Although each situation is different, the following is intended as a general listing of actions to consider when faced with an emergency or critical incident.

q  Take a deep breath, don’t panic, verify information

q  Activate school’s Emergency Response Team, Incident Command System (ICS); activate and assign
      duties as needed:

• Safety Official (overall safety conditions of campus)

• Public Information Official (media relations, contact)

• Liaison Official (coordinate with outside agencies)

• Planning/Intelligence (incident time log, evaluate information)

• Operations (student accounting and release, facilities, medical, crisis intervention & response, food and water)

• Logistics (communications and supplies)

• Administration/Finance (documentation, record keeping)

•  Assist with planning for a response and implementing protocols

•  Provide recovery support to students

• Set up a Command Post for communication and emergency management 

• Bring "emergency toolbox" to Command Post (inside or outside)

• Hold emergency all-staff meeting (before and/or after school day) to:

  • Advise staff of the known facts and provide written statement

  • Support their concerns and emotions

  • Provide classroom assistance if needed

  • Outline schedule for the day; modify day’s schedule if needed

  • Identify resources available to teachers and students

q Establish contact with parents/family members of affected students to offer support, to determine
     assistance needed, and (in the event of a death) for information regarding visitation/funeral arrangements

q Inform closest friends of the affected student and provide support

q Prepare formal statement or announcement to students, parents, and media; provide statement to
     secretaries, staff, etc.

q Notify board of education members as appropriate

q Expand span of Incident Command System as needed, deactivate ICS when activities are completed

q Review and implement "Recovery" activities