Evacuation Units Training [school’s name here]

Evacuation Policy When a threat comes in, it is assessed by our Threat Assessment Team. The Team then determines a course of action. This course of action may include an immediate evacuation, or a search in place first and then an evacuation. If a suspicious item is found, we evacuate immediately. [replace with different detail if your school has mandatory evacuation]

Fire Drill vs. Bomb Threat Evacuation Windows and doors are closed so that it will be more difficult for fire to spread. Closed and locked doors minimize fire spread. Lights are often turned off when a room is exited for a fire drill. Open windows and doors are preferred because they allow the blast pressure to vent and therefore minimize damage. Closed and locked doors will make it more difficult for areas of the building to be searched. Light switches should never be touched. If on, leave on, if off, leave off. FIRE DRILLBOMB THREAT EVACUATION

Place of the Evacuation in the Plan The evacuation of the school is a crucial part of our bomb threat response plan. The response action call is made by [Threat Assessment Team or Site Decision Maker or name of person]. If this response action calls for an evacuation, we will rely on our evacuation units to direct the evacuating staff and students. [Provide detail of how when evacuations are made at your school (before or after search, or depends on the threat assessment), including whether or not you have mandatory evacuation]. Evacuation units will also be utilized to keep evacuees informed of what is going on and directing sign-out and dismissal.

Evacuation Coordinator [Name] is the Evacuation Coordinator. If this person is not at the school, [insert name of alternate] is the alternate. Her/his responsibilities include:  coordinate evacuation, taking into account evacuation routes and threat areas. In the event of evacuation, this person determines, with the Site Decision Maker, how to safely get everyone out of the building, what routes to use, and what order to evacuate in.  work with the Evacuation Units to ensure the building is completely evacuated and keep records of the evacuation's progress.  supervise the training of the Evacuation Teams.  All Evacuation Units will report the results of the evacuation of their zone to the Evacuation Coordinator.

Role of the Evacuation Units The role of the Evacuation Units is to: –Supervise and direct the evacuation of their zone to the designated assembly area. –Direct evacuees around any hazards. –Check all non-classroom areas in the zone and direct any persons in them to evacuate. –Once everyone has been evacuated, double check all rooms to make sure there are no remaining occupants. –Report all results and events to the Evacuation Coordinator. –Keep evacuated staff informed of the progress at the location and any further orders, such as student sign-out or dismissal.

Composition of the Evacuation Units The evacuation units are volunteer staff members. Staff members have been divided into [number of teams] two-person units. Each unit has been assigned a different zone or zones within the school. Your unit is responsible for searching that zone.

The Evacuation Plan [Hand out the floor plan of the school with the evacuation zones and routes marked and the list of which staff members are on which evacuation unit and what zone they evacuate. Discuss this map and assignments with the units.]

For each zone, we have designated [number] of possible evacuation routes. [go over these routes for each zone]. We have designated [number] possible assembly areas, [list locations here]. For security reasons, we vary both the choice of evacuation route and assembly area. Chosen evacuation routes and assembly areas are swept by the search teams prior to evacuation. The Evacuation Plan

Inclement Weather In the case of inclement weather, we will evacuate to an interior area of the school or to an off- campus location. Our designated interior area(s) are [location]. Our designated off-campus evacuation location is [location]. If we are using an off-campus or interior location, you will receive instructions when you arrive at the Command Center.

Security During Evacuation When possible, we request a uniformed law enforcement presence during evacuation. This is to protect students and staff from any assault outside the school building. In addition, before evacuating, our school search teams sweep the chosen evacuation routes and assembly areas to ensure there are no dangerous conditions present.

Mobilizing the Evacuation Units When the decision to evacuate the school is made, you will be notified via [insert communication method here] with the statement [insert mobilization statement or code here]. In this message, you will be told what Command Center to proceed to. When you hear this order, proceed to the Command Center designated in the message. The Evacuation Coordinator will inform you of the routes and assembly areas chosen and then you will be deployed.

Informing the School We will give two evacuation orders. The first order will be the signal to staff to prepare for the evacuation. [If any code or standard order format, insert it here.] They will receive this code via [insert communication method]. You will be stationed before this code is given. The second order will be the signal to exit the building and proceed to the assembly area. [If any code or standard order format, insert it here.] They will receive this code via [insert communication method].

When the first order is given: –Check all classrooms to make sure the teacher has heard and understood the evacuation order. –Check all other areas for occupants and inform them of the evacuation order. –Position your Unit at a junction where you can observe all persons evacuating from your zone. Evacuation Unit Actions

When the second order is given: –Supervise all evacuees, ensuring they use only the designated evacuation route. Direct them away from any physical hazards, including any previously- identified area where there is a suspicious item. –Ensure that evacuees remain quiet and orderly and do not touch anything as they leave. –When everyone appears to have evacuated, check all areas of your zone to ensure that no one remains. –Return to the Command Center and report your area as confirmed evacuated to the Evacuation Coordinator.

After evacuation: –Check in with all staff from your area and hear their attendance report. Verify that all students and staff have assembled at the assembly area. –Report attendance to the Evacuation Coordinator. –Await further instructions from the Evacuation Coordinator. Deliver messages to the staff in your zone as directed. –Remain available to the staff in your zone if a problem or question arises. –Assist with dismissal or sign-out as directed. –If the reoccupy order is given, supervise everyone returning to the building. Evacuation Unit Actions

Click the video box to begin. Evacuation Procedures

Caution Be circumspect and avoid touching items as you are carrying out the Evacuation Unit actions. If you see any suspicious item, initiate the suspicious item protocol as follows.

Click the video box to begin. If You Find a Suspicious Item

Practice [Walk the school with the evacuation units, showing them the routes, assembly areas, and where to position their team to supervise the evacuation. Familiarize them with every room and area in their zone.]

Thank You The Evacuation Units are crucially important to an effective bomb threat response. Thank you for taking on this role and for being an active participant in protecting our students and staff.