Policy 2.38

Emergency Procedures for Hurricanes and Other Disasters

1. When hurricane warnings are displayed and the Palm Beach County area is alerted by an official announcement, it is the responsibility of each school principal assisted by school personnel, to see that precautions are taken. Each school shall be supplied detailed instructions for emergency procedures via a handbook. All employees shall take all precautions necessary for the protection of property and to minimize property damage.

2. When the "all clear" signal is officially announced after a hurricane or other disaster, the principal and custodians are to go immediately to the school for which they are responsible to assess the damage. It is most important that at least one custodian accompany the principal or his representative. A thorough check of the premises should be made with particular attention given to the following items:

1. Availability of water.

2. Availability of electricity.

3. Flooding or damage in the general area of the school.

4. Flooding or damage on the school grounds.

5. Number of classrooms and other areas (by name) that are unusable.

6. Estimated earliest date that classes can be resumed.

3. Immediately on ascertaining the damage, the principal or his representative, will make a report to the maintenance department.