Emergency Procedures

Parents/Guardians have a key role in our school’s emergency plans. They can assist our school by helping with preparation before the emergency, and by being informed of what to do during and after an emergency.

Before:

Make sure the school has accurate contact information so parents/guardians can be reached in case of an emergency. Multiple contact sources are helpful, including home, work and cell phone numbers and email addresses.
In case parents/guardians cannot be reached, make sure we have up-to-date names and contact information for all family members, friends and another adults authorized to pick up your child from school.
Talk to your child about your family’s personal emergency plans. For help in getting started with a family plan, click here.
Stay informed about potential serious situations – such as inclement weather.
Monitor local media when conditions arise that might result in school evacuation, early dismissal, late start or school closing. All major TV and Radio stations will be notified, phone calls will be made using our school messenger system, and information will be posted on the district website. The City of Tukwila also has an emergency radio station that you can listen to for information from the City – AM 1640.
Notify the school immediately if you see or hear of anything that could create a danger at school. If you prefer, you may use our SafeSchools Alert website by clicking here or by sending a text to 425-276-7059.

During:

Do not call or go to the school. We recognize this will be the first thing you want to do, but it is important for you to know that calling the school will tie up phone lines that must be used for emergency communications with staff, parents and emergency responders. Please do not go to the school unless you have been notified to do so. It is extremely important for your child’s safety that first responders be able to enter/exit the campus without being impeded by traffic.
Monitor TV/Radio stations for instructions and updates. Remember that the school messenger and email notification system will also be implemented.
Do not call your child’s cell phone. Depending on the situation, students may have been instructed to turn off their cell phone to help ensure their safety.

After:

When the situation allows, students will either continue with the school day, be released to go home as normal, or our emergency reunification procedures will be enacted.
Depending on the situation, counselors will be made available to support students emotional needs.

Emergency Reunification Plan:

If our school’s emergency reunification plans are activated be aware of the following:

Listen to local news media/radio to find out where you should go to pick up your student and/or follow the instructions sent out on the school messenger system.
Students will ONLY be released to persons identified in your child’s computer record as being an authorized individual to pick up your child. An older sibling not SPECFICALLY listed as an emergency contact is NOT an authorized individual.
Photo Identification will be required of the individual picking up the student. Be prepared to show the identification several times.
Follow instructions of staff at the reunification center to help the process go smoothly and quickly.

Where to find emergency information

Where to find emergency information

When there is inclement weather or an emergency situation, school schedule changes will be announced in several places:

At FlashAlert.org (this is the system that notifies local TV and radio media about schedule changes). Sign up beforehand for email alerts.
Our district homepage.
Our district Facebook page.

Our families and staff will also receive an autodial phone message.

Please familiarize yourself with our Emergency Ice and Snow Bulletin in case buses need to operate on snow routes.

Are you prepared?

Are you prepared?

In a major disaster, it might be several days before vital services are restored! The Tukwila area is exposed to a wide variety of hazards, both natural and man-made. Earthquakes, fires, severe storms, power outages, and acts of terrorism are just some of the potential emergencies that we may encounter.

Take a few minutes to read through the following information to find out how you can prepare yourself and your family for an emergency. Keep asking yourself, “How would you survive for 72 hours? Are you prepared?"

The American Red Cross has a hotline for those in need of shelter during power outages. Contact ARC at 206-205-3764.

Disaster preparedness is an important topic for families to discuss, but it may be overwhelming. Here are four basic steps for a successful disaster preparedness plan:

1. Find out what disasters could happen to you in your local region.

2. Create a Disaster Plan:

Find out the best things to do in each disaster situation that might occur here. Teach your family what to do and go over it often. Include plans on what to do for the elderly, disabled and pets.
Make a list of emergency contacts and places to gather in case of separation. Post one by the phone and give a copy of each family member. Pick an out-of-town friend or relative to be the family contact person.
Pick two places to gather, one right outside your home in case of fire, and one outside your neighborhood in case family members cannot get home.
Create a disaster supplies kit that will be ready to grab in case of evacuation, and start storing food and water for in home use during a disaster.

3. Put Your Plan Into Action:

Go over your home and check for possible hazards and determine what you can do to make your home safer.
Make sure there is a smoke detector on every level of your home.
Teach your family how to use a fire extinguisher and put it where everyone can find it.
Plan evacuation routes for your home.
Take a first aid and CPR class.

4. Practice and Maintain Your Plan:

Review your plan every six months and update as needed.
Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills, periodically.
Test and refill your fire extinguishers according to instructions by manufacturer. Test your smoke detectors monthly.
Replace stored water and food every six months

If you would like to learn more about disaster preparedness, please check out these resources:

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