Evacuation Plans

• • Refer to Your LEA Approved Plan: You should refer to your LEA’s approved safety plan. If you can’t find your plan or don’t have one:
    • Quick Checklist: If you cannot locate it, here is a quick checklist of essential items to remember.
    • Leverage Cal Fire: If you need to create a new plan or bolster your fire response, you can leverage CAL Fire (The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection).
    • Keep an Eye on Air Quality: Check AirNow for the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area and reference the CDE’s updated School Outdoor Air Quality Activity Recommendations to make informed decisions during wildfire smoke days. 
    • Decision-Making Guide: Use this document from San Mateo COE to help determine whether your school and district meet the requirements to stay open during an emergency.
    • Hazard Response Guide: Leverage this guide for ideas on how to respond to off-site fires (page 6), on-site fires (page 8), and more.

Sign Up For Alerts

• • Sign for Alerts: Sign up for free emergency alerts with your county or local officials because wildfires can move quickly.
  • Use the Genasys Protect App: Use Genasys Protect for real-time alerts and warnings, including those related to fires. Download the app (free) or visit it on the web version. 
  • Institute a Fire Watch: If your school’s fire alarm, sprinkler system, or other fire suppression systems are inoperable—often due to a power outage—consider implementing a Fire Watch. This involves assigning personnel to monitor the facility for signs of fire while the risk of fire danger remains high.

Emergency Contact Lists

• • Create and Distribute Lists: Collect and distribute contact info for key personnel, local emergency services, and community partners. (Sample here)
  • Use Your SIS: Student and staff info can be pulled from your Student Information System if needed.

Crisis Communication Plan

• • Leverage Your Existing Plan: Use existing communication plans and systems if they are available.
  • Communication Templates: Here are templates to assist with notifying families, staff, and media. These ready-to-use resources can help streamline your communication efforts.
  • Additional Resources: For those looking to create a comprehensive communication and media plan, the following resources are available:
    • • Guidance Document: Step-by-step instructions to guide your planning process.
      • Fillable Template: A customizable template to help you develop and organize your plan.