Emergency Preparedness
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During this time of national concern, the Lee’s Summit R-7 School
District has continued its ongoing efforts to ensure that our schools
are a safe and caring environment for students.>
Through a cooperative effort with local law enforcement agencies, area fire
departments and county health departments, the R-7 School District
has developed comprehensive safety plans that cover emergencies ranging
from fires to medical emergencies to possible exposure to hazardous
chemicals or biological material. Due to the national situation,
R-7 School District officials have been in frequent communication
with police and fire officials and continue to improve and refine
emergency response plans.
What happens in the case of potentially hazardous
air-borne material?
School staff members have reviewed emergency
response procedures related to a number of crisis situations, including
the possibility of potentially hazardous air-borne substances. In the
case of an unidentified odor, unusual sound, smoke or vapor cloud that
appears to be outside the building, schools immediately begin a practice
known as “shelter in place.” In this situation, students
outside the building are directed to immediately return to classrooms.
Any students who are in mobile classroom trailers are also moved into
the main building. In addition, all doors and windows are closed and
locked, science labs are shut down and all blinds and curtains are closed.
The R-7 School District plan also includes shutting down the heating/ventilation/air
conditioning systems and closing air intakes and exhausts.
During any type of school crisis, many avenues
will be used to inform parents of procedures for releasing students to
parents, including the R-7 web page, local media, school information
lines and individual telephone calls to families. Depending on the recommendation
of public-safety officials, students may not be immediately released
to parents.
As with all emergency responses, the immediate
involvement of fire and police officials is vital. In case of an emergency,
school officials will follow the recommendations of fire and law-enforcement
experts.
What can parents do during this time
Parents are encouraged to help establish a sense of safety and security.
If children ask questions about safety in the schools, please reassure
them that plans are in place and staff are trained to address emergency
situations.
If you have any additional questions, please contact your school.
For more information on national emergency preparations, contact:
(Posted-February 14, 2003)
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