Earthquake

Emergency Preparedness Plan

Hazard Specific Guidelines

EARTHQUAKE
BASIC UNDERSTANDING
The Claremont Unified School District's earthquake emergency policy is based initially on the fact that the safest place for young people in the event of an earthquake during the school day is the school. Such an occurrence, of course, puts a heavy burden upon the school administrator and staff. Nevertheless, the safety and welfare of the students during such an emergency is the responsibility of the school administrator and staff. Students in turn have definite responsibilities in relation to staff members, to one another, and to themselves. To assure safety and well being during an earthquake emergency, all of the responsibilities of administrators, staff, and students have been detailed in this section. During an earthquake emergency school administrators, staff, and students must fulfill their responsibilities and follow the procedures that have been established.
STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under current law, the school principal is entrusted with the overall administration of his or her school and the overall responsibility for the safety and welfare of all students and staff which may go beyond the school day. In times of emergency, the school principal has the necessary authority to do what is necessary to protect the safety of students and staff. He or she has the authority to assign certificated or classified staff to perform required duties at assigned stations during an emergency. The extent to which volunteers may be used is at the principal's discretion.
ACTION				RESPONSIBILITY
A.	Classroom Emergency Instructions			Teacher
	1.	An Emergency Procedures card shall be posted in classrooms to define responsibilities and actions in case of emergency.
	2.	It is recommended that a school map be posted with Emergency Procedures card that defines classroom route to Emergency Assembly Area.
B.	Earthquake Emergency Procedure in Classroom			Teacher
	1.	Teacher gives "drop" command at first indication of (impending quake) ground movement.
	2.	Pupil response to "drop" if inside the school building:
		a.	Get under equipment (desk, table, etc.) where available;
		b.	Drop to knees with back to windows and knees together;
		c.	Clasp both hands firmly behind the head, covering neck;
		d.	Bury face in arms protecting the head, close eyes;
		e.	Stay until supervisory member says "all clear."
	3.	Students remain in drop position until ground movement ends.
	4.	At the completion of ground movement, teacher must ascertain possible injury and determine the ability of class to evacuate.
	5.	A "buddy system" is used so that one teacher may remain with an injured student and request that neighboring (buddy) teacher supervise his or her class evacuation.
	6.	Render first aid if necessary.		Teachers, Principal, Office Manager
	7.	Upon conclusion of ground movement, teacher gives command to evacuate the classroom and building, using route posted on Emergency Procedures card.
	8.	Students and teachers will assemble at emergency assembly area at pre-determined stations by classes.
	9.	Teacher removes appropriate record-keeping information or emergency folders from the classroom.
	10.	Take roll _ account for all pupils and report status to school Emergency Operations Center.		Teacher
	11.	Request assistance as needed, through appropriate channels, from the County or City Emergency Operation Center or Fire and Police Departments		Principal

	12.	Do not light any fires after the earthquake.			Students, Staff
	13.	Avoid touching electrical wires that may have fallen.			Students, Staff
	14.	Turn off gas main and other utilities if there is any evidence of a break.			Principal/Custodian
	15.	Staff should be posted at a safe distance from all building entrances to see that no one re-enters the buildings for any reason until the buildings have been declared safe.			Principal
	16.	Notify utility companies of any break, or suspected break in lines which may present an additional hazard.			Principal
	17.	Notify the District's Emergency Operations Center.			Principal
	18.	The principal will determine the advisability of closing the school and will try to procure the advice of competent authority about the safety of the building. If school is to be closed, consult with Superintendent for approval if possible.			Principal
C.	Drop procedure during passing periods or lunch
	1.	Students take drop position under lunch tables, under benches, in doorways, or out in the open upon first indication of ground movement. The safest place to be is in the open. Stay away from buildings, trees, and exposed wires.			Students
	2.	Students remain in drop position until ground movement ends
	3.	Students and supervising staff evacuate area in orderly manner and report to campus Emergency Assembly Area. Assemble by classroom teacher for elementary schools or by teacher of the last attended class for secondary schools or by the established procedures developed by the individual school.			Students/Staff
D.	Drop procedure on a School Bus
	1.	The bus driver will pull to the side of the road away from any buildings, bridges or overpasses, if possible, and issue the command: DROP. On a mountain road, the side of the road may not be the safest place, so the bus driver should quickly consider the terrain before deciding where to stop.			Bus Driver
	2.	Set the brakes and turn off the ignition.			Bus Driver
	3.	Wait until the earthquake is over.			Bus Driver
	4.	Contact the appropriate school official for instructions.			Bus Driver
E.	Campus Sweep and Rescue Teams
	1.	Teams should proceed in an orderly and pre-established sweep pattern, checking each classroom, storage room, auditorium, etc. visually, vocally, and physically.			Principal/Teachers/ Custodian
	2.	Upon discovery of an injured student, one member of the team should remain with the student, and other members should summon aid.
	3.	Team members should also assess damage to specific structures to see if they can be used during the emergency.
		a.	Condition of major structures and cafeteria.
		b.	Utility capabilities (gas, electricity, water, and sanitary facilities).
		c.	Staff should locate equipment/supplies, such as master keys, fire extinguishers, first aid supplies.
F.	First Aid Team
	1.	The First Aid Team should establish a first aid center in or close to the Emergency Assembly Area.
	2.	Administers first aid and records information on extent of injuries and first aid administered. Determines need for medical assistance. Ensures that the following are at the Emergency Assembly Area:			Principal/Health Aide or Specialist/ Office Manager
		a.	First aid supplies;
		b.	Disaster Emergency Cards; and
		c.	Health Cards.
	3.	First Aid Team leaders must keep complete records of:
		a.	Students injured;
		b.	Nature of first aid administered; and
		c.	Time, reason, destination, and names of all students removed from campus for emergency medical treatment.
	4.	The student's Disaster Emergency Card must accompany the child leaving the campus for medical aid. Accompanying the Disaster Emergency Card should be additional information regarding the extend of injury and first aid administered.
	5.	The student's Health Record card should have the appropriate information recorded regarding the actions taken.
	6.	Such items as stretchers, blankets, wheelchairs, and first aid supplies should be stored in an appropriate area.
G.	Campus Security Team
	1.	Locks all external gates, doors, and secures school. Team member stationed at main gate to refer parents. Routes fire and rescue, ambulance, and police to area of need.			Principal/Custodian
	2.	Custodial staff assesses damage to the school and shuts off water, gas, and electricity if the school is threatened.
	3.	Cafeteria staff assesses damages to the cafeteria and its usability during the emergency.
	4.	Staff should locate such item as master keys, posted signs, and two-way radios.
H.	Emergency Assembly Area (EAA)
A security area in the open, away from buildings and trees.
	1.	Each teacher should be assigned to a specific location of his or her class in the Emergency Assembly Area so that administrators can readily account visually for each teacher and class.			Principal/Teachers/ Office Managers
	2.	The key person in accounting for students is the individual classroom teacher with roll book and emergency folders.
	3.	The principal must find out as soon as possible what individuals or classes need help and the kind of help needed.
	4.	The principal should not allow staff to release students to parents or appropriate individuals until everyone is accounted for.
	5.	Records must be kept of all students released to parents or appropriate individuals. Parent or an appropriate individual must sign for the release of students. To ensure control, students should be united with parents at predetermined campus locations by sufficient staff members to rapidly unite them.
I.	School Emergency Operation Center (Communication)
	1.	Responsibilities of the principal at the Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) include:			Principal
		a.	Accounts for the presence of all students and staff;
		b.	Implements and coordinates the emergency operations;
		c.	Controls internal and external communication; and
		d.	Prepares reports for Superintendent.
	2.	Records of all emergency telephone numbers and addresses of community resources must be available at the school Emergency Operation Center.
		a.	Fire Department and Rescue Teams;
		b.	Ambulance;
		c.	Police; and
		d.	Designated community resources (first aid, medical, etc.)
	3.	Equipment/Supplies - Emergency teacher list and map showing location of each teacher station at Emergency Assembly Area. Two-way radio, bullhorn, and battery-operated radio.
J.	Parental Communication Team
The Parent Communications Center should function as the hub of all emergency communication with parents. It should be established near the Emergency Assembly Area so that parents may call for students.
	1.	Main Gate - Immediately begin the process of reuniting students with their parents or guardians by referring to:			Principal/Office Staff
		a.	Program cards;
		b.	Class rosters; and
		c.	Computer print-outs.
		Dispatch student messengers to secure students and escort them to reunion gate.
	2.	Reunion Gate - Confirms that students recognize the requesting individuals and feel secure in their custody. Requires that requesting individuals sign for the students. Ensures that all records are kept on students leaving campus.
	3.	Equipment/Supplies - Map of Emergency Assembly Area stations, program cards, class rosters, computer print-outs, record-keeping material.
K.	Leadership Students Support Team
	1.	Highly responsible and mature students can possibly assist as messengers.		Upper-grade Student Council (elementary) Student Government and Service Groups (secondary)
	2.	Attendance procedures at Emergency Assembly Area.
	3.	Assist First Aid Team at emergency medical station.
	4.	Assist principals at Emergency Operation Center.
	5.	Any location where principals feel their services are appropriate.
L.	Disaster Preparation
	1.	Pupils should be taught the safety precautions to be taken during an earthquake in the event that an adult is not present to tell them what to do. They should be given the following instructions:		Teachers
		a.	The safest place to be is in the open - stay there.
		b.	Move away from buildings, trees, and exposed wires. DO NOT RUN!
		c.	After the earthquake, if you are on your way to school, continue to school.
		d.	After the earthquake, if you are on your way home, continue home.
M.	Problems to Anticipate
	1.	Substitutes and teachers new to the school may need assistance with evacuation procedure.
	2.	Some classrooms may have students trapped inside who may need first aid or rescue.
	3.	Alternative evacuation routes to the Assembly Area may be needed. (The principal can provide the best practice of alternative routes by blocking the primary route during practice exercises.)
	4.	Some students may want to leave the campus on their own. (The principal should deny the requests because the school is the safest place for students, particularly if conditions beyond the campus are unknown.)
	5.	Many parents may not know teacher's name, grade level, or room assignments of their children.
	6.	Waste baskets with liners may need to be used as the only means of sanitary facilities.
	7.	Leadership classes may need to be pressed into service to carry out many emergency activities.
N.	Site Crisis Team
	1.	Activate Site Crisis Team to administer psychological first aid.
	2.	Notify Student Services if additional assistance is needed.

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Emergency Preparedness Plan

Hazard Specific Guidelines

EARTHQUAKE