Feb 19, 2018 - those are confidential as an added protective measure and per state statute. However, we are sensitive to
OCPS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) Orange County Public Schools is one of the few school districts in the nation that maintains a department (Safety and Emergency Management) specifically responsible for emergency preparedness. OCPS also has its own police force, OCPS District Police. The purpose for which is prevention and early intervention. The District Police force coordinates and shares information with nine police agencies that provide School Resource Officer (SRO) services in our 191 schools. While OCPS has significant measures in place for the safety of our students and staff, many of those are confidential as an added protective measure and per state statute. However, we are sensitive to the fact that many parents and community members are concerned about issues of school safety. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to share what we can about our extensive preparedness efforts. How does the district maintain preparedness? • Overall, we maintain expertise regarding safety and security issues, stay up to date on emergency management procedures, and continually engage with outside experts. • We have comprehensive, multilayered security on all campuses. How often do schools conduct drills, and what types are conducted? • School based drills are mandated for educational sites, per 1006.07 sec. 4(a) (b), Florida Statute. • Fire drills can also be found in the Florida Fire Prevention Code 69A-60. • Schools conduct 11 drills each school year; two drills in August and one drill per month thereafter. • Seven are fire/emergency egress drills, two are for severe weather, and two are active assailant drills. • All district schools are in compliance with the prescribed drill schedule year-to-date. What type of training do school-based staff receive? • School-based staff are trained on school safety measures to include; o emergency procedures o classroom management during incidents o active assailant response How does OCPS handle screening for weapons on campus? • Previously, experts have told us that entry point metal detection—similar to what is used in commercial airports—would not be most effective for schools. Random metal detection approach was recommended. In light of recent incidents, we are reviewing this recommendation with our experts. • The OCPS District Police conduct random weapons screenings a number of times per month, utilizing both hand-held wands and portable walk-through machines. o We conduct both large scale screenings that cover 100 percent of the school community; and small scale screenings in designated areas. • Additionally, the district continually gathers intelligence from law enforcement and other sources to help keep schools safe.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAQS | February 19, 2018
What programs are in place to ensure schools are prepared to handle emergency incidents? In addition to drills, schools are required to maintain the following to support their emergency preparedness programs: •
Safe School Plans o School leadership teams maintain site specific Safe School Plans which serve to identify critical functions and resources that are necessary to manage crisis on campus. o These emergency procedures take into account the specific school’s logistics and campus layout when determining the proper response.
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School Emergency Response Team (SERT) o Each school maintains a School Emergency Response Team (SERT) that is responsible for responding to emergencies during a crisis. Those staff assigned to be part of the SERT receive additional training to support their function as emergency team members.
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Tabletop Exercise o School Emergency Response Teams are required to conduct an annual discussion-based tabletop exercise in which they test their plans and training against an emergency-based scenario. Typically, the School Resource Officer assigned to the school participates in the tabletop exercise. o In July 2017, Orange County Public Schools hosted its fourth annual districtwide tabletop exercise for district administration, school-based staff and local first responders, which included an active assailant scenario component.
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Facilitated Discussions o Annually, school administrators lead their staff through facilitated training discussions on topics such as active assailant and school safety. These discussions are based on the district’s standardized emergency preparedness online training modules.
Do schools maintain emergency procedures? Yes, in fact the district updated all of its emergency procedures before the 2017-2018 school year. Recent updates of materials, resources and tools included a new Emergency Procedures Manuals with easily accessible situation-based direction, a mobile app that works whether internet connectivity is available or not, training modules and classroom materials that highlight the Standard Response Protocol (lockout, lockdown, shelter and evacuate procedures.) OCPS takes safety of students and staff very seriously. All comments/concerns are being noted, shared and vetted through internal staff and consultants. It takes the community to keep our students safe, so we are very appreciative of the efforts of parents, guardians and law enforcement partners who help us. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please send them to
[email protected].
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAQS | February 19, 2018
