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Earthquake / Disaster Plan*

Saint Mary School has a complete, well-designed plan for survival in case of an earthquake or other disaster. Faculty, staff, and students are aware of the procedures. Parents/guardians are asked to provide a safety bag for each child at the beginning of each school year.  The safety bag is stored in the Saint Mary Parish facility.  Saint Mary School participates in the annual California Great Shake Out to prepare for a possible earthquake emergency.  The Saint Mary School staff reviews safety and earthquake plans annually to ensure the implementation of the best safety procedures.

Inside the school building, the teacher directs the students to:

1. Drop to their knees under some equipment-desk table, etc.
2. Stay away from windows, mirrors, lights, or objects that may fall over.
3. Clasp one hand firmly behind the head, cover the neck, and bury face in arms to protect the head, close eyes tightly and hold onto table/desk leg.
4. Stay in place until the quake is over, or when pupils are instructed to leave.

 If outside the school building, get clear of all buildings, walls, power poles, and objects that could fall.

If damage is major, a siren announces to all that an orderly fire drill shall be conducted to evacuate the building.

The Disaster Plan contains the following established procedures following the evacuation of the building:

1. A pre-designated adult locks all gates to the school. Parents/guardians will be allowed in the emergency area.
2. A command area is set up at the small gate by the basketball court. The teachers release children through this gate ONLY. Teachers will be at this post with the EMERGENCY CARDS. The main gate to the basketball court will be used for ambulances or fire trucks.
3. Students assemble on the field away from buildings and sit in classroom order. A faculty or staff member supervises each group. Teachers call roll.
4. A designated group distributes earthquake packs.
5. A First Aid station is immediately set up, headed by a faculty member. Eighth graders who are trained in First Aid help at this station.
6. Search and Rescue team looks for missing students.

REMEMBER:

1. DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL.
2. When you enter the premises use the Church parking lot.
3. Walk towards the children's playground.
4. Enter the playground through the gate by the basketball courts.
5. Ask for your child/children and the children you are authorized to pick up. Children can only be released to parents, guardians, or other individuals listed on the EMERGENCY CARD unless permission is given in the form of a signed note.
6. ID must be available at the time children are picked up.​

Fire and Earthquake Drills​*

Saint Mary School complies with state and local safety regulations. Fire drills are held in school once a month. Evacuation plans are displayed in every room. Teachers are informed how to conduct fire drills on an annual basis.

Inclement Weather*

In case school is canceled because of snow or extreme weather conditions, Saint Mary School families will be notified through two methods:

•  One of the following local radio stations:
• KAVL               610   AM
• KSRY               103.1 FM
• KTPI                97.7   FM
• KVVS               106.3  FM
• The Principal will also send out a message through the School Messenger phone system.
• In hot weather, students may have a water bottle with water kept in a place designated by the teacher.​

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