SCA Emergency Preparedness Plan

“THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD IS OUR PRIMARY CONCERN”

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

In light of the current state of international affairs and Homeland Security concerns for our safety, be aware that in the event of a crisis that directly affects our children at SCA we will implement our Emergency Preparedness Plan. The comprehensive emergency plan has been in effect for three years and is regularly updated by the Administration.

What Can You Do as a Parent?

1. Sit down with your children this weekend and talk to them about the meaning of Homeland Security at the level of their ability to understand such a topic.
2. Assure your children that the school has a plan in place in the event of an emergency.
3. Encourage them to listen to their teachers all the time but especially if we have a crisis on campus.
4. Pray with your children for God’s protection of all the students and staff of SCA and for our nation.

In the event of a crisis, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm and to pray asking God for His peace and guidance. Check our website immediately rather than coming to the school. We will do everything possible to keep every child safe and give you instructions via the Internet and/or Honeywell Instant Alert..

In addition to the above, there are a few key aspects of the Emergency Preparedness Plan that we want to be sure you are aware of. The two main procedures that we have practiced with all of our staff and students are lockdown and evacuation drills. Descriptions of the procedures and everyone’s responsibilities are listed below.

Lockdown

Students and Teachers:
In a lockdown all teachers have been directed to keep their students in their classroom or other secure area and to lock the door. The purpose of this procedure is to protect our staff and students while on campus from being vulnerable to any harm that may be perpetrated by others.
Parents:
All gates and doors will be locked during this procedure. Anyone approaching the campus could face serious personal risk. Parents will need to obey law enforcement officials who will take charge of the incident.

On-Campus Evacuation

Students and Teachers:
In an evacuation drill, all teachers and students evacuate the buildings on campus and go to the athletic/playground fields unless otherwise instructed by the Administration. The purpose of this procedure is to remove staff and students from harm that may be caused to them by staying in the facility.
Parents:
Once again, anyone approaching campus during an evacuation could face serious personal risk. Parents should check the website (www.sca-az.org) for instructions. Parents will need to obey law enforcement officials who will take charge of the incident.

Off-Campus Evacuation

If it becomes necessary to evacuate the entire campus, students will be escorted off campus by staff. The location to which students have been relocated will be communicated to parents on our Website and/or Honeywell Instant Alert and posted at the customary dismissal sites.

Remember to pray throughout the crisis for your children and the staff.