NEPN/NSBA Code:  EBCB 

EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS

In order to protect the health and safety of students and staff and in compliance with Maine Department of Education regulations, schools at all levels, K-12, are required to hold two emergency drills during the first two weeks of school. Each elementary school will hold an additional eight emergency drills during the year; the Lewiston Middle School an additional six emergency drills; and Lewiston High School an additional four emergency drills. 

Emergency evacuation procedures will be incorporated into the school district’s emergency plan. Each building administrator, in cooperation with local fire officials, emergency management, and law enforcement will develop procedures designed to accomplish the evacuation of school buildings as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

Building administrators shall keep a record of all emergency evacuation drills held in their schools, stating the date and time the drill was held; the time required for evacuation of the building; and any deficiencies noted and corrected. This information will be reported to the Superintendent or their designee after each drill. Fire officials will be notified before each drill. 

Written procedures for emergency evacuation drills shall be posted in all buildings.

The Superintendent/designee will be responsible for ensuring that all staff members receive an annual orientation concerning emergency evacuation procedures. At the beginning of each school year, building administrators will ensure that each teacher acquaints the students under their care with the designated evacuation routes. 

LOCKDOWN DRILLS

Some high-risk situations may result in a lockdown of the school rather than an evacuation. Each school will hold at least one lockdown drill during the school year. A lockdown drill should be held during the first two weeks of school to familiarize students with the procedure.

Written procedures for lockdown drills shall be posted in all buildings.

BUS EVACUATION DRILLS

Maine Department of Education regulations require that, at least twice a year, students who are transported in school buses be instructed in safe riding practices and participate in emergency evacuation drills. The building administrator will be responsible for arranging the times and locations of such drills. Bus evacuation drills must be conducted in the school parking lot or other safe locations. The first bus evacuation drill will occur within the first four weeks of the school year.

Legal Reference: Ch. 125 § 10.2. (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rule) 

Ch. 81 § 2(B) (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rule) 

Resolve Ch.2, 127th Leg., 1st Session (Me 2015)

Cross Reference: EBCA - Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan

Adopted: June 7, 2000 

Reviewed: November 7, 2011 

Reviewed: January 5, 2015

Revised: August 14, 2023