To prepare for emergencies, PUSD has specific safety procedures that will be followed, depending on the type of each emergency. Below is information about what procedures we use in each type of emergency. Every situation is unique, so school staff may adjust their response to address student safety first. All schools, classrooms, and spaces have emergency information and procedures.
SCHOOL PROCEDURES
Schools implement one of the following procedures in response to safety issues or emergencies:
Lockdown Team Response
A lockdown team response is activated when a non-threatening incident requires staff to control movement inside the school or building. Doors were locked and students and staff sheltered in place.
Lockdown
A lockdown is activated when there is a potential critical threat directly affecting the site. During a lockdown, students and staff remain in classrooms behind locked doors, staying quiet, low, and out of sight. Windows and blinds are closed; lights are turned off. A lockdown indicates there is a potential critical threat directly affecting the site.
Fire
A school building evacuation may occur in the event of a threat to safety, such as a fire or earthquake, when it would be safer for students and staff to be out of the building. Students are guided by staff to a designated area and receive further instructions from school staff.
Duck, Cover & Hold On
During a threat that requires the protection of the body, such as during an earthquake, students and staff get away from windows and drop to their knees, cover their head and neck, and hold on to a table or chair. If outdoors, students are directed away from buildings, trees, poles, and windows. After a decision or alert to evacuate, students are guided by staff designated area and receive further instructions from school staff.
Shelter In Place
“Shelter-in-place” is activated when an external threat requires the school and community to remain indoors, such as airborne contaminants or wildfire.
PUSD staff teach these concepts and drills to students in an age-appropriate way. As a parent/caregiver, it might be helpful for you to review some of the informational resources as well as a “how to respond booklet,” which are available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website in a variety of languages. We have linked the DHS webpage for easy reference. This guidance is good to follow in any active threat situation.
The School District and law enforcement also hold quarterly meetings when we review and discuss trends, procedures, and updates.
