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Safety & Security » In Case of an Emergency

In Case of an Emergency

The San Marino Unified School District (SMUSD) has adopted an extensive Emergency/Disaster Plan based on an international Incident Command System www.ready.gov. District and Site personnel were trained in the implementation of this Plan through drills, workshops, and periodic staff reviews.
 
Please note that in this geographic area, there are frequent minor earthquakes that do not cause widespread damage or disruptions. SMUSD’s Emergency/ Disaster Plan is a multi-tiered system that can be implemented at many levels, depending on need and assessment of the campus, for both internal and external threats.
 
Guidance for PARENTS & STUDENTS
  • Do NOT automatically rush to the school.
  • The District and/or School will notify parents/guardians/students via SMUSD Mobile App notifications, SMS text messages, email, and phone using the Blackboard Mass Notification System.
  • Check the School/District website(s):
  • The School's main phone greeting message will be updated to acknowledge and provide emergency-related information. Callers may find difficulty reaching School personnel during an emergency.  Callers who want to speak to someone may be able to join a call queue. 
  • Do NOT call the Local Police Department as dispatch and phone lines may also be impacted. DO report criminal activity to the Police Department by dialing 911. 
  • If parents/guardians are notified to pick up students:
    • Plan on picking up your youngest student first.
    • Follow the signage at the school and enter ONLY at designated entrances. Respect areas cordoned off by yellow “caution” tape and follow directions for alternate routes. Follow instructions of school personnel.
    • Make sure to bring an ID. Site Security will be checking to make sure that all adults entering the campus have a legitimate purpose for being there.
    • Remember to write down your Destination on the Student Release form.
    • Do NOT bring dogs or other pets to the school.
    • Plan on the check-out procedure taking time - you may want to bring a cell phone, water, and PATIENCE.
 
What PARENTS Can Do to Prepare for an Emergency
  • Install the SMUSD Mobile App onto your cell phone to receive notifications.
  • Parents/Guardians are required to submit Emergency Contacts on the Registration / First Day Packet forms for each student each year. It is critical that the information is complete and up-to-date. The Emergency Information must include at least two persons who are authorized (and who consents) to pick up your student in case of an emergency, and who is available for emergency pick-up during school hours. In case of an emergency, students will be released ONLY to the persons designated as Emergency Contacts.
  • Parents/Guardians are responsible for ensuring that student and parent information is current at all times. Parents should contact site personnel to make changes or updates.
  • Parents/Guardians should confirm that the school has the cell phone number or other phone number(s) to be used in case of an emergency. Cell phone numbers entered on the Registration / First Day Packet forms are synced with the Blackboard Mass Notification System to receive SMS text messages and/or phone calls. Parents and students can log in to the SMUSD Mobile App or Blackboard directly to review/verify the contact information. Please see the Emergency Communications page for more detailed information about how to log in and review your emergency contact information.
  • Parents/Guardians should make certain that their phone Caller ID will accept calls from the school main number.
  • Students who are 18 or older may sign themselves out at the Student Release Table.
  • Students who are 18 or older may pick up a younger sibling IF that student is on the sibling’s Emergency Form.
  • Parents/Guardians should become proficient in sending and receiving text messages.
  • Make sure your student is familiar with and prepared to follow emergency plans.
 
What STUDENTS Can Do to Prepare for an Emergency
  • Install the SMUSD Mobile App onto your cell phone to receive notifications. Review / Update cell phone numbers directly in Blackboard / SMUSD mobile app to receive SMS Text messages, email, and phone calls. Please see the Emergency Communications page for more detailed information about how to log in and review your emergency contact information.
  • Parents/Guardians are required to submit Emergency Contacts on the Registration / First Day Packet forms for each student each year. It is critical that the information is complete and up-to-date. The Emergency Information must include at least two persons who are authorized (and who consents) to pick up your student in case of an emergency, and who is available for emergency pick-up during school hours. In case of an emergency, students will be released ONLY to the persons designated as Emergency Contacts.
    • Parents / Guardians are asked to share the responsibility for informing students of what to do in case of an emergency and to direct students to follow all instructions of school personnel. Students should be aware of who is likely to pick them up in case of an emergency.
    • Parents / Guardians are asked to discuss with High School students the importance of staying on campus until they are released by school personnel, and to write down their next destination on the Student Release form.
 
What PARENTS & STUDENTS Can Expect in an Emergency
 
The primary responsibility of SMUSD school staff in an emergency is the safety of all students and staff. As part of the Incident Command System, each school site has made arrangements for rescue, first aid, sanitation, water, and other support, and is prepared to function on its own, under the direction of its Incident Commander. Each school site coordinates with the District Office, which in turn coordinates with local emergency services. Emergency-related communications will be sent using the Blackboard Mass Notification System in the form of SMS Text Messages, Email, and SMUSD Mobile App notifications.
 
Supervision of Students by School Personnel:
  • All students are to remain at school, or an alternate safe site, under the supervision of school personnel:
    • Until released to an adult authorized on the Emergency Form; OR
    • Until regular dismissal time, if school personnel determine that release is safe.
  • If students are on their way to school, they should proceed to school and follow the direction of school personnel/first responders.
  • If students are on their way home from school, they should continue home.
  • District personnel may relocate students to another site where consolidated care facilities can be provided. If relocation to secondary or tertiary sites is necessary, signs will be posted at each school entrance and efforts will be made to contact parents via Blackboard and School/District websites.
 
Emergency Release Areas:
Emergency release areas may change depending on the incident and/or ingress to the School.
  • Carver: Carver School Playground Blacktop.
  • Valentine: Valentine School Playground Blacktop.
  • Huntington: Huntington Middle School Playground Blacktop.
  • San Marino High: San Marino High School Upper Field.