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Communication in Emergencies

Stay calm and stay alert

In the event of a school emergency, please remain calm, and know that school staff, district personnel and emergency personnel are working to keep your child safe. RLAS-116 fully understands the importance of communication during an emergency. We are prepared and committed to provide ongoing updates through the situation. Based on the situation, RLAS-116 may provide information via texts and/or emails. Please know that media will not always report accurate information. In addition, we know that during a school emergency, many of our students will try to call or text their parents/guardians. If this occurs, we ask that you stay calm and reassuring. Encourage your student to follow the directions of school staff.

Stay away from the school

We understand your desire to go to the school and the need to see your child, especially in a situation the feels scary. However, arriving at the scene before it is secure can interfere with the emergency response and puts you in danger. Past school emergencies have shown that one of the greatest challenges is how to manage the number of parents an concerned citizens rushing to the scene. By rushing to the school, parents can unintentionally create traffic jams that may block emergency responders from getting to the school or leaving if necessary to transport injured students of staff to emergency medical facilities. Families should not come to pick up their child unless given the direction to do so from RLAS-116.

Keep the phone lines open

We ask that families not call the school. This allows phone lines to stay open for communication with emergency personnel and school officials. It also helps school staff to remain focused on the safety of their students. The school/district will communicate any information with you as soon as possible via texts and/or emails.

Do not call the police department or 911

The police department will be dealing with the school emergency, and the dispatch line must remain open for any other emergencies that could occur in the community. Calling to ask what is going on at the school will only take away from the dispatcher being available to handle other emergencies, while also interrupting communication with the police on the police on site at the school where the emergency is taking place.

Be prepared with your photo ID

In the event of a school evacuation, RLAS-116 will follow a standard reunification plan to ensure students are safely returned to their families. The district will communicate the reunification site. During a reunification, families and/or individuals listed as authorized persons to pick up your child should do the following:

  • Bring a valid form of identification (ID)
  • Follow the signage and parking directions of the reunification location
  • Complete the provided reunification form
  • Provide school personnel at the check-in table with a valid form of photo ID and the completed reunification form
  • Wait patiently as an RLAS-116 staff member retrieves and escorts your student to you.

Please note that only approved adults with valid photo identification will be allowed to pick up students from the reunification location.