Emergency Procedures
Saint Genevieve Elementary recognizes that there are numerous disasters that could occur on
school grounds such as fire, earthquake, and other situations that cannot be anticipated. The
following emergency plan is a framework to describe the responsibilities and tasks of faculty
and staff. The principal has the legal and moral responsibility for the leadership of the school.
In the event of an emergency, Saint Genevieve Elementary will make every effort to
communicate the status of our students to Parents/Guardians; however, it is extremely
important that Parents/Guardians do not attempt to come to school to remove your
student. Again, no one will be allowed to enter or leave the building until local officials have
given us clearance. Parents/Guardians are asked NOT TO TELEPHONE THE SCHOOL in the event of a disaster. If the telephones are working; we will need them to make calls to emergency
agencies, news agencies and school system support personnel.
During and after an emergency, the school’s emergency plan is essential to ensure that
everything possible is being done to save lives, prevent injuries and protect property. It is vital
to the continued functioning of the school and its staff and students that we are prepared to
respond effectively in times of emergencies. The locations of On-Sight Emergency Response
Teams will depend on location of the crisis and damage to the facilities.
In cases of emergencies, we as the faculty and staff of St. Genevieve Parish School, have an
obligation to do our best to care for the students to the best of our ability. Familiarizing
yourself with the procedures below as well as our announced and unannounced practice of
these drills throughout the year will help ensure that we are able to remain calm and organized
in the event of an emergency.
The emergency plan has as its primary objectives:
1. To save lives and avoid injuries.
2. To safeguard school property and records.
3. To promote a fast, effective reaction in coping with emergencies.
4. To restore conditions back to normal with minimal confusion as promptly as possible.
Possible Situations for Activating Emergency Plan
- Civil Disturbance
- Lock Down
- Fire
a Earthquake
- Bomb Threat
- Power Loss
- Chemical Spill/Hazmat situation
- Severe Weather of any kind
- Other Emergency Situations
Earthquake
There is no warning signal for an earthquake or a surprise attack. The drill involves a schoolwide
signal that is given over the public address system. The signal is the announcement of
“EARTHQUAKE” which is repeated several times. While the announcement is made students
are to imagine the earthquake is happening. As long as the announcement continues, students
are to imagine that the building is shaking. When the announcement stops, students are to
imagine that the shaking has stopped. An emergency drop drill is conducted once each
trimester. In case of an earthquake and during the drills, the children have been instructed to:
1. Get under a desk or table, if possible.
2. Drop to their knees with their backs toward the windows.
3. Hold on to a piece of furniture (desk, table, etc.)
4. Bury face in arms, protecting the head; close eyes tightly.
5. Stay in place until instructed to leave.
6. Stay calm.
The instructions will depend upon the circumstances and extent of damage to the building.
After evacuation, the children have been assigned to specific areas of the school yard where
they, together with their teachers, will await the arrival of their parents. Parents, or guardians,
should never take the children from their designated areas without first consulting the teacher.
Following this procedure will mitigate confusion and chaos.
Earthquake/Natural Disaster Supplies
The school manages supplies for students in the event of an emergency.
Fire Drills
In compliance with state and local safety regulations, St. Genevieve School regularly practices
evacuation procedures.
Natural Disaster Communication Guidelines
On the first day of an emergency, St. Genevieve School will follow the action of local public
schools. Parents are advised to listen to directives on the radio. If danger is imminent, St.
Genevieve School will be evacuated even though the public schools may not. St. Genevieve will
attempt to post updated information on the scrolling marquee of the website as well as send
out a school reach text and/or e-mail message to all families that have provided their e-mail
addresses.
