5.6.3 Emergency Preparedness Policy

POLICY TYPE: 5.0 Educational Program Policies \ 5.6 Safety
EFFECTIVE DATE: 2018-10-24	LAST REVISED: 2023-11-16
THIS POLICY APPLIES TO: Contractors – Individuals engaged to provide services under a contract with SelfDesign Learning Foundation Support Providers – Individuals engaged under a contract or agreement with SelfDesign Learning Foundation to provide services for a specific learner Families – Learners and parents(s)/guardian(s) of learners participating in SelfDesign Learning Foundation’s programs Volunteers – Individuals providing goods/services under the terms of an agreement with SelfDesign Learning Foundation Board Members – Members of the Board of Directors for SelfDesign Learning Foundation and the Foundation for SelfDesign (FSD)

Policy Statement

SelfDesign Learning Foundation (SDLF) is committed to preparing learners, families, and educators in the case of an emergency such as an earthquake, fire, or need for lockdown online/in the home and at third party locations during learning activities.

Definitions

Five All-Hazard Emergency Response – five key responses that can be appropriately implemented in the event of most emergencies:

Drop-Cover-Hold On.
Evacuate.
Lockdown.
Lockout.
Shelter in Place.

Policy

SelfDesign Learning Foundation will, utilizing Five All-Hazard Emergency Response:

Deliver regular bulletins to families, bringing attention to emergency preparedness materials and resources that enable learners and families to effectively handle emergency situations in the home/during online learning.
Hold emergency awareness drills at the commencement of in-person events such as a field trip or camp, requiring fire, building codes, and response plans from third-party locations where learning activities are held.

Protocol

Earthquake: Drop-Cover-Hold On

Drop under heavy furniture such as a table, desk, bed, or any solid furniture.
Cover your head and neck as best you can.
Hold on to the object that you are under, so you remain covered.
If you can’t get under something, flatten yourself or crouch against an interior wall.
Stay away from windows and shelves with heavy objects.
If you cannot stay away from windows, face away from the windows.
If you are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover the back of your head and neck.
Wait until the shaking stops.
Uncover and go out slowly, watching for anything that could fall or anything dangerous on the ground.

Fire: Evacuate

Indoors

A fire alarm is sounded (either a series of short whistles or the fire alarm system)
Leave the building. If there is an adult, follow the adult quietly and in a single file
See Outdoors

Outdoors

A fire alarm is sounded (either a series of short whistles or the fire alarm system).
Calmly walk to the area that has been identified for safety (usually a fence or border of a property).
Once safely away from the building, an adult will call out each child’s name. When you hear your name respond with “Here” in a very loud voice. If there is no adult, wait until one comes and tell them your name.
Do not re-enter the building for any reason and stay together.

In a Vehicle

A fire alarm is sounded (a series of short whistles).
Calmly leave the vehicle following an adult quietly and in a single file.
Once safely away from the vehicle, an adult will call out each child’s name. When you hear your name respond with “Here” in a very loud voice.
Do not re-enter the vehicle for any reason and stay together.

Lockdown

Stay clear of exterior doors.
If able and if applicable, go immediately and quietly to the lockdown area.
Lock the door and barricade the room.
Remain quiet and turn off cell phones.
One person should call 911 and Security Services at 204-786-6666. Advise both of your location and the number of people in the room.