School Site Preparedness for Active Shooter and Other Active Assailant Situations
Our active shooter and other active assailant procedure identify how school sites/individuals should respond if an individual or individuals is actively killing or attempting to kill people on campus. In most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) but can also use other weapons. Usually, there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.
In the event of imminent danger on campus, the school site should activate Lockdown procedures and go into options-based response (run/hide/fight, escape/barricade/defend, etc.). While we can provide general guidance to our students and staff on what to do during an active shooter or another active assailant event like run, hide, fight or escape, barricade, or defend, we know that every situation is different, so we train people to understand they have options. We train our staff to Think, Communicate and Mobilize. Think about the best action, communicate that to those around them, and get everyone to mobilize.
While training and holding drills/exercises for active shooters and other active assailants is important, it is equally important to deter and detect possible threats to prevent them from happening. Our Active Shooter and Other Active Assailant Response Training include extensive discussion on deterring and detecting individuals (s) who may be planning a violent event. Safety and security are everyone's responsibility, and we remind staff, students, and parents to say something if they see, hear, or smell something!
Lockdown, Secure Campus and Shelter-In-Place: The Standardized Responses
We adopted standardized language and processes for lockdown, secure campus, and shelter-in-place created by the San Diego County Police Chiefs, Sherriff's Association, and San Diego County Office of Education. Our staff receive training and conduct drills/exercises on each of these throughout the year.
Lockdown is initiated to isolate students and school staff from danger on or near the campus when movement within the school and rooms might jeopardize students and staff. A lockdown is used to prevent intruders from entering occupied areas of the buildings.
Secure Campus is implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff when there is danger in the surrounding community, or a bomb threat is made against the school. Secure Campus requires all students and staff to shelter in school buildings and lock all exterior doors. Classroom instruction and/or activity may continue as long as all classroom and office doors are locked and all students and staff remain inside throughout that event. The school perimeter should be secured.
Shelter in Place is implemented when students and staff are needed to be isolated from the outdoor environment to prevent exposure to airborne contaminants. The procedures include closing and sealing doors, windows, and vents; shutting down the classroom/building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to prevent exposure to the outside air; and turning off pilot lights. Shelter in Place allows for the free movement of staff and students within the building, although one should not leave the room until further instructions are received. Those in bungalows and buildings with exterior passageways must remain in the classroom while Shelter in Place is instituted. It is appropriate for, but not limited to, gas leaks, external chemical releases, bomb threats, and hazardous material spills.
Earthquake Preparedness: At School and in the Community
Certain parts of our state and county are at higher earthquake risk than others, and you may travel to these areas on vacation, for work, or school. By understanding your risk, you can take the right steps to minimize or avoid injuries and damage. Preparation is key. If earthquakes scare us because we feel out of control, think how much truer this must be for children. It is important to spend time with children in your care before the next earthquake to explain why earthquakes occur. Involve them in developing your disaster plan, preparing disaster supply kits, and practicing "drop, cover, and hold on." At each of our schools, we regularly practice earthquake drills. In addition, the California Department of Education has partnered with the Earthquake Country Alliance to encourage schools to meet earthquake drill requirements by participating in Great California Shake Out each October. Our schools participate each year, using the event to encourage our schools and communities to prepare, practice what to do to be safe, and learn what disaster procedures or plans need improvement. Whether at school or in the community--be prepared.
Earthquake Preparedness: On the Bus
If a minor earthquake occurs while a bus is on a scheduled pickup or take-home run, the bus will temporarily stop until the driver can determine all is clear, then continue the regularly assigned route. If a major earthquake occurs while a bus is on the run, the bus will stop picking up or dropping off students and, as safety conditions allow, will go to the nearest school to await further instructions. Children waiting to be picked up by the bus or dropped off at their stop should return home or go to an alternate safe address.
We encourage you to discuss with your children the procedures they should be prepared to follow in an emergency.
What to Do and What Not To Do in an Earthquake
Federal, state, and local emergency management experts agree that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is appropriate to reduce earthquake injury and death. Official rescue teams who have been dispatched to the scene of earthquakes and other disasters around the world continue to advocate the use of the internationally recognized "Drop, Cover and Hold On" protocol to protect lives during earthquakes:
- Drop to the ground (before the earthquake drops you).
- Take cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table.
- Hold to it until the shaking stops.
These are general guidelines for most situations. The main point is to protect yourself as best as possible wherever you are immediately.
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