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Emergency Communications

School Safety

What to expect in an emergency

In an emergency situation, your first reaction may be to call or come to the school. While that is a natural response, it may interfere with emergency agencies that are dealing with the situation. We ask that instead of going to the school, you rely on district emergency resources for information. In the event of an emergency at your child’s school, you will be notified via ParentSquare as soon as it is safe for staff to communicate and we have accurate information to share. The first notification made will always be to law enforcement, for the safety of our students and staff members in the buildings. 

Social media is not always a reliable source of accurate information, we encourage you to rely on messages sent directly from the district, which are coordinated with our law enforcement partners to ensure accuracy. Our first priority is establishing safety of the students and staff.

What type of emergencies might impact my child’s school?

All emergencies impact schools, including local and national events. Here are some examples of emergencies and the actions a school may take in response:

  • Severe weather – may result in early dismissal, late start, cancelled school, or shelter-in-place
  • Missing person or student – may result in a lockdown
  • Fire – may result in evacuation or shelter-in-place, depending on location and severity
  • Weapons – may result in an evacuation or a lockdown
  • Bomb Threat – may result in an evacuation
  • Chemical/Hazmat/Biological Materials – may result in an evacuation or shelter-in-place, depending on the location and type of incident
  • Intruder – may result in a lockdown or evacuation, depending on the circumstances

  • During an emergency situation, school officials must act quickly to secure schools, safeguard students and staff, and communicate promptly. Parents can help by being prepared before an emergency happens. Here are a few critical things you can do:

    • Give schools accurate contact information
    • Talk to your children about what to do, reinforce the importance of following instructions, and assure them that you will be able to find them after the emergency
    • Provide names and contact information for people authorized to pick up your children
    • Notify school officials if you see a dangerous or suspicious situation at school
    • If your child is on medication, be sure the school has at least a 1-2 day supply

  • Redmond School District follows the standard response protocols of the I Love U Guys Foundation.

    • Lockdown secures the building and safely shelters all students, staff, and visitors inside the school building.
    • Secure is a modification of a lockdown which keeps students in the school, prevents entrance into the school, and allows the school day to continue within the building.
    • Evacuation requires students, staff, and visitors to exit an unsafe school building.
       

    A safety poster outlines emergency procedures with bold text and icons.

    A Spanish-language emergency procedures poster with icons and instructions.

  • It is understandable that parents will want to get in touch with their children in the event of an emergency. However, calling your child’s cell phone may prevent them from hearing important, even life-saving information. Students will be able to use cell phones if they need immediate assistance and once they are safe. Please avoid calling the school during an emergency – the school staff will be dealing with the situation and may not be available to answer the phone. Parents should use district emergency channels to get information during an emergency.

  • Parents will be informed through district emergency channels when and where to be reunited with their children.