Building Spaces -Safety & Security

Building hours are determined based on the class schedules, onsite certificate programs, and other on-campus events. In general, building hours are posted on the Campus Information page of the website. 

The Seattle School’s main voicemail greeting and the school’s website will convey the message by 6:00 a.m. if there is a late start or a closure due to weather or natural disaster. This message will also be sent via email, text, Populi, and a banner will be posted on the main website.

Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to report any criminal or suspicious activity, and are made aware of the need for everyone to be responsible for their own security and the security of others. To file a report, contact the Director of Campus Services (206-876-6148). When a person files a complaint or applies for assistance, all pertinent information is obtained and is officially documented by the completion of an Accident/Injury/Crime Incident Report.

In the case of a fire:

• Pull the nearest fire alarm to alert other persons to exit the building.

• At any campus phone dial 911. 

• Give specific information as to the nature of the fire and its specific location. 

• The campus address is 1130 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, and the phone number is (206) 876-6100.

Contact Welcome Center  staff to locate the nearest fire extinguisher and follow directions on the extinguisher. The three basic ways to put out a fire are (1) take away its fuel, (2) take away its air (smother it), and (3) cool it with water or fire extinguishing chemicals. Never use water on an electrical fire; rather use only fire extinguishing chemicals.

Information on responding to emergencies and natural disasters such as fire, earthquake, tsunami , and tornado can be found in the Emergency Action Plan in this folder and on the website. Additional information can be found on the King County Emergency Management website.

If a situation is obviously life threatening, such as heart attack, choking, or severe injury: call 911. Give specific information as to the nature of the problem and the specific location of the injured person. The campus address is 1130 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, and the phone number is (206) 876-6100. If a situation is not life threatening: contact the Welcome Center.

First-Aid kits are located in the Commons on the north end of the building and Welcome Centerh. A list of First-Aid Certified employees is posted on each First Aid station. If a situation is not life threatening: contact the Welcome Center.

AED units - Automated External Defibrillators - The Seattle School building has two registered AED units, located in the Commons on the north side of the building and at the Welcome Center. 

Narcan is available at the Welcome Center. The naloxone nasal spray Narcan has been installed in first-aid kits to help prevent overdose deaths. This easy-to-use, safe medication temporarily reverses the potentially fatal effects of an opioid overdose and can save someone who has overdosed on opioids or other drugs that have been laced with fentanyl. By making Narcan more accessible, the school adds to its tools to keep our campus and surrounding neighborhood safe. Contact the Welcome Center  immediately (ext. 100) if you suspect Narcan is required or requested.

Crisis Connections: If a person is actively experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis and needs immediate help, King County recommends that you call the King County Regional Crisis line at 206-461-3222 or 1-866-427-4747. These services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition, please email academics@theseattleschool.edu or Daniel Walkup, Director of Campus Services.

Public Health Agencies have published necessary steps that all persons should take to prevent the spread of infectious diseases:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer if washing is not an option.

• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues or your clothing.

• Keep surfaces clean and germ-free. Properly dispose of used tissues, napkins, cutlery, etc. Wash hands after using shared keyboards, copiers, etc.

• Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.

The Seattle School strives to have an environment free from intimidation, threats or violent acts. Such conduct includes any form of intimidating, threatening or hostile behavior, physical altercations, vandalism, arson, sabotage, use or display of weapons, carrying weapons onto school property, or any other act which The Seattle School deems inappropriate under this policy. Likewise, jokes or offensive comments about violence or weapons are not tolerated. Such conduct may result in discipline, including suspension, termination or expulsion.

If a stranger is menacing, threatening, out of control, displaying a weapon, etc., from any phone dial 911. Give specific information to the police as to the nature of the situation and its specific location. The campus address is 1130 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, and the phone number is (206) 876-6100. Contact administrative staff immediately. Do not attempt to resolve the situation alone.

Students and partners may enter/exit the building by using the main entrance (Rainier Ave S) during the hours the building is open. Note: the west entrance is not currently ADA accessible as it has a step. Additional access is available via callbox at the North and South entrances to the building. Instructions for using the callboxes are posted at both entrances.  Access to the building before or after hours may be granted in the case of an emergency, please contact the Director of Campus Services.

Should a student need to see an administrator or faculty member, they should check-in at the Welcome Center (in the center of the building, just inside the Rainier Ave S entrance).

Proper and reasonable safeguarding of the educational environment is paramount to The Seattle School. Therefore, the school exercises its right to limit access to its private property to those who threaten, harm, or disrupt the academic process. By necessity and proximity in its jurisdiction, The Seattle School works with the Seattle Police Department. 

The Seattle School may work with the Seattle Police Department (SPD) to criminally trespass persons who are disruptive to the educational process or community; refuse to comply with school rules or staff; or present as dangerous to The Seattle School community. 

The President, or designee, establishes authority for certain staff to enforce this policy. Trespasses from The Seattle School are permanent, but may be reviewed upon request. The President, or designee, has the authority to lift trespasses through the appeals process. 

DEFINITIONS 

Trespass Warning – official school notice of trespass to an individual for violations of community standards, policies, or direction by The Seattle School staff. 

Criminal Trespass – the criminal offense for trespassing. For example, if a subject was previously trespassed, they would be arrested for Criminal Trespass in Seattle under 12A.08.040(A). 

PROCEDURE

• The Seattle School maintains participation in the Seattle Police trespass program and maintains city-signage concerning conditions of entry. The school shall periodically review the City of Seattle’s program to ensure its participation is current on municipal code, rules, and materials. 

• Designated Seattle School staff may issue a Trespass Warning to an individual for violation of the school’s community standards, rules, or disrupting the academic process. 

• Typically, Trespass Warnings should be written and include: subject’s name, date-of-birth, the reason for trespass, the geographic limit of the trespass, and notes; however, if a subject is non-compliant, a verbal trespass may be issued as well. 

• A trespass log is maintained by the Institutional Support Department. This should include name, DOB, physical description, the reason for trespass, notes, and a picture of the subject. For privacy reasons, this log should have limited and protected access. 

• If a trespassed individual returns to The Seattle School, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to call the Seattle Police Department. If the matter is an emergency, staff should contact 911. If the individual needing trespass is not an immediate threat to the community, staff are encouraged to use the non-emergency line: 206-625-5011 (option 5, then 0). 

• Staff should immediately contact police if a trespassed subject either attempts to, or succeeds in, entering The Seattle School, with as minimal contact with the subject as possible.

The Seattle School has a zero-tolerance policy regarding firearms or weapons on campus. Specifically, students, employees, faculty and others performing services for the school (including, but not limited to, temporary employees, consultants, contractors and vendors) are prohibited from carrying, possessing or using guns or other dangerous weapons or devices for any purpose at any time on school premises. Weapons and other dangerous devices are also prohibited off school premises while on The Seattle School related business or at The Seattle School-sponsored events. 

People who carry a concealed-weapon permit are not allowed to carry a weapon while on school premises or while representing The Seattle School at functions or events. Non-weapon personal safety devices including pepper spray, personal alarms, and whistles are permitted.  

Anyone who has knowledge of someone violating this policy should immediately report the incident to the Director of Campus Services The complainant should be prepared to provide any relevant information that prompted them to observe or suspect violation. The Director of Campus Services or any school administrator has the right to confiscate weapons from people in violation of this policy. Failure to adhere to the weapons policy or failure to cooperate in an investigation is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, termination or expulsion.

If a weapon is thought to be present on campus, a report should be made to the Director of Campus Services. Any health and safety investigations are led by the Director of Campus Services and supported by relevant staff members to the specific incident.