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The threat alerts issued by the Office
of Homeland Security have raised the level of anxiety for many people in
our community. Yes, we have a comprehensive safety plan that is approved by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. This plan addresses a wide range of crisis situations. Every teacher has an Emergency Ready Reference, which is a guide for responding to various types of emergencies. How will schools respond to a code orange or code red threat alert? Every day, our first responsibility is to ensure that students and staff are safe and secure. If a code orange or code red alert is issued, we will follow the directions of the Office of Homeland Security and local public safety agencies. How will schools respond if an incident occurs? Depending on the nature of the incident, we will implement one of the following emergency drills:
All schools practice these drills throughout the school year. Do schools have the basic supplies and
equipment needed to handle emergency situations? Also, schools are equipped with emergency lighting systems, fire extinguishers, flashlights, emergency alert radios, bullhorns, and two-way radios. Will parents be notified if an incident occurs at school? If an incident occurs, our first priority will be to ensure that all students are safe and under adult supervision. The superintendent’s office will immediately notify the news media and place current information on the school system website. Parents should listen to local radio and television stations or access the school system website at www.henry.k12.ga.us (click on Emergency Information). If students are transported to the hospital, designated school officials will accompany them. Parents will be notified. Parents should ensure that schools always have up-to-date lists of emergency contact persons. What should parents do if an incident occurs at school? If an incident occurs, it is only natural for parents to call or rush to the school. However, parents must be careful to avoid hampering the work of school and public safety officials. Parents can help manage a crisis situation in the following ways: . Do your best to cooperate with school and public safety officials. Keep roads clear. Be aware that traffic or parking congestion could hamper access of public safety vehicles. Keep phone lines open. Be aware that excessive phone calls could jam the phone system and hamper emergency communications. Be patient. Students will be released to their parents, guardians, or emergency contact persons as soon as possible. Remember, a crisis situation must be handled in an orderly manner so that we can protect and account for all students. What support services will the school system provide if an incident occurs? If an incident occurs, a Crisis Care Team will be sent to the school to help students and staff cope with the emotional impact of the crisis. The Crisis Care Team consists of counselors, school nurses, social workers, and school psychologists who have received specialized training. How can school system resources support the community during a crisis? School facilities are available to be used as emergency shelters and school system buses may be used for emergency transportation. With whom may I speak to obtain more information about school safety? Contact a school administrator for additional information about the safety plan for your child’s school. You may also contact Mr. Tony Pickett, Coordinator of Administrative Services, Henry County Schools, at 770-957-6601 or Tony.Pickett@henry.k12.ga.us. In addition, you can contact the Georgia
Emergency Management Agency at 404-635-7228 or www.gema.state.ga.us.
Henry County Schools Questions/Comments: |
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