September 2006
Dear Members of the Chariho School Community:
Our Department of Homeland Security and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency have issued recommendations and suggestions for schools, businesses, and families in the event of a chemical or biological threat. In light of recent national and international developments, it is important that we be prepared and alert. While we have been assured that there is no specific threat to our state and that Chariho is an unlikely target, we nonetheless want to assure you that we have taken a number of precautionary steps.
It has been recommended to us that we be prepared to shelter students and staff in place in the event that hazardous materials are released into the atmosphere. Shelter-in-Place is a precautionary measure aimed at keeping students and staff safe for a temporary period of time until the threat has passed or until further instructions are received from emergency personnel. The procedure calls for schools to lock down, turn off ventilation systems, and wait for an “All Clear” signal from emergency personnel.
If the government issues a directive to schools to shelter students and staff because of a chemical or biological threat, the school’s sheltering procedures will be in effect. Students will be sheltered in an above ground, central room(s). Attendance will be taken to be sure that all students are accounted for. Announcements concerning an emergency of this nature would be broadcast on local television and radio stations.
Please note the following important guidelines:
- When schools are locked down, parents cannot come to school to pick up students as all schools will be locked and sealed. Schools will be opened as soon as an “All Clear” is given.
- A call for a lock down or shelter-in-place will be a serious event. Parents should seek shelter.
- Avoid calling the school so that telephone lines will be available for emergency personnel.
- Emergency officials have indicated that sheltering should last no more than a matter of hours. Natural air movement should clear the threat from the area.
- Students will be transported home at dismissal time or as soon as possible after the “All Clear” is given (if this occurs after dismissal). Parents may pick up students as soon as the “All Clear” is given.
Keeping family safety in mind, parents are urged to follow the Red Cross guidelines. Information can be found at the Red Cross “Together We Prepare” website at www.redcross.org. You may direct specific questions to building principals or you may call the Superintendent’s Office at 364-7575 for further information.
Please remember that we have no knowledge of any planned or expected incident. This is preparedness planning only. Thank you for your concern, support, and assistance.
Sincerely,
Barry J. Ricci
Superintendent of Schools