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Emergencies and crises

  Emergency. An urgent need that calls for immediate action such as a school shooting, tornado, gas leak or fire.

Crisis. An unfolding situation that has reached a critical phase with the distinct possibility of a highly undesirable outcome, such as a hostage situation or terrorism.

  • Deaths — student, staff or parent
    • Accidental
    • Homicide
    • Natural
    • Suicide
  • Disasters — manmade and natural
    • Chemical or hazardous material spills
    • Fires or explosions
    • Severe weather
      • Earthquakes
      • Floods
      • Hurricanes
      • Tornadoes
  • Medical emergencies
    • Life-threatening injuries
    • Pandemics — Asian flu, etc.
  • Miscellaneous
    • Wildlife disturbances (e.g., lion or bear attacks)
    • Intruders
    • Missing students
    • Public demonstrations or disorderly behavior
    • School cancellations or early dismissals
    • Shelter-in-place (when the school is in lockdown or when schools become community emergency evacuation sites)

  • Traffic emergencies
    • Airplane or railroad crashes
    • Bus crashes

  • Utility emergencies
    • Gas odors
    • Power outages
    • Water main breaks — nearby or on-site

  • Violent incidents
    • Bomb threats
    • Hostage situations
    • Sexual assaults
    • Shootings or stabbings
    • Terrorism or wars

 
Sample step-by-step plans for responding to emergencies

Emergency Planning and Procedures Guide for Schools (PDF document)
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Pages 7-23

Standard Emergency Procedures for Schools (PDF document)
Los Angeles Unified School District
Pages 10-34