Emergency Procedures

 

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   South Mountain has 4 different ways to handle emergencies that arise on or near our campus: 

Lockdown, Shelter in Place, Evacuation and Reverse Evacuation.  

     

Lockdown:  

   

 

A Lockdown indicates that a very serious or dangerous situation exists within the school property.  Sudents, staff and visitors need to immediately seek a secure and safe location until the threat or danger is over.

If a Lockdown exists at the end of the school day, students and staff will remain in their classroom until otherwise notified.

   

Shelter in Place:

 

 

A Shelter in Place indicates that there is a danger/threat in the community around the school.  The perimeter of the facility will be secured, and no one will be allowed to enter or exit the campus.  Staff, students and visitors will remain on the premises until otherwise advised.  Staff, students and visitors will follow directions as given by administration and security staff.

If a Shelter in Place exists at the end of the school day, students and staff will remain in their classroom until otherwise notified.

   

Evacuation:

 

 

Evacuation procedures begin by one of the following methods:  Fire alarm or announcement by an Administrator.

   

Reverse Evacuation:

 

 

Reverse Evactuation is like a Shelter in Place - it provides refuge for students, staff and public within the school buildings during an emergency.  Shelters are located in areas that maximize the safety of inhabitants.  Safe areas may change depending on the emergency.  Be prepared to go into a Lockdown or Shelter in Place once safely inside.

 

Emergency Response Plan

An administrative committee has developed an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for SMHS that outlines procedures for faculty and staff to follow during an emergency or time of trauma while at SMHS.  Events at schools across the nation, point out the fact that crises can happen anywhere, anytime, and that a reasoned response is needed to ensure student and staff safety. 

SMHS officials know that a school crises can take many forms - weather emergencies, fires, bomb threats, or gas leaks, for example.  The ERP instructs staff about what to do when any of these and many other emergency situations occur.

Notification is key to the ERP.  SMHS has developed a safety announcement system which will be broadcast campus wide when a crisis occurs.  Students and staff will hear an announcement which will denote a certain type and level of emergency.  They will also hear an announcement which will indicate when the situation is over signaling the resumption of normal school activity.

The ERP also spells out who is on the decision making Crisis Team and what they need to consider, including, how and when to notify parents, dismissal procedures, or relocation of students to alternate sites.

SMHS officials plan to hold drills throughout the school year in order for staff and students to practice response to different emergency situations .  

Please refrain from calling your students during emergencies.  We will inform parents when things are secure.  Letters will be sent home the following day, sometimes the same day, informing parents of the potential threat.