulance.

10.

Assign an Evacuation Site Supervisor and back-up who will work with the
administrative assistant and superintendent or his/her designee in releasing students from
the evacuation site and maintaining safety.

SCHOOL SAFETY RESPONSE PLAN VERIFICATION FORM

The school principal must send a copy of the verification form(s) to the superintendent by the
end of the first week of school EACH year.
School Name:
1.

School Year:

List the schools chain of command:

First (Response Head)
Second (Alternate Team Head)
Third

2.

List the schools Crisis Response Team members:

Names

3.

Titles

List the following information from the schools evacuation plan:

Evacuation site
Phone number
Number of buses needed to evacuate

4.

All emergency systems and procedures have been reviewed with the building staff.
Date
Time

5.

All emergency procedures have been checked, including cell phones and Go Packs.
Yes_____

Signature of building principal

Date

PRINCIPALS GO PACK BACKPACK

_____

Current Floor Plan (mark utility shut-offs and where to disarm the fire alarm) copy
superintendent, laminated copy in the pack and in the office.

_____

Staff Directory

_____

Safety Response Plan with team member names and locations and phone numbers
copy superintendent

_____

Teachers schedules and class lists copy superintendent

_____

Duplicate set of building keys/marked

_____

Evacuation site maps copy superintendent

_____

Phone book and list of cell phone numbers copy superintendent

_____

Paper and pen

_____

Sign out sheets for parents

_____

Flashlight with extra batteries or crank flashlight

_____

Cell phone charger

_____

Megaphone and/or whistles

As you leave the building:

_____

Cell phone (include numbers of district office and other cell phone numbers)

_____

Student sign-out sheet from the office

_____

Emergency Information binder from the nurses office

_____

Medications and other medical items gathered by nurse

_____

Building emergency calling tree and administrator calling tree

Section 2
Procedures

RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEACHERS DURING A CRISIS

Always keep a class roster up-to-date and keep readily accessible. When evacuating, you must
have an accurate attendance list with you. YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING
WHERE EACH OF YOUR STUDENTS IS. KEEP THEM WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.
Supervise students, assistants, visitors, guests, volunteers, etc. who are in your area.
Do not allow anyone to act independently.
Release no students except as directed by the building principal or designee.
Do not leave students unattended.
Encourage students not to use phones and explain why.
Do not allow students to leave the room for restrooms, lockers, or any other reason,
unless directed by the building administration or police or fire departments.
During a lockdown, remain in the classroom and follow all lockdown procedures.
Take attendance.
Account for all students.
Make list of students not in the room and possible locations where they could be found.
Turn list in to police or administrative designee when asked for or before leaving if
school is dismissed.
Wait for instructions.
During a school wide emergency, do not call office unless you have vital information that cannot
wait.
If fire alarms go off while in a lockdown, DO NOT evacuate unless confirmed by
announcement.
In all other circumstances, obey the fire alarms.
Following a crisis, provide a list of students you feel should be referred to counseling.
Make notes summarizing the events and provide them to the principal.
Facilitate appropriate follow-up discussions concerning the incident.

REMINDERS
In general, incidents must be handled in an objective and sensitive manner. It is important to
maintain the regular school routine. However, a number of students and staff may be upset,
frightened and concerned.
Do: Help control rumors. If asked, provide only the facts as indicated on the fact sheet that is
provided for you.
Do: Watch for distraught or depressed students. Report these students to the appropriate
guidance and student services staff.
Do: Refer concerned or affected students to the guidance office for assistance. The guidance and
student services staff will be provided for students in need.
Do: Be extra diligent in your supervision of hallways, restrooms, lunch room and any other
areas or circumstances where students may have less structure than in their classrooms.
Do: Take careful attendance and inform the office immediately if anyone is missing.
Do Not: Speculate on the causes or outcomes related to the incident or follow-up circumstances.
Remember, students overhear conversations in the halls and between teachers. You may
jeopardize a privacy concern or law enforcement investigation through speculation.
Do Not: Discuss the situation with the media. Any media questions should be referred to the
district office through your building office. Use only the fact sheet if you are asked questions
about the incident in the community.
Following a crisis, mandatory meetings will be scheduled either before or after school. Fact
sheets and follow-up plans will be shared.

10

LOCKDOWNS
The decision to lock down a school rests with the school administrator at the site affected.
Administrators will also make the decision about whether to call students in from outside
activities, depending on the situation.
Use one of two terms:
Non-Emergency Lockdown
Emergency Lockdown

NON-EMERGENCY LOCKDOWN
1. Clear students from hallways, restrooms, or any other room that cannot be secured and does
not offer concealment.
2. Ignore all bells.
3. Lock room. Pull shades and stay away from windows if directed by administrator.
4. Lock all exterior doors. Once the doors are locked do not open for anyone until directed by
the school administrator. No one is to enter the building during a non-emergency lockdown
with the exception of emergency personnel.
5. Maintain a calm environment through calm leadership. Reassure students that everything
possible is being done to return the situation to normal.
6. Class may continue.
7. If a non-typical disturbance is heard, get everyone to the floor.
8. Contact the office if you have an emergency in your room.
9. Conduct frequent counts of all your students and immediately report any missing students to
the administrator in charge.
10. Do not leave area until all clear is issued by the school administrator.

11

EMERGENCY LOCKDOWN
1. Direct students into nearest classroom and lock the door.
2. Students should be out of view from the hallway, quiet and on the floor.
3. Maintain a calm environment through calm leadership.
4. Do not enter the building if your class is outside of the building. Move to your off-campus
evacuation site.
5. Wait for the all clear announcement to answer or open the door/return to campus.

12

INTRUDER
Unidentified Person/Unauthorized Person

Approach the intruders and determine the nature of their presence.

Ask for identification.
Direct and/or accompany them to the main office if appropriate and not a threat.
If they have no acceptable purpose, ask them to leave.
If they refuse to leave, remind them that they are in violation of the law and the police
will be called.
If they continue to refuse to leave, call 911 for police.
If the situation is very severe, determine the need to call a lockdown.
Evacuate any students locked out of their classrooms or in a public area to a safe area
within or outside of the building.
Call the district office, ensuring that the necessary administrators are notified.
File an incident report, regardless of whether or not the parties left willingly or not.

13

ARMED STUDENT OR INTRUDER

Principals Office
Call 911 for police.
If phone, PA/or email are disabled, utilize cell phone and two-way radios for
communication.
Determine the need for a lockdown.
If weapon is SUSPECTED or VISIBLE with a student but not in use:
Text Room number and 911 to administrators and/or School Resource Office (SRO) or
call administrator.
Have police officer bring the student to the office with backpack, purse, books, and other
possessions.
Ensure that at least two adults and a police officer are present at the search.
Tell the student what is suspected and ask the student/person to give location of the
weapon.
If the student denies or refuses, ask the student to empty pockets and all other containers.
If search yields nothing, two adults and the police officer will search the students locker.
If a weapon is found, law enforcement will remove the student from the campus.
Call the district office to notify the superintendent.
Notify parents of the student.
Follow disciplinary action according to your own code of student conduct.
File an incident report.
If weapon is a threat to staff/students from within the building (class, hall, gym, etc):

Call emergency lockdown.

Call the police.
Call the district office, ensuring that the necessary administrators are notified.
Escort police to scene.
Stay out of view of student.
Work with police officers as directed.

If an outside intruder with a weapon enters the building:

Call an emergency lockdown.
Call 911.
Lock all interior doors.
Stay out of sight.
DO NOT USE THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Remain calm.
Refer media calls to district office.
File an incident report.
14

HOSTAGE SITUATION
If staff member is aware of a hostage situation:
Call the office to inform them of the situation or text room number and 911 to
administrators and/or SRO.
Follow any instructions, including lockdown procedures, received from the
administration or police.
Remain in the designated area until given further directions.
If leaving your classroom, take your student roster with you and account for all
students once you have reached the designated area. If any students are mission,
immediately notify the school administrator.
Principals Office
o Call 911 for police.
o Determine the need for a lockdown.
If staff member is held hostage:
o Remain calm.
o Speak calmly to the hostage taker but with a firm voice. Do not shout.
o DO NOT aggravate the situation by arguing with the hostage taker.
o Calmly inform the hostage taker of any special needs of the people in the
classroom.
o Ask if everyone else can leave.
o Keep a distance between yourself and the hostage taker if possible.
o DO NOT make any sudden moves. Ask permission before moving around.
o Try to keep all students calm and under control.
o Use time as a tool to de-escalate the situation.

15

EVACUATION OF THE BUILDING TO AN OFF-SITE LOCATION

1.

Call 911 for police and/or fire department as necessary. Advise if ambulances are needed
and to what location.

2.

Isolate the area of greatest danger. Advise nurse and staff to administer first aid as
necessary.

3.

Call 651-306-7800, the district office. Designate who the staff person will be who
communicates with and updates the district office. The district office will ensure that the
necessary administrators are notified:
a.
b.
c.

Advise if primary or alternate evacuation sites will be used.

Advise whether students need to be transported by bus to another site.
The district office will notify the appropriate media.

4.

Notify the contact person at the off-site location of the incident and the need to move
students to that location.

5.

Notify the Transportation Coordinator (651-306-7095) if transportation is required to the

evacuation site. The Transportation Coordinator will notify the bus company.

6.

The Superintendent will assign a district office administrator to assist at the evacuation
site.

7.

Ensure that the designated staff person brings sign out forms for parents to the off-site
location.

8.

Notify staff of a building evacuation to an off-site location. Announce whether or not

students and staff should collect jackets etc. At the high school, designate a person to
block the driveway from the parking lots so that students do not leave in their cars.

9.

Advise staff members to sweep-search all areas of the building for stragglers. In case
other searches become necessary, a team representative will search with police and/or
fire representatives.

10.

Evacuate all staff and students to pre-designated evacuation areas.

11.

Ensure that appointed staff members assist with disabled students.

12.

Divide support staff to provide assistance.

13.

Ensure that staff members and cafeteria workers have turned off all motors, fans and
other power driven equipment when required.

14.

Administrators and food service staff should plan for the need for food and water at the
evacuation site.
16

15.

The total roster of students must be examined:

a.
b.
c.

16.

At the evacuation site, a pre-appointed staff member must collect attendance

rosters and note missing students. This must be verified with the daily
attendance.
Designated staff must search for missing students.
This information will be turned over to law enforcement at evacuation site.

Organize system if the superintendent or designee dismisses students for the day from the
evacuation site:
a.
b.

Set up check-out area with emergency release forms

Designate area and system for loading buses

17.

Principal announces All Clear Return to Class at evacuation sites when/if

appropriate.

18.

File a detailed incident report inclusive of time lines and designees.

17

OFF-SITE EVACUATION LOCATIONS

The following sites have been designated for each of the buildings:
Hilltop Elementary
Evacuation site
Drkulas, 6710 Cahill Avenue
Phone
651-451-1717
Cell phone number of on-site supervisor
Pine Bend Elementary
Short Dance Studio (tentative)

Evacuation site
Phone
Cell phone number of on-site supervisor

Salem Hills Elementary

Evacuation site
Crossroads Church, 5590 Babcock Trail
Phone
651-451-0639
Cell phone number of on-site supervisor
IGH Middle School
Evacuation site
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill
Phone
651-451-6226
Cell phone number of on-site supervisor Jim Smeby 651-492-1738 (c)
651-455-3110 (h)
Simley High School
Evacuation site
Inver Hills Community College
Phone
Security Dispatch Center 651-450-3711
Cell phone number of on-site supervisor 24/7 On call facilities person 651-755-6099
24/7 On call safety officer 651-755-0539
Director Facilities 651-450-3528 (office)
651-328-0189 (cell)
Director Safety and Security 651-450-3528 (o)
651-755-0539 (c)

Copy to superintendent

18

POST-EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Communication
Confirm with the superintendent or his/her designee that All Clear has been announced and
provide any updated information.
The district office will call other schools, the Bus Company and media as necessary. The
superintendent or his/her designee will utilize and or assign office leadership to assist with
follow-up needs.
The team will be assembled and provided with updated information and assigned follow-up
roles.
Communication Roles
Family Contact The superintendent/designee and Communications Coordinator will determine
the appropriate communications to community or families in conjunction with the building
principals.
Staff Contact The principal will provide communication to necessary school staff regarding the
current situation and receive information from staff regarding other issues that arise.
Outside Resources The district office will contact outside agencies or neighboring school
districts for assistance. A list of resources will be provided to student support staff for student
and staff referrals.
Assessment and Debriefing
Campus Monitors The principal will assign two or more staff to move throughout the building
(including bathrooms) locating wandering or distressed students/staff. The monitors must report
students needing assistance to the student support staff.
Medical Facilities - A person assigned from the building crisis team will maintain contact with
the medical facility or facilities to which injured students have been transported.
A debriefing will be scheduled with staff and students to clarify facts and rumors. Review the
Dos and Donts checklist. It is recommended the principal provide prepared statements to be
read to students by staff.
Media
Direct media to the superintendent or his/her designee. Any changes in this procedure will be
communicated to the principal/building.

19

SEVERE WEATHER TORNADO RESPONSE

Principals Office
Tornado Warning A tornado is reported within the area
Announce the warning immediately and move all students to the designated areas as
practiced during the drills.
Ensure that all handicapped students have the necessary assistance.
Account for all students.
Parents arriving at school to pick up students should be invited to shelter inside but not
remove students.
Keep all exterior doors closed.
Post Tornado - If the building is struck by a tornado
Call custodian(s) to ensure that gas and electricity have been shut off at the main
switch(es).
Call 911 for ambulance(s) and fire department.
Locate all injured and move as little as possible.
All staff should administer first aid until medical assistance arrives.
Evacuate damaged areas cautiously.
Call the district office, ensuring that the necessary administrators are notified (phone,
radio, or special messenger).
Report to the district office any injuries or structural/property damage.
Advise the district office of the 911 call.
Collect all class lists and account for all students.
Establish a communication and staging site as soon as possible. Get information to
parents as soon as possible.
Retain students in shelter areas until it is considered safe to return to class or go home
(released to parents/board school buses).
After uninjured students have all been accounted for and released, principal should go to
hospital to be with injured students and their parents.
File the incident report.
If a tornado passes without striking
Be cautious, as there may still be severe weather in the area.
Continue to monitor the National Weather Service for current advisory information.
Notify utility companies of any break or suspected break in lines which might cause
danger.
Retain students in shelter area until it is considered safe to return to class, go home, be
released to parents, or board buses.
Announce an ALL CLEAR RETURN TO CLASS.
Notify parents of the events of the day (Elementary letter and email; Secondary
email).

20

SEVERE WEATHER TORNADO RESPONSE (cont.)

Principals Office
Tornado Watch Conditions are right for tornado formation
Notify staff that a tornado watch is in effect.
Remind staff and students of what will be expected if a tornado WARNING is issued.
Remind teachers in exterior rooms to close windows.
Activate pre-designated staff to monitor National Weather Service warnings.
Bring students and staff in from playgrounds and other outdoor areas at principal
discretion.
During a tornado WATCH a student may be released to a parent or to one of those listed on
the emergency release form; however, the parent must physically sign the student out of the
building.

21

BOMB THREAT
Principals Office
Call 911 for police and report that a threatening phone call has been received.
Call the district office, ensuring that the necessary administrators have been notified.
Make a decision regarding the need to evacuate in consultation with superintendent and law
enforcement.

Utilize chain of command for responsibilities

Use evacuation procedures if evacuating
Designate main office-command center
Designate alternate center if necessary
Re-enter building only after joint decision with police and district office

DO NOT SPECULATE: Use the information from the threat evaluation, the threat itself, the
person who reported the threat, etc. Be prepared to provide documentation of the evidence you
used in your determination if asked.
1. How did the person
receiving the threat judge it?
Why?

Specific serious tone of voice,

expressed urgency

Non-specific
seemed to be a joke

2. Who is being threatened?

3. What is the threat? How is
this to happen?

Specific by name/group/class of
people.
Specific bombs/knives/guns/blowup/destroy/mutilate/death

Non-specific not
mentioned
Non-specific not
mentioned

4. When is the action to

occur?
5. Where is this action to
occur?
6. Why is this action to
occur?

Specific time of day/class/date/day/

hour/someday/sometime.
Specific building/room/bus/school/
district/city/place/somewhere.
Specific reason / because you all
deserve it.

Non-specific not
mentioned
Non-specific not
mentioned
Non-specific not
mentioned

A collective decision by officials of law enforcement and the fire department (if involved), the
building administrator and the superintendent shall determine whether to close school and send
students home or to re-occupy the building. If the decision is to close school, the superintendent
or his/her designee will notify appropriate media outlets to make an announcement alerting
parents that children will be coming home. He/she will also arrange for the school buses to be
called and dismissal procedures administered.

22

BOMB THREAT INTERVIEW/INCIDENT FORM

LOCATE NEAR ALL INCOMING OFFICE PHONES
Remain calm let the person talk first without interruption.
Incident information:
Date_________________________________
Time________________
Location______________________________
Recorded by___________________________
Means of threat (circle): Phone
Written
Face-to-Face Suspicious Package
What line is the call on?
Phone number shown on caller ID
Male or female?
Adult or student?
Exact words of the threat:

After the caller delivers the initial message you should proceed with the following questions:
WHERE is the bomb?
WHEN will it explode?
WHAT does it look like?
WHEN was it placed?
WHAT will cause it to explode?
WHY was it placed?
WHY are you calling now?
WHAT is your address?
WHAT is your name?

Response
Response
Response
Response
Response
Response
Response
Response
Response

Keep the caller talking as long as possible and listen for any clues. Ask the caller to repeat message if necessary.
Inform the caller that your facility is occupied. Tell caller that the bomb could injure innocent people, including
children.
IMPORTANT
AFTER THE CALLER HANGS UP, IMMEDIATELY PRESS THE LINE THE CALL CAME IN ON.
Notify the building principal/administrator. The building principal will notify the police.
Callers Voice (circle)
Calm
Slow
Stutter
Deep
Giggling Nasal
Stressed Sincere
Disguised

Crying
Loud

Slurred
Broken

Accent________________

Angry
Rapid
Squeaky Excited
Normal

Is the voice familiar? ___Yes

___No
Who does it sound like?________________
Describe background noises_______________________________________________________

23

Written Threat
Describe________________________________________________________________
Where found_____________________________________________________________
Unusual markings_________________________________________________________
Documentation and chain of custody trail______________________________________
Face-to-Face Threat
Who made the threat?______________________________________________________
Exact words______________________________________________________________
To whom was the threat directed_____________________________________________?
Documentation and chain of custody trail______________________________________
Suspicious Package
Describe________________________________________________________________
Where found_____________________________________________________________
Unusual markings_________________________________________________________
Documentation and chain of custody trail______________________________________

BOMB THREAT INVOLVING A VEHICLE

Date of threat
Time threat was received
Location of bomb
Which vehicle(s) is the bomb in?
What type of vehicle (bus, car, van)
Destination of the vehicle
Estimated time of arrival
Number of students
Name of driver or other adults on the vehicle

Notify district office

Superintendent or his/her designee will need to make the following decisions:
Date and Time
Notify law enforcement
Evacuate?
Notify the bus company
Inspect the bus?
Send replacement for the vehicle?
Determine clearance
Notification of parents

24

BUS ACCIDENT
NON-SPECIAL EDUCATION SAFEWAY BUS:
Safeway will call 911, the Transportation Coordinator, and the Principal(s) of the school
involved with the current location of the accident, injuries, severity of the accident, and any other
pertinent information. Transportation Coordinator will call principal to notify and send the most
current list of students on the bus. Transportation Coordinator will go to the accident site.
SPECIAL EDUCATION OR FIELD TRIP DISTRICT BUS:
Driver calls Transportation dispatch who will call 911. Driver will report current location,
severity of the accident, injuries, and any other pertinent information. Transportation
Coordinator will call principal(s) to notify and send the most current list of students on the bus.
Transportation Coordinator will go to the accident site.
PRINCIPALS OFFICE (Administrators Operational Procedures)
Call the superintendent or his/her designee, who will ensure that the necessary administrators
are notified.
Collect emergency health information from enrollment charts for all students on the bus.
Appoint a staff member to go to the accident site and to report any special health
considerations to the medics on-site.
If an ambulance has been called, the staff member should accompany the ambulance to the
hospital with the emergency health information, and should act as a liaison between hospital
and school.
In the event of a serious injury or fatality, the principal or designee will go to the accident
site and to the hospital.
Appoint staff to contact parents.
Minor Injury
The victim should sit or lie down even minor injuries cause fainting.
If severe injury is suspected, do not move victim.
Keep the victim warm.
Reassure the victim be optimistic fear and pain can worsen the victims condition.
Determine the seriousness of the illness or injury. If serious, advance to procedure on major
injuries.
Refer to major injury section for first aid and burn treatment.
Never leave the seriously ill or injured unattended.
Obtain the name of the injured person and parent/guardian or nearest relative. Ask the
specific location of the parent/guardian or nearest relative at the time.
After the incident, complete accident forms as required.
Cooperate with school administration and law enforcement in review of the incident.
Major Injury
Administer first aid to:
o Restore and maintain open airway
25

o Restore and maintain breathing

o Stop severe bleeding
o Treat for shock
o Treat for life threatening injuries
o Treat burns
Contact emergency services.
Stay with the student until the parent or guardian or emergency care unit assumes
responsibility.
No internal or external medication should be given unless specifically prescribed.

The building principal and/or school nurse will provide a follow-up phone call to the parent to
discuss the injuries after medical treatment.

26

TELEPHONE CENTER PERSON

Stay calm
Handle incoming calls, transfer them to appropriate authorities as directed by building
administration
Record callers and their purpose
After the emergency, prepare a summary of happenings for review

If building is accepting calls the following script may be used:

Secretary Statement for Incoming Calls

At this time our school is involved in an emergency situation. No calls from media are
being addressed at this time. We are attempting to keep lines available for necessary and
vital communications. Parents/guardians will be notified of school closing or student
release information as soon as it is made available via the call center number, district
website and cooperating media outlets. Please leave phone lines available for on-going
emergency needs. Media arrangements will follow post-crisis with arrangements made
by the central office. Thank you for your cooperation.

27

PRINCIPAL COMMUNICATION IN A TIME OF CRISIS

The first and most important consideration in any crisis is the health, safety and welfare of
students and staff. However, crises generate extensive media and public interest. Be prepared for
such attention.
In the event of a crisis, the principal should be notified immediately. In consultation with the
superintendent or his/her designee, the principal will determine the immediate communication
needs. The primary goal of communication during a crisis will be to keep people informed while
trying to:

maintain privacy of students and staff;

minimize the disruption to the educational process; and
avoid compromising any investigation or emergency procedures.

The principal (or a designee) shall:

VERIFY THE FACTS

COMMUNICATE THE FACTS as known to the superintendent, directors and other
administrators.
RESTRICT PUBLIC AND MEDIA ACCESS TO THE BUILDING. The principal or
superintendent, in consultation with law enforcement officials as appropriate, will determine
access limitations and the best allocation(s) for media. Students will not be interviewed on
school grounds by media.
PREPARE INITIAL STATEMENTS in cooperation with superintendent. In most crisis
situations, the media will be aware of the incident immediately and will be on the scene shortly
thereafter, potentially before the crisis has ended and often while events are occurring. An initial
statement, providing the basic facts, can help control conjecture. This statement should be
given outside the school or building by the superintendent or his/her designee.
DESIGNATE INDIVIDUAL(S) TO ANSWER THE PHONES and provide these individuals
with a factual statement as prepared by the superintendent or his/her designee. No additional
information is to be given without approval. If call forwarding is available, direct all calls to the
district office.
PREPARE FACT SHEETS for distribution to staff members and others as appropriate, including
media, in conjunction with the superintendent and communications staff.
PREPARE LETTERS TO BE SENT HOME to ensure that parents understand what has occurred
and what was done. This must be done with central office approval.
Each individual, including those directed to answer phones, shall KEEP A LOG of what has
occurred and files of all communications including telephone contacts.
28

ONGOING RESPONSE
Post Crisis the next 24
Required:

Building Crisis Team meeting must be held at the earliest possible time.
Additional meetings will take place as necessary.
-

Required:

Provide updated information

Address concerns and issues, address rumors, coordinate continuing
counseling needs.
Review high risk student/staff issues.
Advise appropriate staff to secure student possessions, communicate with
family, etc. as needed.
The principal must follow-up directly with affected families during this time.

Assemble a staff meeting at the earliest possible time.

-

Provide a district office approved statement to staff with directions on the

presentation of the statement to students.
Discuss with staff the role of the crisis team, how to identify and report
student concerns and names of designated individuals.

Direct staff that:

-

Interviews, including telecommunications, with staff/students will NOT be

allowed on school sites or facilities.
All media inquiries will be directed to the Communications Coordinator or
Superintendent/designee.

29

ONGOING RESPONSE
Continued Feedback
Required:

School should continue as usual.

- Reinforce to staff that the majority of students will be seeking consistency
and/or normalcy.
- Provide daily fact sheets as long as necessary. Copies must be provided to the
superintendents office.
- Reinforce to crisis team members and other staff as appropriate to continue
monitoring high-risk students or staff who may need longer term support.

Required:

Crisis team will provide information for family and community to assist the
understanding of violent behaviors and to assist students in re-entering the school
environment.
Crisis team members will instruct and support staff in addressing the return of a
student.
The principal and crisis team members will follow relevant policies regarding
data privacy, harassment and/or discrimination.

30

SUICIDE: VERBAL OR WRITTEN THREATS

Principals Office
Notify the parents to come and pick up their student; consult and offer assistance before
releasing the student.
Contact district psychologist, counselor, or family service workers for possible analysis
and/or consultation.
Staff will follow up with family and possible mental health provider.
File an incident report.
Follow-up on a regular basis.

SUICIDE ATTEMPT IN PROGRESS

Principals Office
Call 911 for police and ambulance. Emergency Lockdown may be called at discretion of
the Administrator.
Direct nurse to obtain students emergency information and take it to the scene.
Notify parents.
Appoint a staff member to handle arriving parents.
Call the district office to ensure that the necessary administrators are notified.
Escort police to the scene and stay out of view of student.
If suicide is prevented, require parents to show proof of mental health consultation.
If suicide is not prevented, inform staff and proceed with student death procedures.
Provide verbal and written condolences to family.
Authorize increased counseling services to students.
Facilitate any investigations by district and civil authorities.
Principal/Counselor/School Psychologist
Call the district psychologist, brief the psychologist and ask for guidance.
Personally go to the scene and take control.
If a weapon is visible, use good judgment on whether or not to approach the student.
Speak calmly with the student and try to defuse the situation using counseling expertise.
If possible, try to get the student isolated and to a telephone in order to call a crisis
intervention hotline.
Maintain contact with the student. If the district psychologist arrives, work with him/her.
STAY WITH THE STUDENT.
Transportation of the student should only be done by law enforcement, ambulance or
parent. Staff member may accompany, if permitted.
If suicide is prevented, give the student and parents list of resources for seeking support
and assistance.
Work with the parents, the student, administration and teachers to monitor the student.
If suicide was not prevented, coordinate and document increased counseling services to
students following death of student procedures.
File an incident report.
31

POST SUICIDE AT SCHOOL OR IN THE COMMUNITY

Plan for dealing with friends, affected students, notifying teachers, parent involvement and other
agency involvement directly after a suicide.

A list of mental health personnel who can help students in their immediate reaction to the
suicide will be developed and updated by the Director of Special Services on a regular
basis. Potential members of this group might include the psychologists/counselors/family
service workers from the district, mental health counselors from the community,
members of the clergy, physicians and nurses. These volunteers would be willing to come
into the school on a crisis basis to work in the classrooms with students on the first day of
school following a suicide.
These volunteer mental health personnel would spend time as necessary in the classrooms
of the building in which the student had classes.
The crisis team would meet with teachers briefly before school to review with them the
facts surrounding the suicide and to answer questions about how to deal with students
during the school day. Teachers will be informed of any resource room availability.
Teachers should make students aware of this option. Any student who wishes to go to the
resource room should be allowed to do so. However, teachers must notify the resource
room of any students who are leaving to go to the room.
Individual members of a mental health team may go to a first hour class and, as
necessary, discuss a suicide with students and/or inform students of the existence of a
resource room available to the students throughout the day.
Mental health personnel should reconvene after first hour to share their concerns. They
should refer any individual students about whom they are concerned to the resource
room. Several members of this team should staff this room.
Members of the mental health team may meet with teachers over the lunch period for the
purpose of answering their questions and for receiving referrals about individuals who are
experiencing difficulty in handling the suicide. These students may be seen on an
individual basis by team members. The parents of any student who is deemed to be
having difficulty with the suicide must be contacted.
If there are sufficient numbers of mental health team staffers available, they should
contact other schools in the district if there is a need to deal with students questions or
reactions. If there are not sufficient personnel available immediately, student services
staff should split among the other schools on the days following the suicide.
Available members of the mental health team will meet with teachers as needed to
address their own personal concerns and/or their concerns about individual students.
Within a reasonable amount of time, the mental health team should consider whether or
not to arrange a meeting for parents to deal with questions about how to work with their
children. Depending upon the circumstances, they may consider the formation of an ongoing support group.
In the event of a failed suicide attempt, the student service staff will meet and confer
about how to handle the students re-entry into school and ongoing intervention. Any
mental health workers outside agencies assigned to the case should be involved in these
discussions.

32

DEATH OR HOMICIDE AT SCHOOL

(Student or Staff Member)

Principals Office

Isolate area, provide privacy.

Call 911 for police and ambulance.
If no breathing or heartbeat, personnel certified in CPR administer CPR immediately.
Call the school nurse.
Secure emergency health information from the emergency form of victim; make a copy
for medical personnel who may transport.
Assist police in locating any possible perpetrators.
Principal and possibly a teacher will notify a parent, in person if possible.
Appoint a staff member to accompany ambulance to hospital with health information and
to act as liaison between the hospital and district.
Call the district office to ensure that the necessary administrators are notified.
Inform staff at a faculty meeting.
Facilitate any investigation by civil authorities.
Announce counseling services.
File an incident report.

33

BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR GUIDELINES STUDENT DEATH

The building administrator is responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing the
district plan of services in the event of a student or staff death. Open communication among all
school staff and sensitivity to the impact of trauma is critical to the implementation of a schoolwide program.

Convene crisis team meeting to determine accurate information.

Contact the Director of Special Services.
Consult with a representative of the family regarding funeral arrangements, reclamation
of personal property, how the school plans to recognize the death, or any school
community support that could be provided.
Conduct a staff meeting to provide factual details as soon as possible.
Give directions to staff to share details with student body (who, what, where and when)
be very specific with directives as some staff may be uncomfortable sharing the
required information.
Refer staff to resources for needed support.
Inform all district special service staff of the staff meeting and ask them to attend.
Arrange for necessary district support resources and direct the student services staff to
remain with building population most affected until no longer necessary.
In the event additional student services are necessary, the building administrator and
Director of Special Services contact nearby school districts to request additional
resources.
Determine need for community support resources.
With the Director of Special Services, determine appropriate agency or clergy contacts
and afford opportunity to provide on-site non-sectarian grief counseling, if necessary.
Announce any off-school grounds before or after school memorial services.
With the Director of Special Services, prepare statement regarding availability and
location of counseling services for staff and students, if appropriate/necessary.
Refer all media requests for interviews or access to schools to the district office
designated spokesperson.
Notify entire school at beginning of school day in the event of a student death. Read the
following statement: I am sorry to inform you that (first/last name of student) died on
(day/date). At this time, out of respect for (first/last name), we will have a moment of
reflectionthank you.

34

ADMINISTATOR GUIDELINES FOR FAMILY CONTACT IN THE

DEATH OF A STUDENT
Key Issue: Be sensitive to the grief the family is experiencing and remember that grief can be
manifested in a variety of ways. Express concern that the school wants to help in whatever way it
can.
Principals contact with the family:

Call the family at an appropriate time.

Identify yourself and express condolences to the person you are talking to on behalf of
the staff, students and district.
State the purpose of your call.
Inquire as to who would be the best person to talk with.
If you are given another person to talk with, re-express condolences and state purpose of
your call again.
Reassure the person that you and the school would like to help in whatever way possible.
Tell them you will be sharing only the basic facts with the student body and you will do
everything possible to share information appropriately and accurately. If appropriate, and
you know the information is to be shared with students, share it with the family member
and ask them to verify the accuracy. Address questions or concerns they express.
Ask if funeral arrangements have been made and tell them how this information will be
shared with staff and the students. Ask if they have any special requests regarding
staff/student attendance at the visitation or funeral.
If a moment of reflection is planned, share this information with them and ask if they are
comfortable with this.
Tell the family member that you will take responsibility for collecting any personal
belongings of the student and that they may be picked up in the office at their
convenience. Invite them to send a representative of their family.
Ask if they have any questions or anything they want to share at this point.
Reiterate condolences.
Ask them to call you back if they have any concerns or requests.
Document name of individual(s) spoken to.

35

USE OF EpiPen
Directions for the EpiPen Use:
1. Pull off gray safety cap.
2. Place black tip on thigh, at right angle to leg ALWAYS APPLY TO THIGH.
3. Using a quick motion, press hard into thigh until auto-injector mechanism functions and
hold in place for several seconds.
4. Remove and discard EpiPen in Sharps container.
5. Massage injection area for ten seconds.
6. Call 911 to report emergency and response.
7. Transport student to nearest hospital emergency room after consultation with school
nurse, if available or contact other emergency transportation if deemed appropriate.
Note: Staff may administer an EpiPen in an emergency. Prior authorization and/or a nurse
are not required for administration.

36

ALLERGIC REACTION
Student with severe allergic reactions should be identified via school emergency forms.
Emergency Treatment of Allergic Reaction/Anaphylaxis:
Severe reactions may occur within minutes after exposure and consist of the following:

flushing
apprehension
syncope, tachycardia
thready or unobtainable pulse associated with a fall in blood pressure
convulsions
vomiting
dyspnea due to laryngeal spasm
rashes
hives

If a student experiences the signs and symptoms as described, school employees or school bus
drivers should administer an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately, through clothing if
necessary, if previously authorized as listed above. If no prior authorization exists, call the
nearest emergency service (9-1-1).

37

DRUG OVERDOSE
Principals Office

Call 911 for police and ambulance.

Appoint a staff member to secure emergency information from enrollment card, to
accompany student to hospital, and to act as a liaison between the hospital and school.
Appoint an administrator or counselor to notify a parent in person if possible.
Call the district office to ensure that the necessary administrators are notified.
Facilitate investigations by police.
File an incident report.

38

LIAISON TO THE HOSPITAL

Take the emergency information related to the student to the hospital.

If the situation is a major crisis with many students involved, take the book of Emergency
Notification forms to the hospital. This book will be in the nurses office.
Go to the hospital in the ambulance if allowed. If there is more than one ambulance, go
with or follow an ambulance as it leaves the school.
Identify yourself to the hospital administrator in charge of emergencies.
Assist with the identification and parent notification in cooperation with hospital social
workers.
Report regularly, by phone, to the building to keep the principal informed regarding the
status of the student or students at the hospital and, in turn, keep the hospital informed of
the situation at school.

39

Section 3
Miscellaneous
Procedures

40

ASSAULT/ SEXUAL ASSAULT

Principals Office

Call 911, if necessary, for police or ambulance. Use discretion based on age for
preschool and elementary students.
Call nurse to pull emergency health information from emergency form and to administer
first aid.
Call appropriate building counselor to stay with victim.
Isolate suspect, if possible.
If the suspect is a student, contact that students parent/guardian.
Isolate witnesses and do not allow them to talk to anyone or to each other.
Appoint an administrator or counselor to notify a parent in person. If possible, call the
district office to ensure that all necessary administrators are notified.
If 911 were called, inform staff and provide counseling services.
Facilitate any investigations by district and civil authorities.
If nurse accompanied victim to hospital, call to check on condition.
Follow communication guidelinesbe especially sensitive to data privacy information.

41

MISSING OR ABDUCTED STUDENT

Missing Child refers to a student younger than 18 years of age whose whereabouts are
unknown to his/her parents, guardians, or responsible party. This includes non-family abduction,
family abduction, runaway child, lost or otherwise missing child.
The principal or his/her designee is notified immediately, and in turn immediately performs the
following:

Contacts students parents to confirm unknown whereabouts.

Contacts 911 and communicates the following:

o students name;
o parent name and directory information;
o student age;
o student height/weight;
o hair color;
o eye color;
o name of last person to see the student and when last seen;
o last known whereabouts of student/description of scene;
o time last seen;
o typical student routine/schedule;
o disability status of student;
o drug dependency, prescription for health condition;
o illicit substance use;
o witness to the abduction; and
o information on possible abductor, vehicle and direction of travel.

Have available staff begin to search the building while awaiting the arrival of law
enforcement.

Await law enforcement and response personnel.

With custodial staff, assist law enforcement in search of buildings and grounds with
special attention to places students may be trapped, asleep, hiding, or have limited access
to air.

Gather information from student services staff regarding any known custody
placement/proceedings, and relevant family dynamics. Communicate this to law
enforcement.

Provide law enforcement with any pictures or videos of student and student e-mail
addresses through the school.

Note: The building should develop an individual plan for a student known to go missing due to
special needs.
42

UTILITY ACCIDENTS
Principals Office
A.

Inside gas leak

B.

POWER OUTAGE/POWERLINE DOWN ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

C.

Notify the building occupants by PA, or oral announcement to evacuate,

whenever a strong gas odor is reported.
STOP - Do not use the fire alarm signal as it may take students into areas of
highest gas concentration.
Call 911 and tell the fire dispatcher you smell gas.
Notify the gas company.
Call the district office to ensure that the necessary administrators are notified.
Oversee the evacuation to a designated assembly point.
Determine when the building is safe for re-occupancy after conferring with the
authorities.
File an incident report.

Inform the power company of the outage.

Instruct the occupants of the building to remain in place or assemble in a
designated area.
Call the district office.
Notify the Director of Food Service.

WATER OUTAGE

Notify the buildings occupants as appropriate.

Notify Public Works.
Call the district office.
File an incident report.

43

UNSAFE CONDITIONS REPORT FORM

To be used after a major structural incident

Date:
To:

All Employees

From: District office

The safety of all of our students, employees and visitors is a high priority for the school district.
If you are aware of any unsafe conditions in or around your school building, you are strongly
encouraged to complete this form and present it to the building principal immediately. The
school district is committed to taking corrective action on all issues brought to our attention.
After an investigation, you will be notified of the action taken to correct the problem.
Please fill out the following:
Individual completing this form:
Name:
Building:
Date:
Description of unsafe conditions:

Present the form to the Building Principal and District Health and Safety Coordinator
immediately.

44

EVACUATION BUSES
Hilltop Elementary
Pine Bend
Elementary
Salem Hills
Elementary
Inver Grove Heights
Middle School

Simley High School

District Office
complex

3 Lift Buses
Other students will
walk
Walk to Short Dance
Studio
10 buses needed for
evacuation
Walk to church at
55th and Babcock
8 buses needed for
evacuation
Walk to Good
Shepherd Lutheran
Church
16 buses needed for
evacuation
Walk to Inver Hills
Community College
24 buses needed for
evacuation
Walk to Good
Shepherd Lutheran
Church

Drkulas Bowling
Short Dance Studio

Crossroads Church

Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church

Inver Hills
Community College
Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church

45

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILL

INTERNAL EVENT:
Notify the office immediately of the situation
Total avoidance of hazardous materials is necessary. Fumes can overcome a person in
seconds. Hazardous materials can be deadly.
Do not try to clean up the spill.
Implement the appropriate emergency procedures (i.e., evacuation of the classroom area).
Direct the students to go immediately, in a calm and orderly manner, to the designated
evacuation assembly area.
Take student roster and account for all students once the designated area has been
reached.
Check people involved in the incident for adverse medical symptoms and request
immediate medical attention if needed.
Remain in designated evacuation area until directed by school administrator.

EXTERNAL EVENT:
Administrator notifies building engineers to shut down ventilation system.
Maintain everyone inside the building.
Cancel recess in the elementary buildings.

46

DEALING WITH THE AFTERMATH OF A CRISIS

Classroom Presentations (Outline)
The following outline can be used regardless of the type of incident. Immediate presentations
help to diffuse unwanted student responses.
1.

Introduction:
This is very difficult for us all. It is not easy to know what to say or how to act.
Sometimes our own reactions frighten us because they are so new to us or seem so
strong.
We are here with your teacher to talk about___________, to answer your questions if we
can and to affirm some of your reactions.

2.

Beginning:
This is what we know so far_____________________.
Have any of you heard anything different? Do you have any questions about
____________________?
Did any of you (play with/see/etc.) or have conversations with
in the past couple of weeks? Tell us about that. What do you remember?
Have any of you had a family member or a friend die? Tell us what you remember.
What upsets you most about ________________?

3.

Normalize:
Let us describe the kinds of reactions that most people have following this kind of
situation.

47

n all of these cases, students need to be listened to and their feelings dignified and respected. When
e emotions seem to remain too long or seem out of the ordinary, contact the building school
sychologist for further input.

EMOTIONAL RESPONSE

Listed below are numerous emotional responses that students may experience following a tragic
event at school. These emotions are normal, healthy responses occurring during the grieving
process.
Students need to express their feelings for the following reasons:

It is better to talk about your feelings than to keep them inside. Feelings lose their power
when they are brought out in the open.
Each person has a responsibility to do something when he/she is feeling bad for an
extended period of time. Feeling bad is normal, but if it lasts too long, a person needs to
speak with a support person about it.

Grief:
Feeling an aching sense of sadness and
loss.
Thinking that youll never feel happy
again.
Anger:
How could this have happened?
This is so unfair.
I am so angry with him/her; why didnt
someone stop this?
Why didnt someone do something?
No one cared enough about him/her.
Shock:
You feel numb.
This just cant be happening.
Fear:
Wondering who it will strike next.
Wondering about what it feels like to
die.
Thinking about what your own death
would be like.
Wondering about the thoughts of
suicide.

Guilt:
Maybe I could have done something.
He/she mentioned something to me
about suicide, but I didnt take it
seriously.
I dont feel sad enough; maybe I should
feel worse than I do.
Rejection:
He/she was my friend and he/she left
me.
My caring and friendship werent
enough for him/her, I guess.
Betrayal:
He/she promised me, he/she wouldnt
do this and he/she broke his/her word.
We were so close; he/she gave it all
up.
He/she never told me; he/she didnt
care enough about our relationship.
Hopelessness:
Life is so rotten.
Whats the use of going on?
If someone like this felt bad enough to
kill himself/herself, maybe my life is bad
too.

48

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE OR ENVELOPE

If a suspicious package or envelope is found:

Isolate the suspicious item. Do not touch or handle any suspicious items found.
Notify the office of the situation. Building administration will call 911.
Any person who had direct contact with the package should wash their exposed skin with
soap and water.
Attempt to confirm the contents without opening.
Wait for emergency responders to arrive and follow their directions.
Advise emergency responders of who was in the area around the time the suspicious package
was discovered.

49