|
I would like to take this time to share with you the importance of school safety and the safety of our students and staff in the North Kingstown School Department. The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors is always our top priority. To ensure that we are prepared for any unforeseen emergencies, we have developed comprehensive emergency plans that are designed to protect our students, staff, and community. In accordance with the RI Schools Emergency Act, we are informing you of the type of emergency drills we will conduct in our schools.
The North Kingstown District Emergency Team, in collaboration with our local police and fire departments, have developed comprehensive emergency plans for various situations, including natural disasters, fire, medical emergencies, and other potential incidents. These plans have been carefully designed in collaboration with local authorities and school staff to follow best practices to ensure preparedness and an effective response.
Emergency Drills: We conduct regular drills at all of our schools, including fire, lockdown, shelter in place and evacuation. These exercises help our students and staff practice how to respond calmly and quickly in an emergency.
-
Fire Drills: The fire alarm is sounded to alert students and staff to quickly and safely exit the building through the nearest door. They will report outside to a designated location where attendance will be taken.
-
Shelter in Place: A shelter in place may be used for a medical emergency, if there is a missing student, protection of the outdoor environment, or external airborne contaminants.
-
Lock Down: A Lock Down occurs when there may be an imminent threat inside or outside the school. All movement within the school is restricted.
-
Evacuation: An evacuation is the orderly movement of students and staff from a school building to another area when conditions outside are safer than inside.
Communication Protocols: In the event of an emergency, we will promptly communicate with parents and guardians through our emergency notification system. Please make sure your contact information is up to date to receive timely alerts.
Student Reunification Process: If an evacuation or lockdown is necessary, we will have a clear process in place to reunite students with their families. We will share specific instructions regarding pickup locations and procedures during an emergency.
Emergency Contacts and Resources: We encourage families to review their emergency contact information and ensure that the school has accurate details. Additionally, it’s essential that students are aware of emergency contacts and procedures both at school and at home.
We understand that emergencies can be stressful. We want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to keep our school community safe. Throughout the school year your child will be trained in these emergency procedures. Each school will conduct fire drills, lock down drills, and evacuation drills. While it can be unsettling to think about situations that require emergency response, frequent review and practice will reduce hazards and help everyone to be prepared in an actual event. We appreciate continued trust and cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe learning environment for all.
| 
