EVACUATE – SRP Specific Core Action
EVACUATE is called when there is a need to move people from one location to another for safety reasons. An on-site evacuation is conducted usually because of a mechanical failure that would disrupt the school day, such as a power outage. If it can’t be resolved quickly, the school may have to plan for early dismissal.
An off-site evacuation may be necessary when it’s no longer safe to stay in the building such as a gas leak or bomb threat. In this case, people will be allowed to bring their personal items with them.
If there has been a violent event at the school, an offsite evacuation will almost always be necessary since the school will be deemed a crime scene. People may or may not be able to bring their personal items with them.
The Evacuate Action demands students and staff move in an orderly fashion to a safe area.
Examples of an EVACUATE Action:
- Fire
- Gas leak
- Power outage or other mechanical failure (boiler is out during winter).
- Wild animal is loose inside the building.
- Violent event in the school involving law enforcement crime scene.
Who initiates an EVACUATE Action?
The classroom teacher or administrator is usually responsible for initiating an Evacuation. The directives or actions may vary for fire, bomb threat, or other emergencies.
Other directions may be invoked during an evacuation, and students and staff should be prepared to follow specific instructions given by staff or first responders.
It is also the responsibility of school staff to account for students present and/or absent. Staff will need this attendance information in the next process of evacuation assembly.
The public address for Evacuate is: “Evacuate! To a Location” and is repeated twice each time the public address is performed. For instance, “Evacuate! To the Flag Pole.”
“Evacuate! To a location.
Evacuate! To a location.”
How should schools prepare for an EVACUATE Action?
Evacuation preparation involves the identification of facility evacuation routes, evacuation assembly points, and evacuation sites, as well as student, teacher, and administrator training. An evacuation site may become the reunification site, so plan accordingly. Ideally, plan to have an off-site evacuation facility that’s within walking distance, and another farther away from the school in case the hazard is in the immediate area. Have an MOU in place with each site to outline expectations and responsibilities in advance.
Multiple locations should be considered for evacuation sites especially in larger school districts.
Students are trained that if they are separated from their class during an Evacuation, then joining another group is acceptable. They should be instructed to identify themselves to the teacher in their group after arriving at the Evacuation Site.
- Nebraska schools are required to have ten Fire evacuations per school year. One per month.
- Nebraska schools are required to have two bus evacuations to an offsite location per school year.
POLICE LED EVACUATION
In the rare situations where law enforcement is clearing classrooms and escorting students and staff out of the classroom and through the building after a Lockdown, it is important to have provided advance instruction on what to expect.
As officers enter the classroom, students and staff must keep their hands visible and empty. They need hands viable and empty to verify there is no threat by those in the room.
Messaging examples to parents when an EVACUATE Action happens:
Evacuations can be stressful because they are disruptive, whether they’re on site or off-site, so plan to send multiple messages. Have a central digital platform that your public information team can easily update, and people can go to for information.
EVACUATION WITH A RETURN TO SCHOOL ANTICIPATED
Email
Subject Line: Safety Notification – [School Name] Has Been Evacuated
Dear Parent or Guardian,
[School Name] was Evacuated at [state evacuation time] due to [state reason for evacuation].
The safety and well-being of your child is our top priority. We are actively responding to the situation and collaborating with emergency responders.
The [state the reason for evacuation] is expected to be resolved with students returning to class. Dismissal will be at the regular time today. Watch for updates here [link to the platform you’ll be updating]
What is the Evacuate Action? *
Text Message
[School Name] has been Evacuated due to [state reason for evacuation]. Please check your email and voicemail for details and information.
Phone Call
Parents, [School Name] has been Evacuated due to [state reason for evacuation]. Please check your email for details and information. EVACUATION WITH EARLY DISMISSAL PLANNED
Email
Subject Line: Safety Notification – [School Name] Has Been Evacuated
Dear Parent or Guardian,
[School Name] was Evacuated at [state evacuation time]due to [state reason for evacuation]. Because of [reason], there will be an early dismissal at [state the time].
The safety and well-being of your child is our top priority. We are actively responding to the situation and collaborating with emergency responders. Watch for updates here [link to the platform you’ll be updating].
What is the Evacuate Action? *
Text Message
[School Name] has been Evacuated due to [state reason for evacuation] and students will be dismissed early at [state the time]. Please check your email and voicemail.
For additional information download the SRP/SRM Operational Guide.