RSD Communications

What to do during a school 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:

• Website Alerts
• Follow @RedmondSchools on Facebook
• Emergency phone messages
• Local TV and radio stations

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

Emergency Preparedness
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

School Actions

Redmond School District follows the standard response protocols laid out by 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.