P1302 WEATHER WARNING

BOARD POLICY:

The building principal is authorized to carry out procedures most suitable to the building for the protection of pupils and school personnel in case of an impending storm. Since each plant facility is unique in design and location, general procedures should be adapted to meet these unique conditions.

Administrative Implemental Procedures:

1.      Principals are encouraged to consult the Sedgwick County Disaster Management Office in order to ascertain which building areas would offer greatest security in the event of a severe storm. In the absence of unique circumstances, the following guidelines should generally be followed:

a.       Pupils in portables should be moved to permanent buildings.

b.      Best protection is near inner walls on the lower floors away from windows. Some classroom windows, opposite the storm, should be open to equalize atmospheric pressure. Auditoriums and multipurpose rooms should be avoided.

c.       In the event that no adequate security can be provided on the school campus, principals may work out evacuation plans which utilize other nearby facilities. A copy of the plans should be posted in or near the office.

d.      Authority for early dismissal of school must come from the Superintendent or designee (see policy entitled Emergency Closings of Schools).

2.      Building personnel should monitor radio or television reports regarding a possible severe thunderstorm or tornado watch if a storm appears imminent.

3.      The PTA/PTSA Safety Chairperson or another key person may be requested to call the building if either event occurs. Others should be discouraged from calling the building.

4.      A severe thunderstorm or tornado watch does not require evacuation of classrooms or mass movement of pupils. It is intended to alert personnel to a possible need for emergency action.

5.      A tornado warning indicates that an actual sighting of a tornado funnel has occurred. Principals must respond to a tornado warning by taking immediate steps to move pupils and staff members to places of shelter.

6.      In the event of a tornado warning, pupils are to remain in the building unless called for by an authorized adult. In cases such as this, the principal should encourage the adult to remain with the pupil in the school shelter area until the "All Clear" is announced.

7.      In the event that a tornado warning is in effect, persons in places of shelter shall remain until an all-clear signal is received. The all-clear message may consist of a news media announcement or telephone notification in the event that the Security Dispatcher at the School Service Center is informed.

Administrative Responsibility: Curriculum Delivery Services

Latest Revision Date: July 1994

Previous Revision Date: July 1992                                                                                             P1302