School Crisis Manual This manual made available with a grant from the U. S. Department of Education, Award # Q184E080339 CIM-Cover 8-08
Crisis Manual Contents Staff Training Color Coded School Map with Coded Door Labeling School Administrative Actions at Crisis Administrative Office Emergency Action Homeland Security Threat Level Actions Critical Incident Response for Staff Secure Mode for External Threats Bomb Threat Response Report Bomb Threat Response Bomb Threat Assessment Bomb Search Procedures Bomb Threat Reactions Shelter-in-Place, Hazardous Materials Internal HazMat Incidents Transportation Response Site Map Requirements Emergency Evacuation Kits Procedures for Handling Guns in Schools Chemical Attack/Accident Biological Attack/Release/Outbreak Explosions Radiological Attack/Release Nuclear Attack/Release CIM-Crisis Manual Contents 6-08
Staff Training Announce Code for Lockdown, (Confidential Code for Staff Only) Place Students Away From Door Check Halls for Students, Parents- Clear Main Area, Move to Secure Area Check on Partner- Activate Partner System, Phone Call Out Lock, Secure and Barricade Room, Await Instructions Turn Lights Off, Brief Students on Actions Account for Students- Class Exchange Accountability Prepare for Emergency Exit other than Main Door Place Cards: Red-Help, Green-Secure, Await Instruction Everyone has the Authority to Announce Fire Alarm at Same Time, Think Tactically Practice Once a Semester without Students Secure Mode Lock and Secure Outside Doors, Secure Inside Doors Bring in Students from Outdoors, (3) Whistle Blasts Staff Monitors Hallways/ Doors during all Student Movements Limit Entryways, Determine Outdoor Activities, Consider Closed Campus Practice Secure Mode once a Semester Bomb Threats Announce Secure Mode, Check Your Room Evacuate Suspicious Object Area Immediately, DO NOT TOUCH SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE Check all Exits and Movement Areas Account for Students Avoid Cell Phones, Electronic Devices, Radios/ No Student Phone Use Leave Light Switch Alone, Doors Open when Exiting Use Card System, Red- Suspicious Object, Green-Clear Shelter in Place- Avoid Hazardous Inhalants, Evacuation is Hazardous Pick Above Ground Area, Central Interior, Turn Off Air Circulators Seal off Doors and Windows, Secure Outside/Inside Doors Secure Mode Do Not Open Outside Doors, Allows Contaminants to Enter Practice with Tornado Drills CIM-Staff Training 7-07
School Building Administrative Duties at Crisis The administration representative must coordinate response at a controlling location. Immediately delegate staff to call 911 Caller gives essential information on what type of incident, where the problem is, who, and how many are involved with continuous updates. Caller must advise emergency vehicles on safest approach and meeting location. Determine level of threat and have proper code disseminated (Mascot, Secure Mode, Shelter-in-Place or other threat level). Use intercom if available or appropriate. Consider backup system (air horn). Have individuals verbally pass the code word on if not possible by PA. Notify district superintendent of situation. Obtain updates on situation from witnesses, staff, and others, continually update status. District Administration determines what evacuation plans/areas may be utilized. District Administration notifies Transportation for possible evacuation. Designate person to contact emergency responders to update and guide them in. FURNISH EMERGENCY KIT, prepare to brief and update first responder. Remain as resource person with first responder. District Administration designates Public Information Officer and liaison person for contact with parents. Transition your role to the emergency responders and be the resource for information. Have maintenance, security, and other resources available for assistance. Maintain liaison with incident commander. You Are the Incident Commander Now, Your Demeanor Influences Staff Reaction CIM-School Admin Action 7-07
Administrative Office Emergency Action Upon receipt of a call for an incident at the schools, the following actions should take place at the District Administration Office. Notify Superintendent or designees immediately Determine the extent of the response in relation to the magnitude of the incident. Ensure school buildings react properly. Call the Critical Incident Manager. Notify other school administrators in district and area of incident. Determine the evacuation area if needed, have an alternate plan. Notify Maintenance Supervisor to act as responder resource. Notify Transportation for possible response. Designate Public Information Officer and Area for briefing. Contact counselors office to prepare guidance assistance if needed. Bring District Emergency Kit to command post. Assign person to record events and maintain time line. Act as resource at Command Post with Unified Command System. CIM- Admin Office Action 7-07
High (Orange) Homeland Security Threat Level Actions Practice and be ready to immediately implement the Secure Mode to insure the safety of the school and students from outside threats. Practice and be prepared to implement Shelter-in-Place to respond to a chemical or hazardous material incident. Consider using the tornado sheltering with the immediate shut down of air exchange systems. Severe (Red) Activate the Secure Mode for the duration of the school day. Lock entry doors and monitor persons entering the school buildings. Prepare to Shelter-in-Place if notified. Monitor Communication updates for actions. CIM-Homeland Sec 7-07
Critical Incident Response for Staff Announce CODE for violence incidents (shooting, stabbings, fights, civil disturbance). The following actions will take place immediately: If Class is in session: Staff Member will Immediately Secure the Class Attendees: Place students away from the door. Check the hall for any persons not yet secured and place them in your room. Check on your partner; make a call to designated partner when all is secure. Lock, barricade and secure your room, await further instructions. Turn off the lights. Account for all persons in your class. Prepare for emergency exit other than main inside door. Place placard under door to hall, Green for secure and no threat in room. Red if dangerous situation in room and you can safely place the card. If Class is not in session: Check common areas; place all students/visitors in secure room. No locker breaks. Follow above instructions until all clear is given or police evacuate. Await Further Instructions from Administration or Police. IF CLASSROOM IS BEING ATTACKED, EXIT BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE AND ACCOUNT FOR YOUR STUDENTS. CIM-Staff Code 7-07
Secure Mode for External Threats When the potential for external threats arises, such as an off campus critical incident, the following actions will commence to secure the buildings and members: Lock and secure classroom and continue activities within the building. Bring in any students from outdoors to indoors, use three whistle blasts. Assigned staff will insure all entrances are secured except for designated entrances. Staff will monitor all student movement including class exchanges. Only building entry will be at control points designated by the administration. Outdoor activities only allowed upon administration approval. Campus may be closed for lunch depending on activity. Administration determines when normal activity continues. This action should be calmly enacted to protect both staff and students from outside threats. Practice twice yearly and record for state law requirements. CIM-Secure Mode 7-07
Bomb Threat Response Report QUESTIONS TO ASK: 1. When is bomb going to explode? 2. Where is it right now? 3. What does it look like? 4. What kind of bomb is it? 5. What will cause it to explode? 6. Did you place the bomb? 7. Why? 8. What is your address? 9. What is your name? EXACT WORDING OF THE THREAT: CALLER S VOICE Calm Loud Nasal Clearing throat If voice is familiar, Angry Laughing Stutter Deep breathing who did it sound Excited Crying Lisp Cracking voice like? Slow Normal Raspy Disguised Rapid Distinct Deep Accent Soft Slurred Ragged Familiar BACKGROUND SOUNDS Street noises Office Clear Other Voices Factory Local House noises Machinery Long Distance Motor Animal Noises Booth THREAT LANGUAGE Well spoken (educated) Foul Irrational Incoherent Taped Messaged read by threat maker REMARKS: Received by Date / / Time
Bomb Threat Response Upon receipt of call, have an experienced employee keep caller on line and refer to Bomb Threat Response Report. DO NOT HANG UP, keep line open for possible trace. Notify Principal s Office Immediately. Announce: Secure Mode, Check your room. Staff Action: Lock perimeter outside doors and interior doors (Secure Mode) Check for suspicious objects in classroom Take attendance Await further instructions from administration Administration Action Contact 911 for police on another open line. Notify Superintendent s office so response plan can be initiated. Determine with authorities through Threat Assessment if evacuation is appropriate. Evacuation Response if Assessment deems Appropriate Secure pre-designated evacuation area with at least 1000 feet Perimeter. Staff Actions: Immediately Evacuate area if suspicious package is observed. NEVER touch a suspicious package Check exits for suspicious items Account for students with attendance records. Do not use cell phones/radios. Leave light switches alone, doors open. Staff and students take immediate personal items in their possession with them. Place Green Card at door if no suspicious packages are easily observed in room. Place Red Card at door for suspicious package, Evacuate Immediately. Keep students isolated in a protected area NO STUDENT cell phone use Take Emergency Kit to evacuation area. CIM-Bomb Threat Response7-07
BOMB THREAT ASSESSMENT Bomb Threat Assessment Bomb Threat Response Report Information Gathering Notifications Law Enforcement Consider K-9 search Assess Threat School Emergency Response Team Low Risk How threat Received: - Indirect - Vague Location of Threat - On wall Lacks realism Age of phone caller - Background noises Identification and frequency of caller Ability to carry out detailed threat if questionable Medium Risk Threat is feasible Sufficient detail that risk poses more credibility than low level threat Increased specificity inherent in threat Time and place Indication of size of device Indication and details regarding availability of components (ex: explosives used) High Risk Specificity to the degree of naming individuals as possible victims The caller (bomber) identifies themselves Specifies the location of device and time of detonation
BOMB THREAT ASSESSMENT Bomb Threat Received Activate Bomb Threat Response Call 911 Search & Secure Classrooms Search & Secure Perimeter Search & Secure Public Areas Yes Suspicious Package Found? No Activate Bomb Evacuation Plan to secure area BE AWARE OF SECONDARYS Bomb Squad Render Safe Procedru Secondary Search by Police Continue Police Investigation Continue Police Investigation for Bomb Hoax Threat Possible Responses to Threat Levels (Always Consider Totality of Circumstances) LOW MEDIUM HIGH Full Evacuation' Consider Consider Strongly Consider Partial Evacuation Consider Consider Strongly Consider Explosives Detection Canine Consider Strongly Consider For Lockers Secure Mode Strongly Consider Strongly Consider Strongly Consider For common areas/parking Lot Strongly Consider Protracted Secure Consider Consider Strongly Consider Mode Access Control Consider Strongly Consider Strongly Consider VBIED's (perimeter) Counter Measures Consider Consider Strongly Consider
o Bomb Search Procedures Designate staff if possible that is familiar with the area to assist in searches so they can identify suspicious object. Coordinate search areas on maps. Search order: Outside first, bushes, trash cans, and other obscure areas (5/25- first 5 meters then expand to 25 meter radius). Inside, check common areas first (normally unattended). o Halls including closets, stairs, and utility areas o Cafeteria o Gymnasium o Offices o Bathrooms o Library o Classrooms (LAST) Search Procedures: Search in pairs when possible. Enter room, close eyes and listen for unusual sounds, start search on perimeter to left and search in a clockwise direction. Begin a visual search, check by sections. o Floor to waist o Waist to ceiling o Ceiling tiles Double check area of partner to insure coverage. Report search results to Leadership Team. LOCATING BOMB OR SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE DO NOT TOUCH OR INSPECT- LEAVE AREA AND REPORT FINDINGS CIM-Bomb Search 7-07
Bomb Threat Reactions In all cases, a thorough Threat Assessment should be made for the best course of action. Despite best effort, no one action will ensure safety. Always consider secondary devices. Maintain Shelter-Secure Mode Advantages Disadvantages 1. Protection Provided by Infrastructure 1. May Have Bomb in Building 2. May Minimize Future Threat 2.Creates Possible Liability 3. No Disruption of Service 3. Promotes Rumors 4. Consider Morale Issues Evacuate 1. Immediately Clears Targeted Areas 1. Bomb could be at Exit Areas 2. Disrupts Operations 3. Location of Bomb Unknown 4. What is Safe Time Frame? 5. May Encourage Future Threats 6. Exposes Evacuation Plans 7. May Cause Exposure to Secondary Device 8. Exposure to Sniper or IED s Target Area Search 1. Confirms Existence of Device 1. Bomb may Detonate during 2. May Discourage Threats Search 3. Offers Secure Feeling 2. Disruptions of Operations 4. Promotes Security Actions CIM-Bomb Threat Reaction 7-07
Shelter-in- Place, Hazardous Materials Shelter-in-Place is a method to protect schools, businesses, and homes from the hazardous effects of chemical events. Evacuations should only be needed in rare circumstances since evacuations inherently increase the risk of exposing individuals and emergency workers to the chemicals. Sheltering in place may be activated by an assortment of methods including sirens, media broadcasts, emergency workers or when you see or smell any unusual chemicals in the air. Shelter-in-Place Actions Pick a room above ground level if possible, (most chemicals are heavier than air and will seek low lying areas i.e. basements and tornado shelters). Lock Building Down Secure Mode. Pick an area near the center of your building as the outer rooms will buffer the interior sheltering. Avoid areas with direct vents to the outside. Consider a cafeteria or auditorium as it could provide bathrooms and water for a longer duration. Tightly close and latch all doors and windows. Turn off fans, heating and air condition units immediately to cut off outside airflow. Stuff damps towels in cracks along door bottoms. If possible seal doors, windows and vents with duct tape and plastic. If you smell chemicals, breathe through wetted wash cloths or towels. Listen to media broadcasts for updates. Be prepared to evacuate orderly, quickly and always upwind/uphill if advised to by emergency personnel. Keep an Emergency Kit available. Natural Gas/ Propane Actions Natural gas is lighter than air and will dissipate into the room as opposed to propane which will settle in low spots and the ground. Recognized by rotten egg odor, or the blowing or hissing sound. Evacuate immediately, call 1-800-477-5050 and 911. Do not use any electrical device, light switch, phones, cell phones, as they can create a spark. Do not shut off gas valves or appliances. Do not use open flames, matches or lighters or start any vehicles. Do not try to locate gas source and do not re-enter a building. CIM-Shelter/Haz Mat 7-07
Internal Hazardous Materials Incidents Hazardous Material released within a building can cause inhalation, eye irritation, dermal conditions, to name just a few. There are many materials used daily that when combined with others, create toxic conditions. Many buildings are ventilated through central systems which cause contaminants to be spread quickly and may affect a large population. Immediate Evacuation Process Activate the fire alarm system to effect the most immediate and organized evacuation. Evacuate to areas upwind/uphill from the contaminated area. Secure the building until responders arrive and give the all clear. Keep an Emergency Kit available. Account for students and monitor possible affects of fumes. Be prepared to shelter or evacuate students to another location. CIM-Internal/Haz Mat 6-08
Transportation Supervisor and Dispatch Duties: Transportation Response Do Not let anyone approach the student door of the bus, go to driver s window. Have notification lists of surrounding districts available for back-up response. Keep Emergency Signals available at dispatch in the event of a notification. Advise police and superintendents office of bus emergency. Track routes with 15 minute intervals to locate in time of emergency. Use mirrors for quick checks under busses and check interiors for suspicious items. Secure bus fences and consider motion activated monitoring of bus area. Emergency Signals Bus Number to A-ADAM BASE Example; Bus ISD 42 to Base A-Adam. Bus driver and occupants are in grave danger, (i.e... hostage situation, armed gunman) and the driver is unable to tell what is going on due to possible violence that could be inflicted. This is the utmost priority and if not handled properly could cause injury or death to involved persons. All other drivers hearing the code are to maintain radio silence and await further directions from dispatch. This is not to be used when the driver is able to talk on the radio and give information. To be used only in situations of grave danger. Bus Number, to base, I Have a Code 1300 Example; Bus ISD 42, to Base, I have a code 1300. Bus has a suspicious person or possibly has an armed person on the bus that is not to be confronted by the bus driver. The bus driver uses this code so as not to alert the individual and continues to the school where police can assist in assessing the danger. Driver continues on and updates dispatch with locations and information when possible. This is not to be initiated when normal means of communication can be used without alerting the suspicious person. Police will be directed to the schools and will not approach the bus on this code. CIM-Transportation 7-07
Site Map Requirements The following are to be color coded and recorded on school floor plans: Gas Entry into Building as well as Gas Locations YELLOW Electric Main Switch Location GREEN Fire Alarm Turn Off Locations RED Security Alarm Controls PINK Hazardous Materials Locations BROWN Sprinkler Turn Off Locations BLUE Label Sides and Doors with Numbers Label North, South, East and West Address and Phone Number of Building Other Information: Main Entry Surveillance Cameras Master Keys Classroom Numbers Exterior Door Numbers Pay Phone Locations Public Address Systems Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Roof and Underground Access Evacuation Sites (At Least One Alternate Site) Avoid Parked Vehicles, Dumpsters (Secondary Explosion Potential) Must Allow Mobility Identify Reunification and Media Centers CIM-Site Maps 7-07
Emergency Evacuation Kits The following is the minimum contents of the Emergency Kit. There should be a back-up maintained at the district office. Copy of School Emergency Operations Plan Most Current Roster Copy of Coded Site Map and Evacuation Areas Emergency Telephone Listings of Assisting Agencies Phone Numbers of all Interior Phones, Staff Cell Numbers Photographic Copies of Building Video of Building Copies of Student and Staff Emergency/Release Contacts Cell Phone Available Current Phone Book Most Recent Year Book, CD of Students/Staff First Aid Kit (Blood and Breathing Emergencies) Emergency Medical Information on Students and Staff Master Key(s) Top, Ring Of Emergency Book Local Maps of School Area Duct Tape The kit should be accessible to staff, but not the public. TAKE TO INCIDENT COMMAND ON SITE. CIM-Emergency Kit 7-07
Procedures for Handling Guns in Schools This is a staff policy and kept confidential with staff only. Consideration should be given once a gun is discovered to placing the school building in a Secure Mode immediately to control movement of students. Isolate the person from the gun and maintain control of the person if possible. If the person is harming staff, and runs out of the building let he/she leave. The suspect can be located later, secure your building. Move any students/staff away from the gun and DO NOT handle a weapon; consider clearing out the immediate area. Preserving evidence for fingerprints and chain of custody on property is important in criminal incidents. Contact 911, direct the police to the location. The police will secure the gun for safety and evidence. The police will conduct an investigation. CIM-Gun procedures 7-07
CHEMICAL Attack/Accident NOTE: Most chemical agents do not produce a visible cloud Indicators of Chemical Hazard Blisters or rashes Unusual liquid droplets or oily film Unexplained odors Unexplained coughing, fatigue, tearing in eyes, dizziness Unexplained animal sickness or death STAFF PRINCIPAL S OFFICE If a chemical attack or release is suspected, notify the principal s office immediately Advise of injuries/anyone in immediate danger If evident, notify principal s office of adverse physical symptoms present Stay calm and keep students calm Remain in room with door and windows closed. Await further instructions Take attendance and keep class roster in your possession If outside with students, seek shelter immediately Have students cover nose and mouth with handkerchief or other material If chemical attack or release is suspected, turn off HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems Call Emergency 9-1-1 and notify administration Control building ingress/egress Use PA announcement directing staff and students to remain in classrooms or move to a predesignated safe/assembly area o Only at the direction of the incident commander Conduct attendance audit of visitors, staff and students Public announcement through local emergency manager or broadcast media
BIOLOGICAL Attack/Release/Outbreak Indicators of Biological Incident Symptoms may not present themselves for 1-20 days, depending on the biological agent, and may include Fever, headache, chills, sweating, weakness and fatigue Respiratory distress, difficulty talking or eating Joint and muscle pain Nausea STAFF PRINCIPAL S OFFICE Notify principal s office Call Emergency 9-1-1 and notify administration o Ensure local health department contacted Conduct attendance audit of visitors, staff and students NOTE: Establishment of information sharing system with public health officials to report excessive/unusual student absenteeism should be considered Consider: Establishing a location for evacuation, decontamination, or quarantine at the direction/approval of the incident commander.
EXPLOSION Approximately 70% of terrorist events involve the use of explosives. Explosives can be used to disperse other hazardous materials. Types of explosions are: Mechanical Chemical Nuclear/Radiological STAFF PRINCIPAL S OFFICE Written, email, verbal or call-in explosion threat OR Upon discovery of potential explosive device: Stay calm Inform principals office via messenger or building telephone Do not operate radios or electronic equipment Evacuate to designated assembly area, leaving doors open as you exit Recommend 1,000 feet distance minimum Do not remove any items from the building as you exit Take attendance Report any missing students to principal s office immediately Do not re-enter building Written, email, verbal or call-in explosion threat OR Upon discovery of potential explosive device: Upon notification, call Emergency 9-1-1 and notify administration Use messenger to signal evacuation of staff and students to designated assembly area Radio signals and/or electronic devices can activate explosive devices. Do Not Use: o Radios o Cell Phones o Electronic bells/public address system Report any unaccounted students to first responder on scene Fire Police Emergency Medical Services Conduct attendance audit of visitors, staff and students
RADIOLOGICAL Attack/Release Indicators of Radiological Exposure Symptoms usually do not appear for 2-6 hours, even with high doses. Some symptoms may include: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache STAFF PRINCIPAL S OFFICE Close windows and doors Ensure that students do not chew gum, eat, drink or place objects in their mouth Have students cover nose and mouth with handkerchief or other material Take attendance Wait for further direction from school administration Call 9-1-1 immediately and notify administration Public address announcement to staff Control building ingress/egress Turn off HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system Ensure windows and doors are closed Maintain a closed campus until evacuation or decontamination procedures are implemented by incident commander If within 10 mile radius of incident, shelter in place until evacuation procedures are initiated Conduct attendance audit of visitors, staff and students If possible and practical: Keep exposure time to a minimum Establish a location for evacuation and decontamination at the direction/approval of the incident commander Contact your local Emergency Manager for recommendations For those buildings within the Ten Mile Emergency Planning Zone of a nuclear power plant, please refer to required response plans or protocols
NUCLEAR Attack/Release The explosion of a nuclear bomb, the use of nuclear weapons, usable fissile material, and the seizure or sabotage of nuclear facilities Detonation of a thermal nuclear bomb Bombing of nuclear facility or transportation vehicle (freeway) Use of a dirty bomb Use an explosive device to disseminate radioactive material Dissemination of radioactive materials with a spray device NOTE: the amount of radiation from a dirty bomb is unlikely to give you radiation sickness or cancer (dependent on time, rate, distance) STAFF PRINCIPAL S OFFICE Call Emergency 9-1-1 and notify administration Await further instructions Conduct attendance audit of visitors, staff and students Refer to Radiological Release/Incident template