What To Do In An Emergency

Examples: Windows are broken due to vandalism, cracks are found in infrastructure, water damage in classrooms, etc.

• Report incident with details of damage to
  • Building Principal, Custodial or Designee
  • Facilities Department, 360.458.6127
  • Superintendent’s Office, 360.458.6139
• If the area is determined unsafe, find an alternative site for students and staff.
• Close off unsafe area(s) and clearly mark with signs.
• If vandalism is involved, do not touch or move things.
• District personnel should take photographs of the damage and submit them to the supervisor.
• Do not allow students or staff to re-enter the unsafe area(s) until an investigation is completed and repairs have been made.
• Assess impact on students (ex., if graffiti reflects harassment, intimidation, or bullying).
• Refer all media inquiries to the Superintendent’s Office, 360.458.6139.
• Fill out a property damage report and send it to the Superintendent’s Office.

Property Damage Report

In case of a Critical Incident or potential disaster necessitating school closure, an “early warning” of one hour will be given, if possible. The district will alert staff to changing conditions and the possibility of dismissal. When the Superintendent is advised by Emergency Services authorities to close schools, or otherwise decides schools must close, principals will be notified and given instructions by phone. The district encourages parents to discuss with their child what to do in case of early school closure.  

Building/Department Admin:  

• Superintendent/designee will determine school closure. Request any aid needed from the Superintendent. The Superintendent/designee will post notices and communicate with the media.
• Contact Transportation for bus-riding students.
• Advise employees of the impending closure and secure work areas. Those employees without students are to depart or report to the office or a pre-arranged station. 
• Advise teachers to prepare students for dismissal, with walkers and car drivers/passengers to go first. Students who ride the bus are to wait in the classrooms until directed to proceed to the buses. Remind students to be especially careful when walking or waiting for the bus in bad weather. Bus transportation for students will be in the following order: high school and middle schools first, with elementary schools approximately 1 to 2 hours later. 
• Keep the emergency two-way radio on. 
• Tune to a local news station to get the latest emergency information. 
• Check the campus to clear all students, and check if transportation is needed.  
• Communicate that all after-school activities are canceled. 
• Notify after-hours building users of the cancellation. Only exceptions approved by the Superintendent’s Office will be allowed.
• Mechanics and Transportation personnel will remain on duty until all bus riders have been delivered. 
• Maintenance and Operations personnel will receive communications from their supervisor detailing any changes to routine duties.
• Bus drivers will maintain radio contact with Transportation.

Earthquakes usually strike without warning.  The following actions, as time permits, will be accomplished:

•  The staff member in authority will implement the action “DROP - TAKE COVER AND HOLD.”
  • If inside, Try to avoid glass and falling objects, areas where there are large panels of glass, and/or heavy suspended light fixtures.
  • If outside, move away from buildings, playground equipment, utility poles, signs, trees, metal fences, exposed wires and wet areas.
  • If on a bus, pull to the side of the road away from any building, set brakes, turn off ignition and radio for support. Instruct students to put their heads down, hands on seat ahead, arms against ears and their eyes closed.
• When an announcement is made, fire alarm sounds or a staff member in authority believes the earthquake is over and tremors have subsidedImplement, take action “EVACUATE.”
• Evacuate to the designated area taking special consideration to exit routes and down trees, power poles, etc.
• Remind students: “DO NOT RUN!”
• Avoid touching electrical wires and metal objects such as chain-link fences.
• The Incident Commander at that location or by radio will implement the Emergency Plan.
• Staff need to account for all students and administer first aid as necessary.
• Stay calm and be patient as the Incident Response Team (IRT)
  • Assesses the situation
  • Determines and prioritizes actions
  • Directs IRT leaders
  • Establishes communication with District IRT and emergency services
• Do not return to building for any reason until fire or police authorities have been declared safe to enter.
• The Incident Commander will determine the advisability or necessity of action “GO HOME.”  Prior approval must be obtained from the superintendent.

• Activate the school fire alarm system and evacuate the building. 
• Implement the Building Emergency Plan. 
• Immediately after implementing fire emergency evacuation procedures, notify the Superintendent’s Office, 360-458-6139 or cell phone. 
• Account for students using materials in the emergency backpack.
  • GREEN CARD: indicates all students are present.
  • RED CARD: indicates that students are missing.
• If the alarm is during recess or lunch or if a student is in unsecured areas, students will go the the designated safe zone area.
• Do NOT re-enter the building until instructed to do so by authorized personnel. If the building is not able to be re-entered, activate a plan to move students to another site.  
• Render first aid as necessary until medics arrive. 
• If a gas leak is suspected, inform a staff member to shut off the main gas valve. 

Any time a spill or leak of a hazardous material occurs, specific information is needed in order to properly respond to the spill or leak. A spill or leak is defined as an unexpected release of any hazardous material. 

If a spill or leak presents an imminent hazard (such as injuring people or posing a fire risk)

• Call 911 and provide:  
  • Exact location of spill, including room number if inside a building 
  • Name of spilled material, if known 
  • Quantity (the amount spilled or leaked) 
  • Appearance 
  • Injuries or physical effects to those who have been exposed 
  • Area of contamination 
• All employees, students, and faculty are to evacuate the area immediately. 
• Close all doors. The spill area will be quarantined until the problem is corrected and safe conditions exist.  
• Contact the front office 
• Contact the Maintenance/Operations Department, 360.458.6127, for specific instructions. Notify the Superintendent’s Office, 360.458.6139. 

In the event of severe weather, all changes in bus schedules, school closures, or early dismissals due to wind, snow, ice, or other emergencies will be broadcast using automated messaging system, distiricr website, FlashAlert, and/or over local radio and television stations. E

In case of school closures: 

• If possible, administrators should report to their building to ensure that students and parents are aware of the closure as well as to inspect, with a custodian, any potential hazards/damage/malfunctions. 
• Report to the Maintenance/Operations Department, 360.458.6127, any situations which need attention: e.g., heavy snow on roof, fallen tree(s), leaks/drainage problems, etc. 

In the case of potentially hazardous extreme external factors (natural gas leak, hazardous material spill, volcanic ash, etc.), it may be necessary to shelter in place to ensure that all students and staff within the school are protected.  

Please do the following:

• Instruct staff and students to follow emergency procedures. 
• Close classroom windows to prevent outside air from entering. 
• Shut off HVAC systems.
• Check hallways and bring all students to the secured area immediately. Students at lunch or in unsecured areas should know which teacher to report to in the indoor assembly area so teachers can account for all students. 
• If appropriate, shut off gas and/or electricity. 
• Locate supplies and make sure they are accessible.  
• Stay in place until directed to evacuate the building.
• Instruct designated staff to secure the area using emergency supplies (duct tape and plastic sheeting shall be placed around doors and windows, and or towels at the bottom of doors). 
• Keep your district emergency communications channels open and stay tuned. Listen to local radio for updates. Wait for official instructions from emergency responders. 
• Follow the directions of the Building Principal/designee and First Responders.  
• No one leaves the secured area until emergency responders issue an all clear.  

In some situations where students and staff may be at risk due to threat of violence, it may be necessary to secure the building lock down the campus for the safety of students and staff. The Principal/designee will alert the Superintendent.

Yelm Community Schools trains staff and students in using the ALICE model in response to threats on campus.

• A - Alert to the incident. 
• L - Lockdown and barricade the space you’re in.
•  I- Inform others and emergency services of what is happening.
• C - Counter and distract the aggressor. 
• E - Evacuate when safe to do so, get out of the danger area. *Keep your hands free, open and in the air, avoid making quick movements, and follow all commands  from police* 

Lockdown:

Notification occurs indicating activity is taking place on or near the campus. Depending on the information received, staff and students may be able to move around freely inside the building/classroom during a lockdown (non-ALICE situation.)  

Enhanced Lockdown:

Notification occurs indicating activity is taking place on campus and ALICE strategies are implemented. 

The chart shows recommended action depending on the type of lockdown.

Examples of mental health concerns include a student becomes agitated and/or yells for no apparent reason; withdraws and will not communicate; hallucinates; threatens to run away;  indicates they have been harassed, intimidated or bullied; report a sexual offense; threat or attempt of suicide.

• Do not argue with the student. Talk in a calming voice and remove anything/anyone/who seems to escalate the situation. 
• Notify a trusted adult who will contact the Principal/designee. School Counselor, School Nurse, or the Office of Student Support for immediate assistance. 
• Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our reporting form below to share concerns about HIB but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally.
  • Student/Staff - Report a HIB Complaint
  • Parents/Guardians/Community - Report a HIB Complaint
• The report can be made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.
• If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer that supports prevention and response to HIB.

• Assume the threat is serious.
• Report to the Principal or designee.
• Staff should immediately remove the threat maker from the area and place him/her into a secure area pending further investigation. 
• Get written statements from witnesses to the threat. 
• If warranted, the Principal/designee will contact
  • Law Enforcement/SRO
  • Superintendent’s Office at 360.458.6139 or call Superintendent by cell
  • Director of Student Support by cell
• The Director of Student Support/designee will determine if the next steps include a Threat Assessment.

Although threats usually turn out to be a hoax, and “doxxing” (fake threats intended to create chaos) , it is important to take all threats seriously. If a student, staff , or community member becomes aware of any threat, they should report it immediately to the Principal or designee. The district in partnership with law enforcement will investigate the threat and communicate with families as needed.

To address misinformation and limit panic in the community. Communication to students and families may include:

• Informs about the nature of the threat and urges students and their families not to share or save screenshots or messages about the threat. 
• Gives appropriate updates about the investigation.
• Provides a single point of communication to report any new threats, as social media threats may lead to an influx of misinformation and threats in the area. 
• Reminds and reassures of measures taken to maintain a safe school environment, such as School Resource Officers, ALICE drills and training for all staff and students, and steps taken to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Phone Threats

• Attempt to record the call - put phone on speaker and record with a cell phone.
• Get a buddy- wave someone over to start taking notes of whatever they hear and notice.
• Have someone else call the principal, who will notify Law Enforcement. 
• Gather as much information as possible:
  • Note the caller ID.
  • Attempt to identify the caller by asking first, middle and last name (and ask again in a few minutes- does it match?)
  • Ask for something difficult to pronounce, such as a teacher's name.
  • Ask for details of any aspect of the threat, such as “which car?” “which classroom?” “which stall?” 
  • Is the caller stating they’re a student? Ask for their favorite teacher and what they teach, their homeroom number, etc. 
  • They may be using a voice changing app.
  • Is there background noise? Keyboard strokes? Note all sounds. 
• If warranted, the Principal/designee will contact
  • Law Enforcement/SRO
  • Superintendent’s Office at 360.458.6139 or call Superintendent by cell
  • Director of Student Support by cell
• The Director of Student Support/designee will determine if the next steps include a Threat Assessment.

Social Media Threats

Any threat posted to social media needs to be taken seriously and investigated:

• Immediately notify Law Enforcement that a threat was received and be accurate, describe exactly what is seen. 
• Do not delete or share the post, and preserve all electronic evidence. Print, photograph, screenshot, or copy the post or message information (subject line, date, time, sender, etc.) 
• Follow the authorities’ instructions and be available for interviews. 
• If warranted, the Principal/designee will contact
  • Law Enforcement/SRO
  • Superintendent’s Office at 360.458.6139 or call Superintendent by cell
  • Director of Student Support by cell
• The Director of Student Support/designee will determine if the next steps include a Threat Assessment.

Written Threat

• Try not to touch the document
• Put the document in a plastic bag or large envelope.
• Limit the chain of custody of the note - give it directly to law enforcement, if possible. 
• Immediately report to the Principal or designee.
• If warranted, the Principal/designee will contact
  • Law Enforcement/SRO
  • Superintendent’s Office at 360.458.6139 or call Superintendent by cell
  • Director of Student Support by cell
• The Director of Student Support/designee will determine if the next steps include a Threat Assessment.

• Determined if immediate medical attention is required, call 911. 
• Send someone for help, try to keep injured person calm and keep the area clear of students/by-standers
• Based on severity of the injury,
  • Do not move an injured or unconscious person unless it is necessary to prevent further injury. 
  • Follow procedures for handling bodily fluids and check for breathing, bleeding, and medical alert bracelet. 
  • Administer immediate first aid if necessary
• Contact the main office during school hours.
  • Principal/designee reports to the scene with a cell phone/radio. 
  • Call the School Nurse.
  • If it is determined that immediate medical attention is required, call 911. 
  • Contact parent/guardian providing an update on the injury, treatment needed and/or to pick up student
  • Call the Superintendent’s Office, 360.458.6139, and report the incident. 
  • Principal/designee completes an incident form (available in the nurse’s office)
• Contact custodian during non-school hours
  • The custodian will contact their supervisor.
  • Administrator/designee completes an incident form (available in the nurse’s office)

If a student appears to be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or another substance.

• Contact the main office for assistance.
• If possible, guide the student to the school nurse.
• Observe signs of potential opioid overdose:
  • Stupor, limp body
  • Small, “pinpoint” pupils
  • Falling asleep or losing consciousness
  • Cold and clammy skin
  • Respiratory depression
  • Choking or gurgling sounds
• If opioid overdose is suspected, call 911.
• Administration and nurses are trained to administer Naloxone if deemed necessary. Document with the Office of Student Support 360.458.6124 or studentsupport@ycs.wednet.edu 
• If a student discloses that they have ingested chemicals, call poison control at 800.222.1222. Call 911 if necessary.
• If the student becomes unconscious, call 911 -NO EXCEPTIONS-
• Contact parent/guardian providing an update on the injury, treatment needed and/or to pick up student

If someone is having a seizure: 

• Help them gently to the ground 
• Move furniture and other objects out of the way 
• Place a small pad or towel under the person’s head 
• Call 911 if the person having seizure: 
  • Is diabetic 
  • Suffered a recent head injury 
  • Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or is immediately followed by another seizure
  • This is the person’s first seizure 
• Contact the main office for assistance.
• Contact parent/guardian providing an update on the medical emergency, treatment needed and/or to pick up student

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency treatment that's done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. For example, when someone has a heart attack or nearly drowns. CPR can help save a life. 

• Tell someone to call 911. 
• Send someone to access AED located on the school map.
• Start CPR.  
  • Position the person on their back. 
  • Place both hands on the lower half of the person’s chest. Keeping arms straight, push hard and fast at least 2” deep for adults, 100-120 compressions per minute. Let the chest completely recoil after each compression. Do not stop compressions for more than 10 seconds. 
  • If airway can be accessed with no suspected neck injury, perform 30 compressions then 2 breaths using breathing barrier available or provided with AED. 
  • Take turns with other responders, every 2 minutes. 
  • Turn the AED on and follow voice prompts. See Policy 3412: Automated External Defibrillators for locations on each campus and additional instructions.

When a district vehicle is involved in a collision with any object, the driver will implement the following procedures to ensure the safety of all passengers and others if involved in the incident.

• REMAIN CALM - Ensuring everyone’s safety, including your own, is the number one priority.  
• Stay in the spot of the accident, assess visually and auditorily your gauges and surroundings for leaks, smoke, etc. Verbally ask passengers if anyone is injured. Calm passengers. Inform them you are requesting assistance.  
• Radio base using an authoritative tone “EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION! Route # has been in an accident” and provides the following information:
  • Accurate description of the type of accident (e.g. vehicle to vehicle, tree branch, etc.)
  • Location
  • Number of passengers on board
  • What schools do the students attend
  • Number of injuries
  • If the accident is blocking traffic
• Do not move the vehicle until given directions to do so by either a district official or by law enforcement. The only exception to this rule is if the vehicle is in imminent danger of being involved in another accident. 
• If the driver moves the vehicle and/or evacuation is needed, communicate the new vehicle location. 
• Driver will
  • Assess for injuries, render first aid until medical assistance arrives and not all injuries on Accident Injury Chart.
  • Complete Vehicle Seating Chart. Ask two students to assist if possible.  The information needed include the student's name and the school that they are attending. It is very important that the students remain in the seat that they were in when the incident occurred. 
  • Complete the accident report packet provided in the vehicle.
  • Exchange insurance and contact information with any involved parties.
• Assist law enforcement, fire,EMT and School officials, refraining from making any statements observers.
• Passengers will not be released to parent/guardian until directed by law enforcement or district official. When released, parent/guardian will complete a release form.

Periodically we may experience inclement weather that causes downed power lines. Power lines can be low hanging or across the roadway. It should be assumed the lines are energized and dangerous. 

If a power line is down on the road or there is a  low hanging line, drivers will

• Identify a safe place to stop. Staying as far away as possible from the downed power line, at least 50 feet away. 
• Contact dispatch.
• All students should remain in the vehicle. 
• Do not drive over or under a low hanging line.
• Do not touch a power line or anything touching the wire.
• Do not touch anything or anyone in contact with a fallen power line.
• Dispatch will contact the driver about a plan for an alternate route or if assistance is on the way.

If a vehicle comes in contact with a low or downed power line

• Stop the vehicle.
• Contact dispatch.
• Keep everyone inside the vehicle. This is the safest place, the ground around the vehicle may be energized.
• Reassure students to remain calm and in control.
• Account for all students.
• First responders will tell you when it is safe to get out of the vehicle or to move the vehicle
• If the vehicle must be evacuated, have the students keep their hands at their sides and jump clear off the vehicle, so they are not touching the vehicle when their feet hit the ground. Keep both feet close together and shuffle away from the vehicle without picking up your feet (do not run away from the vehicle). While on the ground, do not touch the vehicle or assist other students that are still on the vehicle.

Experiencing an earthquake while in a moving vehicle can feel as if the vehicle is having mechanical troubles. If an earthquake occurs while a vehicle are on route, drivers should determine where to stop, hold and secure.

When an earthquake begins, dispatch might be able to broadcast a message to all drivers of the current situation. Drivers will

• Pull to the side of the road as safely as possible. Avoid stopping on or under overpasses or bridges, near signs, powerlines, trees, buildings or any other hazard that might fall onto the vehicle.  
• Secure the vehicle and conserve fuel. 
• Keep everyone on the vehicle and take cover
  • Instruct everyone to duck, cover and hold-on as best they can. 
  • Crouching down in their seats and turning away from the windows until the shaking stops. 
• Keep students on the vehicle if it is safe, check verbally for injuries, reassure them that they need to continue to shelter in place.
• Prepare students for aftershocks reminding students to duck, cover and hold-on.
• Upon notification from dispatch, district officials or law enforcement drive to a determined location.
• Reassure students to remain calm.
• Account for all students.
• Passengers will not be released to parent/guardian until directed by law enforcement or district officials. If released, parent/guardian will complete a release form.

Ensuring passenger and staff safety is always our utmost responsibility and priority. It may become heightened when dealing with a vehicle breakdown.  

On Route

• If a vehicle shows signs of breaking down during normal operating hours, the driver should 
  • Pull the vehicle over to a safe location
  • Secure the vehicle
  • Activate emergency flashers
  • Contact dispatch informing them of their situation for support
• While waiting for support, drivers should
  • Reassure students of their safety and ask them to remain calm and in control.   
  • Account for and supervise students. 
  • Put out warning triangles. Placing triangles may need to be delayed until assistance arrives to avoid leaving students unsupervised.

On Trips or After Hours

If a vehicle breaks down while on a field trip after hours or on weekends, it is critical to get timely assistance ensuring the safety of staff and passengers.

• If a vehicle shows signs of breaking down the driver should get the vehicle to a safe location or an area that is well lit with sufficient room for additional vehicle support.
• Activate emergency flashers.
• The driver should contact the Director of Transportation or other district official who will seek mechanical assistance.
  • Quickly describe the problems experienced
  • Provide specific location and number of passengers
  • If it appears safe to do so, keep your students on the vehicle  unless you need to evacuate for safety reasons. 
• While waiting for support, drivers should
  • Reassure students of their safety and ask them to remain calm and in control.   
  • Account for and supervise students. 
  • Put out warning triangles. Placing triangles may need to be delayed until assistance arrives to avoid leaving students unsupervised.

A lockdown on a vehicle is used when a school is in a lockdown or in an emergency situation when it is safer to keep students on the vehicle  than to evacuate. The lockdown is based on the severity of the situation.  

Lockdown may be used temporarily to secure students in the vehicle.

• Dispatch will provide guidance.
• The driver should be directed to continue driving, modify their route or find a safe haven location to temporarily stage or park.
• The students should be informed of the plan and may need to stay in the vehicle for an extended period of time. 
• The driver will account for all students. Students will not be released to parent/guardian unless directed by district official.

Red Lockdown may be used when students need to take protective cover and be secured on the vehicle due to a dangerous person or situation nearby.

• The driver should call dispatch with an authoritative voice, informing them of the situation.
• Collectively quickly decide whether to attempt to drive away from the danger or to stay put.
• Drivers should secure the door by engaging the secure door switch.
• Drivers should quickly and authoritatively instruct students to crouch down in their seats away from windows or on the floor, using their book bags as cover.  All passengers should be quiet. 
• Communication with dispatch via text, landline should be attempted IF safely possible with location and emergency information.  
• Do not release anyone and do not admit anyone onto the vehicle.
• Periodically reassure students if it is safe to do so.
• Re-evaluate periodically as the situation changes.