EMERGENCY OPERATIONS TEAM DEMONSTRATES COMMITMENT TO OREGON TRAIL STUDENT AND STAFF SAFETY
Posted: March 9th, 2012 9:04 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-03/1084/52395/DSC_0051.JPG (Team work)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-03/1084/52395/DSC_0097.JPG
A local team that included school district, fire district, and police department officials spent the week of February 26th in Emmitsburg, Maryland at a free Emergency Management Institute training. They returned home enthusiastic and committed to refining the school district's emergency operations plan, implementing additional training exercises, and increasing the level of stakeholder involvement.
"This training allowed us to accomplish dramatic progress on our planning efforts," said Alice Busch, Sandy Fire District. "We identified opportunities for improvement in the current plan, but I believe one of the greatest benefits will prove to be our strengthened commitment to a cooperative process."
The team members who participated in this training are convinced that planning for emergencies is a necessity. During the week-long training, school emergencies occurred around the country - a school shooting in Ohio, a stabbing in Chicago, a fight in Los Angeles - all with fatal outcomes. There was also a tornado, a bus accident, a social media threat to school facilities, and a severe weather closure. The team's goal upon returning home is a revitalized commitment to demonstrate to the greater community that it is not a matter of "if" but rather "when" an emergency will strike.
The intensity level of this four day course would have been difficult to accomplish in the district. "Having four solid days to work this closely with the entire planning team, without distraction, was incredibly beneficial," said Chief McQueen. "We left with a renewed vision of safety and the understanding of how important it is to have continuity of education."
The course provided the participating five school district teams with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to review, enhance and sustain an all-hazard school emergency plan. Some of the crucial elements of an Emergency Operations Plan include procedures for implementing a school lockdown, evacuation, student reunification with parents, and communications.
One of Oregon's greatest vulnerabilities is a large earthquake. The Juan de Fuca and North American plates meet 76 miles off the coast of Oregon. This convergent plate boundary stretches 600-800 miles (from Alaska to California) and is referred to as the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Knowing that an earthquake of this magnitude could occur during the school day, Oregon Trail schools practice earthquake drills on a regular basis.
Oregon Trail Superintendent Aaron Bayer said, "We have held table top exercises that incorporate portions of our Emergency Operations Plan, and we intend to implement additional training for our staff and students. We view the plan as a living document that will incorporate lessons learned through each incident, training and exercise."
Oregon Trail parents may access Student Safety information on the district's web site at: www.oregontrailschools.com, under the "Parents" section, including guidelines on how parents may best help during a crisis. Anyone interested in giving input on school emergency preparedness procedures may contact Julia Monteith at julia.monteith@ortrail.k12.or.us or 503-668-0679.
For more specific information about emergency preparedness, planning, response, mitigation or recovery, contact Alice Busch at sfd72fmo@hotmail.com or 971-563-3051.
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