Emergency Drills and Procedures

Because we live in challenging times, we periodically practice drills to evaluate our school safety and security plan. This plan was designed with the help of local law enforcement, emergency management, and public health officials. It is regularly reviewed and updated. The plan includes procedures to respond to critical incidents, like fires and weather emergencies, and we practice these drills regularly. South Charleston Middle School, along with other Kanawha County schools, will periodically practice a shelter-in-place drill.  This is a tool used to protect students and staff members in the event of potential exposure to a hazardous chemical release to the atmosphere or to guard against hazards presented by severe weather incidents.

If a hazardous chemical were released in the community and posed a threat to students during the school day, we would be directed by Kanawha County Emergency Services/Metro 9-1-1 officials to bring all students and staff members indoors; to shut down all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; and to close and secure all doors and windows. The neutral atmospheric pressure created by these actions would create a barrier and help keep chemical agents from leaking into the building. For over 20 years, this has been proven to be a safe and effective approach to protecting people in the event of a chemical emergency.

As with all emergency procedures, they must be regularly practiced to ensure their effectiveness in the event of an actual emergency.