Frequently asked Questions: Safety Drills & Emergency Protocol

How will parents/guardians be notified in the event of an emergency?

The district office will utilize the district-wide voicemail and/or email system to update families about emergencies that happen during the school day. The school district does not always know details when it comes to emergencies that take place off campus and in the surrounding community, but we can give updates as to the safety status of students in school. Residents interested in receiving emergency alerts directly from the Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management can sign up for them, here.

What is the difference between “shelter in place” and a lockdown?

Shelter in place is used when an external threat requires everyone to stay inside. This could be the result of police activity in the area or the presence of dangerous pollutants in the air. A lockdown is meant to protect against an on-campus threat, such as an intruder. A lockdown requires hallways to be cleared and classrooms to be locked and secure.

What happens if a lockdown or “shelter in place” is required when students are outside, like during recess? 

If students are outside during a lockdown or shelter in place order, we bring them immediately into the school building. School staff sweep playgrounds and take attendance to make sure all students are safely accounted for. 

What if an emergency causes school to close early?

At the beginning of each school year, we collect primary and emergency contact information for each student. In the event of an early closure, this information is used to determine individualized student exit plans, which may include parent pick-up or taking the bus home. 

What would the school do if a lockdown went past the end of the school day? 

If a lockdown occurred at the end of the school day, students would remain in school and no one would be allowed into buildings until it is safe and the lockdown is lifted. Parents would be notified via the district’s email/voicemail system that their child is in lockdown past the regular school day, and further instructions related to student release would be communicated. 

Does the district have a plan in place to handle a large-scale emergency student pick-up process if needed?

Yes. If an emergency necessitated a large-scale pick-up process on campus, the school cafeteria and/or gym would be used as a staging area to help coordinate with parents/guardians coming to pick up their children in person. To help keep the scene organized and safe, access to students would be controlled by the school; we must ensure that every student is able to exit campus with a safe, known adult.

What happens if students cannot be safely sent home?

If it is determined that students cannot be safely sent home, they will be housed and fed at school or transported to a safe location. Under these circumstances, parents/guardians should not come to school to pick up their children. The district would utilize its email/voicemail system to direct parents to the proper evacuation site to be reunited with their children. 

What if I need to update my emergency contact information or have additional questions?

Parents/guardians are welcome to call their school office with questions about emergency procedures or to update their contact information at any time. We want to communicate openly with our families and work together to ensure student safety in all situations.

Additional Resources:

Searchable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
Inclement Weather FAQs