District-Wide Safe Schools and Crisis Plan - Blytheville Public Schools

Alert Signal: Intercom, loudspeaker, bullhorn, or “runners.” Warning of the release of
radiological materials will be received from response agencies. In the event of a nuclear
device being employed, the electromagnetic pulse created by the device may
render electronic communications devices, computer based equipment and
modern vehicle ignition switches in the region inoperable. This could necessitate
that all communications at the building level be handled by runners and other means not
reliant upon technology affected by the blast.
Observations of staff: Possible indications of a radiological attack include:
Unusual numbers of sick or dying people or animals.
Radiation exposure symptoms include reddened skin and in severe cases,
vomiting.
Casualties may happen hours, days or weeks after an incident.
Time elapsed between exposure and appearance of symptoms depends on the
material used and dosage of exposure.
Unusual metal debris which could indicate devices or munitions-like material.
Radiation symbols on containers.
Heat-emitting materials without any visible energy source.
Glowing material or particles including Radio luminescence and/or
colored residue at the scene.
Principal Response:
Emergency response personnel will normally instruct the Principal in charge to
take the action deemed most appropriate
Notify the Safety Director.
Notify the Superintendent’s office.
In case of imminent danger, in which emergency response personnel have
not yet arrived, the Principal or his/her designee must decide the most
appropriate action:
Evacuate to a remote location outside the affected area. Or:
Assemble all personnel indoors and implement the “shelter -in-
place” activities.
If the “shelter in place” protocol is determined to be the best course of
action, be prepared to shift to evacuation and family reunification if instructed to
do so by public safety officials.
Follow-up action will be determined by emergency response personnel in
coordination with system officials.
If evacuating, do not return students and staff to the facility after evacuation
until the fire department, local emergency management agency or other
official agency declares the area safe.
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