Savannah Christian Preparatory School does have a Crisis Management Plan. Prepared by select school staff and in cooperation with various community agencies and individuals, our plan prepares staff to deal with a variety of emergency situations. Specific situations include abduction, bomb threat, serious injury of death, intruder, fire/explosion, hostage, runaway, severe weather, hazardous material(s), utility failure, weapon(s) on campus, and transportation emergencies and student disturbance(s).

In order to effectively manage a school emergency, some determination must be made by the principal/designee and/or Crisis Management Team as to the magnitude and intensity of the situation so that appropriate resources can be mobilized. Because of this, each crisis has been assigned a level 1, 2 or 3. Each level requires following a specific set of guidelines and the assistance of a variety of personnel.

SCPS works closely with CEMA (Chatham Emergency Management Agency) in planning for unforeseen emergencies. In fact, last October, CEMA met at the Chatham Parkway campus for planning a scenario with county and city police, sheriff and fire departments, EMS, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Chatham County Bomb Squad and Chatham County Schools Transportation Department to clarify responsibilities for each in case of a particular emergency and/or necessary evacuation of our students.

Each school office has an "All Hazard Monitor" which is monitored at all times during school hours. In addition, we are on the "e-mail list" and "fax list" for CEMA and immediately receive information from them when there is any emergency condition which affects this area.

On March 27th, SCPS representatives attended a seminar addressing concerns and local implications of terrorism on schools in Chatham County. Specific topics included:

• Dissemination of local information and guidance
• Preparedness steps that can be taken now
• Response planning

CEMA and other law enforcement representatives discussed suggestions on actions schools should take during various threat levels and better ways to receive and disseminate information.

What should I as a parent do if an emergency situation arises?

1. First, please do not call the school.
2. Tune in to local radio and/or TV stations, or the school website, for information and updates.
3. Should evacuation from campus become necessary, the holding site will be announced on the radio and/or TV stations as well as the school website.