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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND STUDENT RELEASE

Planning for a variety of crises and disasters can be a daunting task, all the more so when faced with the responsibility to provide for the safety of over 22,000 students and staff. Northshore School District has plans in place for responding to any number of emergencies. The nature of disasters being somewhat unpredictable requires these plans to be as flexible as possible. The NSD website provides information on its emergency plans and procedures.

Each school has its own emergency response plans based on the district's Emergency Manual. All schools participate in a number of emergency drills throughout the school year, evaluating each drill and seeking ways to improve their response. Student participation in these drills is essential. It is not only the staff that needs to know what to do when disaster strikes, but the students as well. Please help your student to appreciate the importance of these drills by discussing the school's emergency plans and procedures with them.

After a disaster it is perfectly natural for parents to arrive at the school wishing to pick up their children. Please understand that for student safety NSD has procedures in place that must be followed for the release of students in the event of an emergency. When you arrive at the school the nature of the crisis will dictate exactly where and how students will be released. Staff members will work to reunite parents and students as quickly as possible. Your patience during this difficult time is most appreciated.

When parents arrive to pick up their children after an emergency they will be asked to fill-out an Emergency Student Release Form. It is imperative that this form be completed, as it will aid the school in keeping track of which students have left campus, with whom and their destination. Most students emergency release plans grant more than one adult authority to pick up the student in the event of an emergency. Should a parent arrive at the school looking for their child and he or she not be here, that parent will want to know with whom she left and where they were going. A properly completed Emergency Student Release Form will provide a parent with exactly that information. If you child has permission to leave the campus without an adult (i.e., walk or drive themselves home, leave with friends, etc.), he/she will also need to follow the procedures for student release. Knowing which students have left the campus will aid search and rescue groups in determining who may still be in the building.

In some disasters, such as a large scale earthquake, many students may be unable to leave the campus. Roads may be impassable; homes may not be safe to enter, etc. NSD staff and parent volunteers will work to provide for the safety and well being of these students.



***To receive a copy of the NSD Recommended Emergency Supplies List, please email Berta Phillips.****