EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS. Section 8. District Health & Safety Manual SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 5 (SOUTHEAST KOOTENAY)

Transcription

1 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Section 8 District Health & Safety Manual SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 5 (SOUTHEAST KOOTENAY) Page 1 of 12

2 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (a) Fire Safety - General All employees should know the location of fire exits, fire alarms and fire extinguishers nearest their work area. All employees shall sound an alarm when a fire is discovered to notify all occupants of the building affected, thereby allowing for the safe orderly evacuation of the building. The responsible fire department s emergency telephone number shall be kept in an easily accessible location at each school district facility for quick reference, if needed. All exits, entrances, stairways, hallways and walkways shall be kept clear of building, school office and/or storage materials in order to provide an unobstructed safe way out of the building/ facility for employees, students and others. In the event of a fire to a school district building, the supervisor or other appointed employee at that facility shall notify the attending fire department officials of the locations and types (names) of any hazardous materials kept in the building. All school district buildings shall be equipped with proper fire extinguishers placed throughout each building, easily accessible and unobstructed, which will be tested and certified annually. School district employees should know how to use the fire extinguishers located at their work site. School district employees must not put themselves unnecessarily at risk in an attempt to extinguish the fire. Any employee using a fire extinguisher shall report this usage to their supervisor who shall initiate action to have the fire extinguisher re-charged. All fires, regardless of nature or severity (except controlled fires set by maintenance) shall be reported by the quickest means to the district school board office. Page 2 of 12

3 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS cont d b) School Facilities Fire drills shall be held three times in each fall and spring term at every district school, with a record of each fire drill maintained by the school administrator, annually at school board offices, maintenance and transportation facilities. Paper display materials shall be limited to 20% of each wall surface, excluding doors, doorways and other openings, where no paper material is to be placed (see Appendix Ministry Guidelines Decorative Materials in School Corridors). An emergency evacuation schematic shall be posted at the entrance/exit of each school/facility room. Occupation of school district gymnasiums and other areas designed to be used as a hall, theatre or assembly area, shall be guided by the Public Hall & Theatre Safety Regulations (BC Fire Services Act). c) Flammable Substances All flammable substances in buildings, shall be securely stored in approved flammable cabinets. All flammable substances are WHMIS regulated, therefore shall be identified with a proper workplace or supplier label and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) shall be readily accessible. An inventory of flammable substances in each school district building/facility shall be maintained and made available to the responsible fire department when requested. Employees should be aware of the flashpoint of all flammable substances they are required to work with. (Flashpoints can be located on MSDS. Flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a flammable or combustible liquid will give off enough vapor to burn when it contacts an open flame or spark. The lower the flashpoint of a liquid, the greater the risk of fire.) Waste materials contaminated with solvents, oils, greasepaints or other flammable substances shall be stored in approved metal containers until disposal. Sawdust shall not be used as an absorbent of flammable substances, only an approved absorbent may be utilized. Page 3 of 12

4 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS cont d All employees involved in welding shall carry out this work in accordance with the Fire Services Act as well as related WCB Occupational Health & Safety Regulations dealing with harmful substances, proper ventilation, personal protective equipment and welding, burning and soldering requirements. d) Suspicious Object Found Remain calm. Do not touch the object. Notify the administrative officer/site manager immediately. The administrative officer/site manager shall notify the RCMP of the discovery and immediately initiate full evacuation of the building using standard fire alarm procedures. In the event of a suspicious object being found, the RCMP, upon notification, shall immediately assume full responsibility for all subsequent management of the situation. Further school district on the scene management of the situation shall be restricted to those actions specifically requested by the RCMP. 8.2 Bomb Threat Principles a) School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) is committed to safeguarding district employees and students from harm by dealing safety and systematically with bomb scare incidents. Standardized written procedures outlining the action to be followed by site managers and employees must be kept readily available at each work site. Local site manager(s) must review the procedures with their staff on an annual basis and ensure that key personnel maintain an ongoing state of readiness with respect to a bomb scare incident. The bomb threat guidelines reflect the following district priorities in the order given: Maximization of employee and student safety; and, Minimization of educational disruption. Page 4 of 12

5 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS cont d Site managers must rely heavily on the advice of the RCMP and must err on the side of caution with resolving a bomb scare incident. Decisions against evacuation or in favor of re-occupancy must be made with approval of both senior management and the RCMP. The Occupational Health & Safety Officer will review the written bomb threat guidelines on an annual basis. Changes in the written guidelines will be made with consultation and support from the RCMP. b) Bomb Threat Guidelines 1. On Receipt of a Bomb Threat Written Threat the only difference between receiving a written or telephone threat is that written material may be used by the RCMP as physical evidence so the written material must be handled by the least number of people as possible. Proceed to Step 2. Phone Threat Listen carefully to every word said by the caller; Be calm and courteous, do not interrupt; Try to determine probable age & sex of caller; Listen for background music; Note any distinguishing speech characteristics; Note time of call; Try to determine: The location of the bomb The time the bomb will explode What the bomb looks like The administrative officer/site manager may be notified of the call at this time by using a prearranged signal. Write down the details of the call as soon as possible. 2. Notify the administrative officer/site manager Provide all details of the threat 3. Evacuation Page 5 of 12

6 SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 5 (SOUTHEAST KOOTENAY) EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESPONSE INFORMATION An emergency is a sudden, unexpected occurrence requiring immediate action to stabilize a situation. An emergency impacting on the normal operation of a school facility or school bus transporting students, requiring the immediate action of staff members, is to be reported immediately to the superintendent of schools, indicating the nature and location of the emergency, the people involved and severity of any possible injuries. When notifying the superintendent of schools, identify yourself to the school board operator and where you are calling from, stating the call is an emergency. DISTRICT EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES/MEDIA COMMUNICATION SEVERE WEATHER SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENTS VIOLENT INCIDENTS/THREATS THREATS TO SCHOOL FACILITIES (i.e. Bomb Threat) HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILLS/ACCIDENTS/EXPLOSIONS FIRE EARTHQUAKE FIRE ALARM STATUS REPORT THREATS TO SCHOOLS DOCUMENTATION FORM Page 6 of 12

7 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS cont d 8.3 DISASTER & EMERGENCY SERVICE PLANS HEALTH & MEDICAL SERVICES Tasks In addition to the tasks described in this Plan, the Emergency Health Service will: a) Before a Disaster or Emergency Prepare an inventory of both human and material resources; Integrate the disaster or emergency operations plan of the hospital serving the municipality with the municipality s Emergency Program Plan; Determine, in conjunction with the Municipal Emergency Social Services, the location of a first aid unit; Designate the medical and non-medical personnel needed to operate the first aid unit; Prepare a list of ambulance services serving the municipality; Prepare an inventory of disaster or emergency water supplies. b) During a Disaster or Emergency Provide first aid for the injured; Notify immediately the hospital that is to take in the injured; In cooperation with the Search and Rescue Service, see that injured persons requiring greater attention be evacuated to suitable institutions; Prevent and control epidemics. Role a) To provide arrangements for the medical and public health services in the event of a disaster or emergency. b) To coordinate the use of mutual aid, provincial, federal and private sector health and medical services when required. c) To provide public health and medical services in the event of but not limited to the following disaster or emergency situations; Earthquakes Explosions Floods Hazardous Materials Mud Slides Aircraft Crashes Avalanches Train Derailments Forest Fires Extreme Weather Drought/Water Contamination Industrial Emergencies Human Epidemics Civil Disturbance Waste Disposal Urban & Rural Fires Power Outage Page 7 of 12

8 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS cont d 8.4 DISASTER & EMERGENCY SERVICE PLANS INFORMATION SERVICE Tasks In addition to the tasks described in this Plan, the information service will: a) Before a Disaster or Emergency Make provision for two types of information: o Information that directly concerns the population affected by the disaster or emergency o Information that is intended for the population at large Establish disaster or emergency information distribution channels for both types of information, in cooperation with the available resources, local newspapers, radio and television stations, printing and distribution services. b) During a Disaster or Emergency Obtain from the coordinator the information and instructions intended for the public. Provide the public with official information on the development of the situation and the protective measures to be taken by: Preparing press releases; Organizing press conferences with news people; Producing information bulletins within time limits set by the disaster/emergency coordinators. Role a) To develop the capability to distribute disaster or emergency information of direct concern to the public affected by the disaster or emergency and to the public at large. b) Coordinate the resources for the agencies capable of disseminating information; local newspapers, radio and television stations and possible printing and distributing services. c) The preparation of press releases, organizing press conferences and producing information bulletins in the event of any disaster or emergency. d) To prepare a Public Information Plan as part of the City s disaster and emergency plan. e) To coordinate public information distribution with provincial, federal and private sector officials as required. Page 8 of 12

9 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS cont d 8.5 FIRE ALARM PROCEDURE The following procedure has been approved by the Fire Commissioner: 1. When the fire alarm is given, the teacher shall give the warning FIRE DRILL. All instruction and activity shall cease, machinery should be shut down, gas and oil bearing apparatus and appliances other than those used for heating the building should be shut off, and the students should remain still and quiet to await further orders. 2. The teacher shall give the command STAND. Students should stand and remain silent. The teacher shall then take the class register or such other record of attendance as may be available and keep possession of it until the end of the drill. 3. The teacher will open the classroom door, determine the route to be taken, and give the command MARCH. The teacher will then supervise the class out of the building in an orderly manner, to a predetermined point of safety. Students will remain in formation until dismissed by the principal or person in charge. 4. Students outside the classroom and still in the building shall go to the nearest corridor and join with any class or, if close to an exit, shall leave the building and report to their particular class outside the building. 5. Once assembled at the predetermined point of safety, the teacher shall check the names and the number of students. If there are any missing or additional students, the teacher shall report this to either the principal or person in charge, giving the names, the classroom numbers and the location. 6. The principal or person in charge shall make every effort to ensure that no student remains in the school. IN CRANBROOK, YOUR EMERGENCY FIRE DEPARTMENT TELEPHONE NUMBER IS: 911 IN JAFFRAY, YOUR EMERGENCY FIRE DEPT. # IS IN FERNIE, YOUR EMERGENCY FIRE DEPT. # IS IN SPARWOOD, THE EMERGENCY FIRE DEPT. # IS IN ELKFORD, THE EMERGENCY FIRE DEPT. # IS Page 9 of 12

10 8.6 EARTHQUAKE CLASSROOM EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 1. Issue DUCK AND COVER command. 2. Immediately face away from windows and take cover under or beside desks, counters or tables. 3. Assume Crash position on knees, head down, and one hand clasped over neck (or neck/head covered with book or jacket) and one hand holding on to the furniture. Posture must be such that the most vulnerable areas (the neck and chest) are protected. Teachers must immediately take steps to protect themselves and prevent personal injury during an earthquake. Teachers have an extremely important role to play in assisting students through the post earthquake recovery stage. 4. Count aloud for the duration of the earthquake. After the shaking stops start counting again and count aloud to If the teacher is injured, two student monitors should have designated authority to give instructions. 6. Sixty seconds after the shaking has stopped, students should be instructed to check carefully for injuries and dangerous objects, such as broken glass, before moving and standing up. Students should be instructed to be silent during this time. 7. Apply life saving first aid interventions only. Do not delay the evacuation of uninjured students. 8. Instruct students to evacuate. Students should be in single file with shoes on. Do not wait for instruction from the office. 9. Follow predetermined exit routes. If an exit route is blocked teachers should calmly but firmly lead students to an alternate exit. 10. Avoid overhead wires that may have broken during the earthquake. Lead students directly away from the building and into an open space. 11. Survivors and walking wounded should be evacuated first. The seriously injured must be left for the school s designated search and rescue team. 12. If a secondary earthquake or aftershock occurs, students/staff should Squat and Cover. (Place head close to knees, clasp hands behind neck, cover side of head with arms. If cover is available use it or place back against an interior wall.) The DUCK AND COVER procedure is not advised as the ground may be littered with debris from the initial shock. Repeat the above post earthquake instructions and continue evacuation procedures. 13. Lead class to a safe assembly area. Page 10 of 12

11 8.7 EARTHQUAKE CLASSROOM EMERGENCY PROCEDURES cont d 14. Account for all students and record information on student release form. Report evacuation information to the site manager. The site manager needs to know as soon as possible if injured or trapped students/staff have been left in the building. 15. Apply I.D. information to all elementary or injured students. 16. Give additional first aid as required. 17. Pair older students with younger students. Secondary students can be paired within classes. 18. Students must wait to be reunited with parents or guardians through the Student Release Station. If there are any students remaining after school hours, they must be accommodated at the school or at a posted Evacuation Centre. During an earthquake while riding in a vehicle, the following actions should be taken: If possible, pull to the side of the road away from any buildings. On hilly roads, the side of the road may not be the safest place so quickly determine the terrain before deciding where to stop. Set the brakes. Turn off the ignition. Take action DROP. Page 11 of 12

12 8.7 FOREST FIRE GENERAL Fire Notice: Evacuation Alert: Evacuation Order: People are pre-warned about wildfire activity that may lead to an alert being put in place. People are warned of imminent threat to life and property. Be prepared for worsening conditions. People must leave the area immediately. Evacuation Rescinded: Residents will be notified that they may return to their homes when the danger has passed. The School District will be in contact with the Emergency Operations Centre in Cranbrook and will, in conjunction with the Centre, prepare and plan for any potential threat to students, staff and facilities. The ultimate goal is to keep students and staff safe. Should a family s home come under evacuation order while a child is at School, the child will be kept at the school until the parent is able to pick him/her up. Parents must ensure that the school has the most current emergency contact telephone numbers. Any changes to the School District plan to deal with the impact of a forest fire situation will be communicated to parents and staff. If parents have further questions, they should contact the school Principal. Page 12 of 12