Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) Mission:
Inspiring Excellence: Every Grownup, Every Child, Every Day.
Crisis Site Map
Crisis Management - Natural Disasters, etc.
Definition:
A natural disaster is a calamity or catastrophe brought about by a natural occurrence such as a thunderstorm, tornado, earthquake, etc., which results in a disruption of the normal functioning of the facility. On the serious end of the continuum, there could be destruction of life. Related to natural disasters could be unforeseen occurrences such as water line breaks, boiler explosions, gas line leaks, power failure, fires, etc., which may have the same effects as a natural disaster.
Contingency Plans
The crisis team should develop contingency plans to deal with different possible disasters. The plans should deal with the following levels of disasters:
- Inconvenience occurrences: Included are power failures, water line breaks, air conditioning failure, hazardous materials, etc.
- Property destruction: Included is minor damage such as window breakage and roof damage, all the way to extensive structural damage.
- Physical injury or death: Conceivably, this could occur on any of the above levels.
Response Procedures
- Assessment: When a crisis occurs, the team should assemble immediately to assess the situation. Certain questions must be answered before appropriate plans can be implemented. Are there injuries? Extent of physical damage? Are there dangerous situations that require immediate action? Do the phones work?
- Contact Help: 911 should be the first number called in the event of a fire or an incident that has resulted in injuries. If there are injuries, be prepared to provide emergency first aid until emergency medical help arrives. Determine beforehand who will make the necessary phone calls to summon help and notify district administrators. Locate all phones in the building and also, outside phones that can be used in case the building system is inoperable. Computer labs usually have phones that are separate from the main building system. A person should be stationed at this phone continually during the crisis. The phone numbers of these extra phones should be provided to the superintendent's office and the shop office. If no working phones are available in the building for communications, the shop can send a two-way radio.
- Notify the superintendent's office of the crisis. Be prepared to provide an accurate assessment of the situation. Administrative decisions will be made based on the information provided. Be sure the information adequately conveys the situation. The superintendent's office will then notify the communications office to handle press notices, if needed.
- Next, notify the shop office of the crisis. Maintenance and operations will then be mobilized to address the situation. Again, be prepared to provide detailed information about the situation so that proper action can be taken. The shop will notify utility companies, civil defense, etc., as needed.
- Disable utilities in the event of structural damage. Before a disaster strikes, locate the main gas and water shut off valves and the main electrical disconnect. Also, if occupants are in danger of further harm with the utilities functioning, then they should be disabled. For example, a tornado strikes causing a gas line to rupture; the main gas valve should be turned off to prevent the possibility of fire.
- Provide protection and care for the occupants. Care for the injured until help arrives. Evacuation may be necessary. Take all necessary steps to insure the health and safety of the building occupants.
- Establish parental contact team. Parents will come to the site to determine the welfare of their children. Be prepared to direct vehicle traffic and to receive parents or relatives. A processing procedure should be established to document which children have been picked up and by whom. If there are injuries or deaths, be prepared to give the needed support and comfort. The police and emergency medical staff should be available to assist.
