Emergency Information Guide
School Emergency Information Guide for Parents & Guardians
Parent Responsibilities During a School Emergency
As a parent, your initial reaction is to report to the school; however, calling the school repeatedly or rushing to the school to pick up your child creates more confusion for a school in a state of emergency.
During a school emergency, it is crucial that roadways are clear for first responders to reach the school as quickly as possible. Parents on the scene often hinder police, fire and EMT rescue attempts. As emotionally difficult as it may be, parents should wait for official communications from school or public safety officials.
The JP Schools Communications Department will publish emergency notification alerts with official verified news and updates of the incident. JCampus notifications will be sent via text, email and voice message to the contact information that was filed with the school. Parents are responsible for schools having correct and updated contact information.
How Can You Help?
BE PREPARED FOR A SCHOOL EMERGENCY
Ensure that your child's emergency contact information is accurate and current on the emergency card.
All student contact information should be up to date within the school's data base. Parents are urged to log into their child's STUDENT PROGRESS CENTER (an option found within the JP Schools mobile app) to verify and update contact information on file. Contact information can also be updated at child's school.
The district uses a notification system within the JCampus Student Database to notify parents of inclement weather and emergencies.
Become familiar with your school's emergency communication procedures. Each school is committed to providing accurate and timely information in the event of an emergency.
Reasons for Students and Staff to be on Lockdown, Lockout or an Evacuation
- Environmental event; gas leak, chemical spill, etc. Weather Emergency; tornado, flash floods
- Intruder near or in the campus area
A call for lockdown, lockout, or evacuation will take place when there is an internal or external threat identified. If a threat is identified, law enforcement personnel are to eliminate the threat, EMS and fire responders will render first aid if necessary and ensure the safety of classrooms and buildings for normal operation.
Reunification After an Emergency
The process for reunification with your child after an emergency will be communicated to families after an "all clear" has been provided by authorities.
Parents must remember arriving at the school site for reunification may interfere with first responders. Reunification is possible when the "all clear" has been given. Parents must remember to bring proper identification. Students will only be released to parents/ guardians with proper documentation.
In the event an evacuation takes place, the location site for reunification will be communicated to families. If students are not evacuated, JP Schools will transport students who normally ride a bus.
It is important that parents update their contact information in JCampus in order to receive updates.
We will also use the JP Schools mobile app, website, local news, and text messages to communicate with parents/guardians.
Have These Before an Emergency
- Student Progress Center to assure your school has your current contact information
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- Contact your school to update your contact information
DO NOTs in school emergencies
- DO NOT rush to your child's school, doing so may put parents in harm's way.
- DO NOT phone your child. Staff and students are discouraged from using cell phone communication for safety reasons.
DOs in a school emergency
- DO download the JP Schools mobile app for iPhone or Android devices. This will notify you of events within your school as well as the district.
- DO tune into local TV/Radio stations for official school news alerts.
- DO rely only on official communication from school or public safety officials.
- DO listen for official information regarding reunification with your child.
- DO make sure that all emergency contact information is current with your child's school by logging into STUDENT PROGRESS CENTER. (If you do not have an account, please contact the school for login instructions)
- DO contact 911 if you are made aware of a threat or potential threat after normal school hours.
Safety Terms & Procedures
LOCKDOWN
A lockdown takes place if an internal or external threat is identified. All school doors are locked and students are confined to classrooms.
No entry into or exit from the school will be allowed until an "all-clear" announcement is made. Students will NOT be released from school during a lockdown.
LOCKOUT
Students take refuge in designated areas to protect them from hazardous materials or severe weather.
No entry into or exit from school is allowed until an "all-clear" announcement is made.
Students will NOT be released from school during a lockout.
EVACUATION
In the event of certain building emergencies, students will be relocated to an evacuation assembly area.
Students will only be released to parents/guardians with picture ID and permission from a district official.