Disaster Preparedness Plan

Emergency dismissals may be made at any time by the principal or representative when a serious condition such as sickness, accident, natural disaster, etc. warrants it. If an emergency occurs outside of school hours, listen to a local radio station for instructions of school closure. As a general rule, the school will follow the same procedure as the local public school district.

St. Martin of Tours Academy follows the procedures outlined for "Disaster Preparedness" by the San Diego Diocese Office for Schools and the La Mesa Police and Fire Departments.

Communication:
Room parents will be contacted by phone or e-mail in the event of an emergency. In turn, they will contact parents in the specific grade they are assigned. Bells signal evacuations.

Types of Responses to Emergency Situations:

• evacuation to the field area (earthyquake, bomb threat, etc.)
• evacuation due to fire (lower parking lot in front of school)
• lock-down (dangerous and/or threatening situation on near school property)
• "drop and cover" then evacuation (earthquake)
• evacuation and parent/guardian pick-up of children

Evacuation drills are practiced once a month. Earthquake drills are scheduled one per quarter.

Student Pick-up Locations:
The evacuation map located in the Family Handbook is the first designated destination for student pick-up. If for some unforeseen reason the first location for student release cannot be used, the second location will be near the parish hall. If necessary, the third location would be off campus in the Auto Zone parking lot across the street.

Students will be released to parents/guardians or those designated on the Contact Release and Consent Form. A signature will be required in order to release the student in the event of an evacuation.

Earthquake Preparedness Kits:
Each student is required to bring an earthquake kit on the first day of school.

• zip lock bag (name and grade printed on the outside)
• 2 granola bars
• 1 box drink
• 1 paper napkin
• A comforting note to your child and family picture (optional)