HIBBING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 701


BOARD POLICY 804
SERIES: 800 Building and Sites
SUBJECT: 804 Crisis Management Policy for High School and Lincoln
ADOPTED:  
REVISED: February 3, 2010



PURPOSE

The purpose of this Crisis Management Policy is to act as a guide for district employees, students, school board members and community members as to how to address a wide range of potential crisis situations in the school district.  This policy will provide guidance to school building occupants to coordinate protective actions prior to, during and after any type of emergency or potential crisis situation in the school district.


GENERAL INFORMATION

These procedures are to provide district personnel some general guidelines.  There may be some deviation from these procedures, depending upon the situation.


A. The Policy

The school district’s Crisis Management Policy has been created in consultation with local community response agencies and other appropriate individuals likely to be involved in assisting with a school emergency.

The crisis management plans will be presented to the school board for review and approval.  These building-specific crisis management plans will include general crisis procedures and crisis specific procedures.  This policy will be maintained and updated year to year.

Please Note that these procedures are written to give staff some guidelines.  There may be some deviation from these procedures, depending upon the situation.


B. Elements of the District Crisis Management Policy

1. General Crisis Guidelines. The Crisis Management Policy includes general crisis procedures for securing the building, classroom evacuation, building evacuation, campus evacuation, and sheltering.  It designates the individual(s) who will determine when these actions will be taken.

2. All general crisis procedures will address specific procedures for children with special needs such as physical, sensory, motor, developmental and mental health challenges.

Students with special needs include not only those students who have a disability which is addressed in an IEP or a Section 504 Plan but also students who may have a known physical or mental impairment such as physical, sensory, motor, developmental and mental health challenges.  These special needs may impact their ability to follow appropriate safety procedures.

The crisis management team will meet each year to ensure that there are specific procedures for the safe evacuation of each student with special needs.  If an emergency situation/crisis occurs at ISD 701, it is the responsibility of the staff in charge of the activity in which a student with a disability is engaged at the time of the crisis, to implement the procedures established by the crisis team.  If this staff person is unable to provide the necessary support, it is the responsibility of  this staff person to secure help from other staff.  

3. Crisis-Specific Procedures - The Crisis Management Policy includes crisis-specific procedures for potential crisis situations that may occur during the school day or at school-sponsored events and functions.

4. Lock Down Procedures – Lock down procedures will be to protect building occupants from potential dangers in the building (e.g. threats, intruders) or external threats that may enter the building.  Lock down may occur when there is a threat outside the building or there is a non-threatening circumstance when people need to be kept away from areas.  The building principal or designee will announce the lock down over the public address system.  Each building principal will prepare lock-down procedures for their building as part of the building-specific crisis management plan.

5. Lock Down Guidelines
a. Keep all students inside, turn off lights, lock all doors if possible.
b. Do not activate the fire alarm system.
c. Notify the building principal, administrator and office.
d. Stay out of view and crouch under or hide behind desks/tables without talking and remain there until the building principal gives an all-clear signal.
e. After the area is secure, determine if any students are not accounted for.  Notify the building principal of any missing students or staff.
f. Remain with any injured people until medical help arrives.

Evacuation Procedures – Evacuation procedures are used when conditions are safer outside the building than inside the building. Evacuations will be implemented at the discretion of the building principal or designees.  Included in this building’s crisis management plan are procedures for getting students and staff a safe distance from harm to a designated safe area until release by the building principal or designee, as appropriate.  Safe areas may change depending on the emergency.

6. Building Evacuation Guidelines
a. Familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes in your area.
b. When the alarm sounds proceed as quickly and orderly as possible to the nearest exit.
c. Faculty and staff should ensure that all students are out of the classroom and area bathrooms, and should take their class roster.
d. The evacuation procedure also includes specific procedures for children with special needs including children with limited mobility (wheelchairs, braces, crutches, etc.), visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other sensory, developmental or mental health needs.  The evacuation procedure also addresses transporting necessary medication for students that take medication during the school day.
e. Proceed to the nearest exit.
f. Employees should ensure that all individuals with disabilities in their classrooms are assisted out of the building.
g. Once outside, proceed to the designated evacuation area.

7. Relocation Procedures
a. Building principal determines whether students and staff should move to relocation area.
b. Relocation Areas:
-High School proceed to Lincoln
-Lincoln proceed to High School
c. Stay in the relocation area until notified


8. Additional Procedures
A. Early School Closure Procedure. The Superintendent of Schools or designee will make decisions about closing a school or any district building.  Such decisions will be made by the superintendent as early in the day as possible.  The early school closure procedures will describe potential reasons for early school closure (weather or crisis situation) and will specify how the decision will be communicated to staff, students, families and the school community.

B. Media Procedures. The Superintendent of Schools or designee has the authority and discretion to notify parents, guardians and the school community in the event of a crisis or early school closure. The Superintendent of Schools or designee will be responsible for making statements to the press and for other publicity statements. No other persons will make comments related to the emergency without the consent of the Superintendent of Schools.

C. Grief Counseling Procedures. Grief counseling will be used as determined by the superintendent or building principal to be necessary.  These procedures include:
a.  Meet with school counseling staff to determine the level of intervention for students and staff.
b.  Designate specific rooms as private counseling areas.
c.  Escort siblings and close friend of the victim(s) and other highly stress students and staff to counselors.
d. Restrict media from questioning staff or students.
e. Follow up with students and staff who receive counseling.
f. Resume normal routines as soon as possible.

D. Emergency Phone Numbers. Each building will maintain a current list of emergency telephone numbers who may be involved in resolving a crisis situation.  The list will include numbers for agencies such as the police, fire, ambulance, hospital, the Poison Control Center, local public works department, local utility companies, the public health nurse, mental health/suicide hotlines, and the county welfare agency, so that they may be contacted as appropriate.  A copy of the list for each building will be kept on file in the school district office and will be updated annually.

E. Facility Diagrams and Site Plans
School buildings will have a facility diagram and site plan showing at least the following:  The location of primary and secondary evacuation routes, exits, designated safe areas inside and outside of the building, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, hoses and water spigots.  The facility diagrams and site plans will be available in the office of the building principal and in appropriate areas.

F. District Employees
Teachers generally have the most direct contact with students on a day-to-day basis.  As a result, they should be aware of their role in responding to crisis situation. This also applies to non-teaching school personnel who have direct contact with students.  All staff should be aware of the Building Crisis Management.


CRISIS AREAS COVERED BY THIS POLICY
This Crisis Management Policy addresses the following crises:

A. Fire
B. Severe Weather
1.Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm/Indoor Shelter
2.Flooding/Evacuation
C. Assault/Fight
D. Bomb Threat
E. Demonstration or Disturbance
F. Hazardous Materials
G. Intruder/Hostage
H. Serious Injury/Death
I. Shooting
J. Suicide
K. Terrorism (Chemical or Biological Threat)
L. Weapons


A. FIRE
School preparation before the emergency:

1. Designate a safe area at least 100 feet away from the building and away from fire lanes.  The High School will evacuate to the Lincoln Gym and the Lincoln School will evacuate to the High School Gym.
2. Each building’s facility diagram and site plan will be available in appropriate areas of the building showing the most direct evacuation routes to the designated safe areas, and the location of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, hoses, and water spigots.
3. Teachers and staff will be trained regarding the main emergency evacuation routes and alternate routes from various points in the building.
4. Fire drills will be conducted periodically and at irregular times without warning (i.e. lunchtime, recess, and during assemblies).
5. Building principal or designee will signal “all clear” when it is safe to re-enter the building.
6. A record of fire drills conducted at the building will be maintained in the building Principal’s Office.
7. The school district will arrange for emergency shelter sites and transportation as needed.


Procedures at the time of the emergency:

1. Pull the fire alarm, notify building occupants of the evacuation, and evacuate the building.
2. The first person that is aware of the fire should contact the building principal (primary) or designee (secondary) and attempt to evacuation route and safe area.
3. The building principal will call 911 and notify the superintendent.
4. The building principal or designee will meet with local fire or law enforcement agents upon arrival.
5. The building principal or designee will report the incident (even if it is a false alarm) to the fire marshal as required by state law.

Procedures for Teachers and Staff:

1. During an evacuation, take the class roster.  Make sure all students and adults have left the room.  Close the classroom door but leave it unlocked.
2. Implement evacuation procedures for children with special needs including children with limited mobility (wheelchairs, braces, crutches, etc.), visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other sensory, developmental or mental health needs.  The evacuation procedure also addresses transporting necessary medication for students that take medication during the school day.
3. The first person to reach any door should feel the door to see if it is hot.  If it is not hot, open it and proceed slowly and low to the floor.  If it is hot, the teacher will quickly find an alternate route and lead the students in an orderly manner along the alternate route.
4. Lead all students in an orderly manner to the safe area.  Do no allow students to stop at lockers to get books, sweaters, jackets or other personal belongings.

At the Safe Area:

1. When the group arrives at the safe area, check for any missing students and report them to the building principal.
2. Do not block any door that may be used by emergency response personnel.
3. While at the safe area, teachers supervise the group closely.
4. Do not re-enter any school building until the fire department officials declare them safe.
5. Transport students as needed.


B. SEVERE WEATHER

1. Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm/Indoor Shelter:  These procedures are for any weather situation in which students and staff should remain in the building and seek shelter.

Procedure before the emergency:

a. The school district has identified both potential problem areas on the campus and areas with the highest degree of safety for students and staff.  Unsafe areas include rooms with large unsupported roof spans, large windows, or rooms located where they will receive the full force of the wind such as upper floor gymnasiums and auditoriums.  Safe areas include small rooms with few windows, on the lowest floor of the building, and at the interior of the building, such as restrooms, locker/shower areas, basement gymnasiums, and closets.
b. Facility diagrams will be prepared for each classroom/office/work area showing the most direct evacuation route to the safest areas of the building.
c. Provide training to appropriate staff on how to deal with inoperative communication systems, absence of natural light in a power outage, inoperative devices in a building with students who have special needs, and inoperative refrigeration systems, alarms, heating and cooling systems.
d. Review “drop and tuck” procedures with students.
e. Keep a record of all tornado drills preformed at the building in the building principal’s office.

Procedures when a tornado/severe thunderstorm watch has been issued:

A tornado/severe thunderstorm watch is issued when weather conditions are prime for the formation of a tornado or severe thunderstorm, but none have been spotted so far.

a. Monitor Emergency Alert Stations.
b. Bring all persons inside the building.  Keep students, staff, and visitors inside the building.
c. Close windows and blinds.
d. Review tornado drill procedures and the location of the closest safe areas.
e. Review “drop and tuck” procedures with students.

Procedures when a tornado/severe thunderstorm warning has been issued:

A tornado/severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a tornado or severe thunderstorm has developed and has been spotted in the area.  This is a more imminent threat.

a. Evacuate unsafe classrooms and offices. An announcement will be made notifying teachers to move their class to the appropriate tornado shelter area. The announcement will be similar to this:  “A situation exists where evacuation to the tornado shelter area is necessary.”  Teachers take class rosters.  Close the classroom door but do not lock it.
b. Move along inside walls to the safest areas of the building.
c. Ensure that students are in the “drop and tuck” position.
d. Account for all students and staff.  Report any missing students or staff to the building principal, when it is safe to do so.
e. The central office administration will monitor any changes in the weather.  
f. Remain in the safe area in the tuck position until the warning expires or emergency response personnel have issued an all-clear signal.

Procedures after the emergency:

a. Notify the utility company if a break is suspected in the building gas, water, or electrical lines.
b. District maintenance staff will check utilities and electrical devices for damage due to any outage.


2. Flooding/Evacuation: These procedures are for any weather situation which requires students and staff to evacuate the building.

Procedures for the building principal if a building is in an area where a flood watch has been issued:

a. If advised by local emergency management officials to evacuate, do so immediately. An announcement will be made stating:  “A situation exists where evacuation of the building is necessary.”
b. Follow evacuation procedures; teachers take class rosters.
c. District maintenance staff will turn off utilities in the building and lock the doors.
d. Take attendance after evacuation to the shelter. High School will go to Lincoln and the Lincoln students will go to the High School gym, unless other specific instructions are given. Report any missing students to the building principal. Stay with students until released to parents.
e. The superintendent, building principal or designee will notify parents or guardians per school district policies.

C. ASSAULT/FIGHT
These procedures apply to close contact physical confrontations including fistfights, knife assaults, and the use of other weapons, which require close proximity to result in a significant physical threat.


Procedures:
1. Ensure the safety of all students and staff.
2. Contact the building principal or 911, if necessary.
3. Approach in a calm and controlled manner.  If possible, address the combatants by name and use distraction to defuse the situation.
4. Control the scene and demand that the combatants stop; clear onlookers.
5. Contact 911, if necessary, to handle medical emergencies.
6. Escort the combatants to the office keeping them away from each other and other students.
7. Seal off the area where the assault took place.
8. Notify the building principal.  The building principal will:
a. Notify the superintendent and combatants’ parent(s) or guardian(s), as appropriate.
b. Investigate by means such as obtaining statements from the combatants and witnesses; deal with the situation in accordance with school district discipline and harassment and violence policies, as appropriate.
c. Notify law enforcement as appropriate, if a weapon was used, the victim has a physical injury causing substantial pain or impairment, or the assault involved sexual contact (intentional touching of anus, breast, buttocks, or genitalia of another person in a sexual manner without consent, including touching of those areas covered by clothing).
9. Assess counseling needs of victim(s) or witness(es).  Initiate the grief-counseling plan, if necessary.
10. Document all activities.  This is done through the police department.


Minnesota Statute 121A.582 Subdivision 1.  Student Discipline; Reasonable force standard:  “A teacher or school principal, in exercising the person’s lawful authority, may use reasonable force when it is necessary under the circumstances to correct or restrain a student or prevent bodily harm or death to another.”


D. BOMB THREATS
A bomb threat should always be considered a real and immediate danger to students and staff and requires an immediate response by the person receiving the bomb threat message.  Consequently, all staff should be familiar with the bomb threat procedures established by the school district.  No bomb threat will be disregarded as being a prank call.


It is important that all staff be knowledgeable in the procedures to initiate evacuation, in the notification of local law enforcement agencies and appropriate personnel, and in the steps to take before the site is cleared for re-entry.  All staff should be aware of the location of bomb threat procedures.

If the building principal determines it is necessary to evacuate the campus, the superintendent and local law enforcement agents should be consulted to determine how parents and guardians can be notified, school facilities can be protected, and crowd control can be provided, if needed.

At least one bomb threat drill should be conducted each school year.  Because evacuation of the students and staff is the response used for a number of other crises in addition to bomb threats, staff members will probably not be aware they are evacuating because of a bomb threat.  Therefore, it is good practice that whenever exiting the classrooms, or work areas for any kind of drill, all personnel should quickly inspect their work areas for anything unusual or out of place and be aware of any unusual or suspicious person on the site.

Never attempt to touch, move, dismantle, or carry any object that is suspicious.

Procedures for bomb threat recipient:

If you receive a bomb threat by written message, preserve the note for the police by touching it as little as possible and placing it in a document protector or plastic bag, if available.

If you receive a bomb threat by phone, record exactly what the caller says.  Activate caller ID where available.  Use forms available.  Remain calm, be firm, and keep the caller talking.  Listen carefully to the caller’s voice, speech pattern, and to noises in the background.

Procedures for after the bomb threat has been received:

1. Notify the building principal.
2. Call 911 and report the bomb threat.
3. Call the superintendent to report the incident and any action taken so far.
4. DO NOT activate the fire alarm since the noise may detonate some bombs.  A public address announcement should be made to initiate building evacuation.  It will state, “A situation exists where evacuation to the gym is necessary.” or “A situation exists where evacuation of the building is necessary.  Please evacuate to the Lincoln gym or high school gym.”
5. Students and staff may be evacuated from the building and proceed to the designated safe area away from the building.  Close the classroom door but leave it unlocked.  Teachers take the class rosters.  Once evacuated, roll call should be taken.  Notify the building principal of any missing students or staff.
6. Implement evacuation procedures for children with special needs including children with limited mobility (wheelchairs, braces, crutches, etc.), visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other sensory, developmental or mental health needs.  The evacuation procedure also addresses transporting necessary medication for students that take medication during the school day.
7. If the bomb threat message contained a specific time of detonation, the buildings will not be cleared for reentry until a significant period of time has lapsed after that time, unless a thorough check was conducted.
8. When re-entry is permitted, staff should once again visually inspect their classrooms and work areas for unusual items before allowing students to enter.
9. Notify parents and guardians per school district policies.


E. DEMONSTRATION OR DISTURBANCE
These procedures are for dealing with anyone causing or participating in a demonstration or disturbance at the building:  individual students, student groups, or outside individuals or groups not associated with the building.

Procedures:

1. Notify the building principal and superintendent of the disturbance.
2. The building principal or designee will notify the staff by an announcement.  It will state, “We have a situation that requires evacuation to the gym.” Or “We have a situation that requires all classes to stay in their classroom.”
3. During the disturbance, the building principal will take corrective action, such as:
a. Call the Hibbing Police Department who will ask the demonstrators to disperse.
b. Hibbing Police Department will contain the disturbance by sealing off the area, to the extent possible.
c. Secure the building, if necessary.
d. Building principal will notify the district maintenance staff to shut off bells, if appropriate.
e. Relocate people involved in the disturbance to an isolated area, to the greatest extent possible.
4. During the disturbance, teachers should:
a. Keep students in classrooms and lock the door.  Do not allow students out of the classroom until the building principal gives an “All-Clear” announcement.
b. Make a list of students absent from the class.


F. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
If a major chemical accident necessitates student and staff evacuation, the fire department or other appropriate agencies will be consulted and will take command and control of the situation.

Procedures for reporting chemical accidents should be posted at key locations (i.e. chemistry labs, art rooms, pool area, janitorial closets).  School buildings must maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (M.S.D.S.) for chemicals on campus.  State law, federal law, and OHSA require that pertinent staff are aware of where to access these sheets in the case of a chemical accident.

Procedures for on-site chemical accidents:

1. If possible, have the custodian determine the name of the chemical, where it is located, and whether or not it is spreading rapidly.  Attempt to contain the spill or area around it, if safe to do so.  Close doors.  School personnel should not attempt to clean up or remove the spill – leave that for trained personnel. Refer to MSDS for guidance.
2. Notify the building principal about the accident.
3. Notify the building and grounds supervisor about the accident.
4. Relocate students and staff to safe areas, upwind of the accident. Teachers bring the class roster. Take roll call and immediately report any missing students to the building principal.
5. The building principal or teacher will call 911.
6. Seek treatment for any students or staff exposed to the chemical through inhalation, skin exposure, swallowing, or eye exposure.
7. The building principal or designee will meet the fire or law enforcement agents upon arrival.  Give them an update, a facility diagram and a site plan when they arrive.
8. Notify the superintendent.
9. Report incident to Minnesota Duty officer as required.

Procedures for off-site chemical accidents:

1. When evacuation of the area is necessary, students and staff will be directed to a specific relocation area by local emergency management officials involved.
2. If students are evacuated, the superintendent, building principal or designee will notify parents and guardians per school district policies.
3. An evacuation announcement may be made to report to the appropriate evacuation site by a building principal.

G. INTRUDER/HOSTAGE
Individuals who pose a possible threat could include a sniper on campus, someone who may attempt to abduct or injure a student, or any unauthorized visitor without a legitimate purpose.  It may be a law enforcement agency who notifies the school or school district of the dangerous situation, or it may be school personnel who first recognize the danger.

Procedures before the emergency:

1. Implement lock-down procedures to secure the school building, to keep students inside and keep the danger outside of the building away from students and staff.  An announcement will be made:  “We have a situation that requires you to secure your classroom.”  The building principal will attempt to keep staff apprised of the situation.  Staff may need to use their own judgment.

Procedures for the staff member who sees an unauthorized intruder:

1. If possible, have another staff person accompany you when approaching an intruder that does not indicate a potential for violence.
2. Politely greet the intruder and identify yourself.
3. Ask the intruder to identify him or herself and to state what is the purpose of his or her visit.
4. Inform the intruder that all visitors must register at the main office.
5. Using judgment and if the intruder’s purpose is not legitimate, ask him/her to leave and accompany intruder to exit if possible, or arrange for someone else to accompany the intruder.
6. If the intruder refuses to leave or is a repeat offender, warn him or her of the consequences of staying on school property.  Inform him or her that the police will be contacted.  Call 911.  The police will warn the intruder the first occurrence and will cite under the trespass law for future violations.
7. If the intruder still refuses to comply, notify the building principal and give as complete a description of the person as possible.
8. Walk away from the intruder if the intruder indicates a potential for violence.  Do not attempt to disarm anyone with a weapon or physically restrain anyone who may be capable of inflicting bodily harm.  Monitor the intruder leaving campus, if possible.

Witness to a hostage situation:

1. If the hostage taker is unaware of your presence, do not intervene.
2. Call 911 immediately, if possible.  Give the dispatcher details of the situation, ask for assistance from the hostage negotiation team.
3. Seal off the area near hostage situation, to the extent possible.
4. Notify the building principal who may elect to evacuate the rest of the building.
5. The police or hostage negotiation team will assume command and control of the situation when they arrive.

If  taken hostage:

1. Follow instructions of the hostage taker.
2. Try not to panic.  Calm students if they are present.
3. Treat the hostage taker as normally as possible.  Be respectful.  Ask permission to speak.  Do not argue or make suggestions.

Procedures after the emergency:

1. Superintendent, building principal or designee will handle media calls, questions, and contacts.
2. Prepare a news/information release, as appropriate.  It will state that there has been a situation at “School Name”.  The incident is currently under investigation by the Hibbing Police Department.  We have been instructed by the HPD not to discuss the situation until the investigation has been completed.  Classes will follow regular scheduling OR students were dismissed for the day.
3. Prepare a parent/guardian letter, as appropriate.
4. Hold an informational meeting with all staff.
5. Initiate the grief-counseling plan, if appropriate.

H. SERIOUS INJURY/DEATH
Procedures:

1. Call 911, but do not leave the victim unattended.
2. Contact a first aid provider (school nurse)
3. Clear onlookers and isolate the victim.
4. Do not move the victim unless an immediate emergency situation dictates evacuation.
5. Notify the building principal.
6. Ambulance will transport the injured or ill person to the hospital.
7. Administrative follow-up may include the following:
a. Notify parent(s) or guardian(s) of an injured or ill student or a family member of an injured or ill employee.
b. Notify the superintendent.
c. Determine method of informing staff, students, and parents, if appropriate.
d. Prepare an accident report.
e. Initiate the grief-counseling plan, if appropriate.
f. Prepare a news media release with the superintendent, if appropriate.


I. SHOOTING
These procedures apply to snipers inside or outside of the school building or any other firearm threat that poses an immediate danger.  The threat may also result from an intruder or from participants in a demonstration.

Procedures for staff and students if a person threatens with a firearm or begins shooting:

1. An announcement will be made.  It will instruct staff what to do.  The announcement will be similar to the following:  “A situation exists where evacuation of the building is necessary,” or “ A situation exists where staff need to secure their classroom.”
2. If outside, staff or students should go inside the building as soon as possible.  If staff or students cannot get inside, they should make themselves as compact as possible, put something between themselves and the shooter, and not gather in groups.
3. If inside, staff, students and visitors should turn off the lights, lock all doors and windows, and close the curtains, if it is safe to do so.
4. Staff, students and visitors should crouch under desks without talking and remain there until an all-clear signal is given by the building principal.
5. If safe to do so, staff should check the halls for wandering students who are not the threat and bring them immediately into a classroom, even if they are from another classroom.  When it is safe to do so, staff should notify the office if students from another class are in their room.
6. Take roll call and notify the building principal of any missing students or staff, when it is safe to do so.

Procedures for the building principal if a person threatens with a firearm or begins shooting:

1. Assess the situation as to:
a. Shooter’s location
b. injuries
c. potential for additional shooting
2. Call 911 and give them as much detail as possible about the situation.
3. Secure the school building, if appropriate.
4. Assist students and staff in evacuating from immediate danger to a safe area.
5. Care for the injured to the extent practicable until emergency personnel arrive.
6. Refer media calls, contacts, and questions to superintendent, building principal or designee.
7. Meet with the superintendent to prepare a news or information release.
8. Superintendent, building principal or designee will notify parents and guardians per school district policies, if appropriate.  
9. Hold an informational meeting with all staff, if appropriate.
10. Initiate the grief-counseling plan, if appropriate.

J. SUICIDE
Procedures for a suicide attempt:

1. Intervene prior to an attempted suicide, as appropriate.  Try to calm the suicidal person.
2. Prevent others from witnessing a traumatic event, if possible.  Isolate the suicidal person or victim from other persons.  Remain calm and reassure students of your concern.
3. Call 911 if the person needs medical attention, has a weapon, needs to be restrained or dies.
4. Notify the building principal.
5. Stay with the person until counselor/suicide intervention arrives.  DO NOT LEAVE A SUICIDAL PERSON ALONE.
6. The building principal will meet with emergency personnel upon arrival.
7. The building principal will notify the superintendent and the parent(s) or guardian(s) if the suicidal person or victim is a student or a family member if the person is a staff member.
8. The building principal may arrange a meeting with parents and appropriate counseling staff to determine a course of action.
9. Notify staff, students and parents, as appropriate.
10. Initiate the grief-counseling plan, if appropriate.


K. TERRORISM-CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL THREAT
Upon receiving a chemical or biological threat phone call:

1. Listen closely to the caller’s voice, speech patterns, and to noises in the background.
2. Notify the building principal who is responsible for notifying the local law enforcement agency.
3. The building principal may order an evacuation of all person inside the school building(s), or other actions, per school district policies.  An announcement will be made.  It will state: “A situation exists where evacuation of the building is necessary.  Please evacuate to the Lincoln gym (for High School) or the High School gym(for the Lincoln).
4. If evacuation occurs, teachers should take the class roster.

Upon receiving a chemical or biological threat letter:

1. Minimize the number of people who come into contact with the letter by immediately limiting access to the area in which the letter was discovered.
2. Seal the letter n a zip-lock bag or another envelope.
3. Call 911 first, then the Minnesota Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798.
4. Separate “involved” people from the rest of the students and staff for investigation.  Involved people are those who had direct contact with the letter or were in the immediate area when the letter was opened.
5. Remove “uninvolved” people from the immediate area. Uninvolved people had no contact with the letter and were not in the immediate area when the letter was opened.
6. Ask “involved” people to minimize their contact with the letter and the surrounding area; the area should be considered a crime scene.
7. Get advice of emergency response officials regarding decontamination and change of clothing for person(s) who opened or handled the letter without gloves.

Evacuation Procedures:

1. The building principal should notify staff and students of evacuation.
2. Lead students calmly to the nearest designated safe area away from the school building.
3. Teachers take roll call after the evacuation.  Immediately report any missing students to the building principal.
4. Students and staff who were “involved” in receiving the threat (by telephone or letter) will be evacuated as a group, separate from “uninvolved” students and staff.
5. The building principal will announce the termination of the emergency after consulting with emergency response officials.
6. Notify parents and guardians per school district policies.
7. Notify the media per school district policies, appropriate.


L.WEAPONS
If a student or staff member is aware of a weapon brought to school:

1. Immediately notify the building principal or teacher.
2. Tell them the name of the person suspected of bringing the weapon, where the weapon is located,  if the suspect has threatened anyone, or any other details that may prevent the suspect from hurting someone or himself or herself.
3. If a teacher suspects that a weapon is in the classroom, they should confidentially notify the office in some manner.  Do not leave the classroom.

Procedures for the building principal if a weapon is suspected:

1. Call the local law enforcement agency if a weapon is reasonably suspected to be in the building or on school grounds.
2. Isolate the suspect from the weapon, if possible.  If the suspect threatens with the weapon, do not try to disarm the suspect. Back away with arms up. Stay calm.
3. Ask another principal to join in questioning the suspected student or staff member.
4. Accompany the suspect to a private office and wait for local law enforcement agents, if appropriate.
5. Hibbing Police Department will inform the suspect of his or her rights before a search of their property, if appropriate.
6. Document the incident and notify the superintendent.
7. Notify parents or guardians if the suspect is a student and explain to them why a search was conducted and the results of the search.



Legal References:
M.S. Ch. 12 (Emergency Management)
M.S. § 121A.035 (Crisis Management Policy)
M.S. § 121A.06 (Reports of Dangerous Weapon Incidents in School  Zones)
M.S. § 299F.30 (Fire Drill in School)
M.S. § 609.605, Subd. 4 (Trespasses on School Property)
Minn. Rules Ch. 7511 (Fire Safety)
20 U.S.C. § 1681, et seq. (Title IX)