We are confident that Park School is equipped and ready to handle a disaster if one should occur. We have a comprehensive Emergency Plan that outlines specific procedures in the event of the following emergencies: earthquake, fire, and intruder. Each staff member is assigned a task that they will carry out in case of an emergency. These include: First Aid, Safety & Security, Search and Rescue, Command Center, Student Release and Volunteer Organizer. In addition, we have an emergency container on the lower yard that is filled with the appropriate supplies in the event of a major disaster. However, it is imperative that parents have an understanding of the plan and our strategy for releasing students to parents. It is also important that each family is prepared at home so that as a community, we will be able to handle the situation.

 

Emergency Communications Protocols

 

Below are some important things to know if there is a disaster during school hours: 

• In the event of an emergency DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. 

• In the event of any earthquake, flood, wild land fire, or other emergency, keep your radios tuned to KCBS-740 AM, or KGO-810 AM for advisory information. 

STUDENT RELEASE GENERAL GUIDELINES:

Do Not Drive on Campus - School campuses must be clear of cars to allow for emergency vehicles. Park your car safely nearby and walk to school. Do not leave your car in the street where it will block other cars or emergency vehicles.

Major Earthquake - If buildings are unsafe to re-enter, CHILDREN WILL REMAIN UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF SCHOOL AUTHORITIES until parents or designated responsible adults can pick them up. Students will only be released to a parents or guardian as listed on their emergency card.

Student Pick-up Locations – Pick-up is at the following Outdoor Student Release areas:

• Edna Maguire: Behind school at blacktop play areas

• Middle School: Basketball courts adjacent to Community Center

• Old Mill: Lovell entrance to bottom of stairs behind auditorium

• Park: Catalpa Street entrance on blacktop

• Strawberry Point: East Strawberry Drive entrance on blacktop

• Tamalpais Valley: Next to library

Bring Identification - You must bring Picture ID to identify yourself for release of any student to your care. Do not attempt to remove your child or any other child from school without having signed the emergency release form at the Student Release area.

The objectives of the Emergency Preparedness Plan are as follows:

• To arrange for a calm and efficient plan for parents to retrieve their children from school, if necessary;

• To minimize injuries and loss of life of students and personnel and to insure their safety and protection if an emergency occurs during school hours;

• To provide for maximum use of school personnel and school facilities.

Emergency on the Way to School - If children are caught in an emergency between home and school, it is recommended that they go immediately to school.

Emergency at School - Should an emergency occur while the children are at school, the following actions will be implemented by personnel, depending on type of emergency as specified in our plan:

• In event of earthquake, give “duck and cover” instructions.

• Evacuate students to assigned area on yard.

• Hold students in assigned yard area, take roll, report missing students and wait for further instructions.

• Certain teachers will report for assigned special duties (e.g. first aid or search and rescue). Otherwise teachers remain with class and provide student supervision.

• Provide basic first aid.

• If school buildings are declared unsafe to re-enter by the Principal, students will be dismissed.

• Dismissed students will only be released to a parent or guardian as listed on their emergency card.

Food and Water Supply - In the event that children need to remain on campus for several hours after an emergency, we have a basic supply of water and food.

Emergency Release Forms - If you are unable to reach theschool, personnel will care for your child until you can safely get there. In order to assist staff in the safe caring for your child, be sure you have filled out, signed and returned the "Emergency Release Form". If there is any special medical information the school should know about, please record it clearly and notify the school office if there are any significant changes.

Evacuation From Immediate Area - Conditions may be such that it is necessary to remove students from the immediate area. An instant alert system (School Messenger) will communicate to parents / guardians, when possible, the location of students. A notice will also be posted on the front door of the school with the location of the students. If students are to be removed to a Red Cross Shelter, they will be kept together under the supervision of the Red Cross and a Child Protection Services worker.