Homeland Security

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Homeland Security

• Laytonsville Elementary School
• Code Blue Shelter in Place

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Definition Shelter in Place

• Shelter-in-place simply means that in certain
  emergency situations it will be necessary to
  immediately secure students and staff indoors.
• Shelter-in-place is an enhanced level of Code
  Blue to be used if there is a suspected chemical,
  biological, radiological incident.
• Shelter-In Place may also be used for weather
  related emergencies
• The nature and duration of the Shelter-in-Place
  will be determined by public safety/MCPS
  officials.

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DefinitionsChemical, Biological, Radiological

• Chemical Incident The release of toxic
  industrial chemicals/other agents that are
  capable of causing bodily harm or death.
• Biological Incident The release of bacteria,
  viruses, and/or toxins that are capable of
  causing bodily harm or death.
• Radiological Incident The release or exposure
  to and/or dispersal of radioactive materials that
  are capable of causing bodily harm or death.

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As a teacher, what do I do?

• Maintain a calm demeanor for your students
• Initiate Code Blue proceduresCLOSE THE WINDOWS!
• Take attendance.
• Ignore fire alarms.
• Ignore class change bells.
• Students will be held in current location until
  the best course of action can be determined.
• The PA system will be the communication link to
  ALL classrooms.

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What if I am in a portable?

• Experts have determined that portables are as
  safe as the main building in these situations.
• Staff will turn off ventilation systems.
• Students will be kept in the portables until
  further notice.
• Public safety officials will determine when it
  will be safe to move to the main building.

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Classrooms with other special circumstances

• If you have a ventilation hood at the onset of
  a Shelter in Place Code Blue,or as directed by
  PA announcement--turn OFF ventilation to the hood
  unit.
• Secure and lock ALL outside exits.
• Any classes outdoors, including PE and any
  teachers returning to the building should enter
  through the PE doors.Remain in the gym until you
  are directed to move to your classroom or another
  location.

7
Parent/Child Re-Unification

• An orderly and efficient process of re-unifying
  children with their parents/guardians following
  the emergency/crisis

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Re-Unification Locations

• Morningside Church,on Route 108 will be the
  off-site re-unification location
• The All Purpose Room (APR) will be the on-site
  reunification location for students in Grades
  1-5. Kindergarten students will be released from
  their classrooms.
• Please be sure your emergency release form is on
  file at school. (Blue Sheet)

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Guidelines for Re-Unification

• LES staff will post signs to direct
  parents/guardians to re-unification location.
• If MCPS transportation is in place, students will
  be dismissed as usual.
• If dismissal occurs after dark, a structured
  release will take place.
• Students will be sent to the re-unification site
  in small numbers to meet with parents.

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Guidelines, continued

• LES staff will verify your identity before
  releasing students.
• Staff will escort students from classrooms to the
  designated re-unification location.
• Staff will direct parents and students to the
  exit following re-unification.

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As a parent, what can I do?

• Please DO NOT call or come to the school at the
  onset of the emergency situation. This will
  impair our ability to safely address the
  situation.
• Local media will be used to make official
  announcements about when you SHOULD call or come
  to the building.
• Be aware that the re-unification sites may change
  if necessary.
• Your child WILL NOT be released to you or anyone
  else with out valid, government issued photo
  identification (Passport, Drivers License, State
  Photo ID).

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Some other questions

• Do we have enough supplies?
• We have enough food and water on hand to sustain
  all staff and students for an extended period of
  time.
• What about cell phones?
• DO NOT use cell phones until further noticethis
  prevents emergency workers from being able to
  conduct critical communications.

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Continued

• What about parents?
• Parents will be encouraged NOT to come to the
  schools or to call.
• If there is a contaminant and it is unsafe, we
  will not allow ANYONE into the building.
• How long before movement throughout the building
  is allowed?
• Hold students until the best course of action can
  be determined.
• When allowed, hallway movement will be
  controlled.

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And finally

• What about computers, television?
• To reduce fear and miscommunication, as well as
  keep the network open for emergency workers, we
  WILL limit access to computers and televisions.
• Updated information will be provided through the
  PA system as available.
• More information is available at www.ready.gov