August 2008

The purpose of this communication is to inform all principals and work location supervisors about the procedures AISD has in place for letting employees know when and where emergency situations exist in the district or when there is a change in the national security alert level. The document also provides information about where to access information about appropriate responses to these situations.

Please be assured that there is no reason to believe that any AISD school or facility is a target of terrorism; nevertheless, all locations have developed plans that address a variety of crisis situations. The district is also a member of the Austin Travis County Emergency Operations Center along with other groups which have emergency response authority. The Austin Travis County Emergency Operations Management Center is activated during any emergency situation. AISD's procedures are fully in line with those recommended for all school districts.

Pager Alert System

To alert principals and work location supervisors of emergency situations or whenever the national security alert level is upgraded or downgraded, AISD will use the Pager Alert System in place. Austin ISD Police Communications has the ability to send grouped text messages to all facilities and facility administrators. In addition, information can be sent to these pagers from the Austin Travis County Emergency Operations Management Center.

Emergency Response Information

Principals and department supervisors should review the school's/district's emergency operations plan, other School Safety and Emergency Resources and these Guidelines Please review your campus Instructions for appropriate responses to different emergency situations (e.g., Shelter-In-Place in case of chemical or biological threat, a need to evacuate, etc.) and other information regarding what to do in case of an emergency.

National Security Alert Levels

Explanations of the national security alert level color coding used in the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory System are online at http://dhs.gov/xinfoshare/Copy_of_press_release_0046.shtm. Any change in national security alert level will be communicated through the Pager Alert System.

Emergency Plans and Procedures

It is vital that all principals, work location supervisors, and staff members designated to receive Pager Alerts, review the emergency procedures detailed in their campus and facility emergency operations plan and procedures.

It is also important for all principals and work location supervisors to conduct drills to evaluate their plans and procedures with all employees in the event these plans need to be implemented.

Secondary Communication Plans

If the Pager Alert System is not operating, emergency messages will be communicated by the campus all-hazards weather radio, direct phone contact or utilizing the campus emergency radio. The battery-powered weather radio provides information directly from the National Weather Service System.

Finally, this communication is not intended to alarm anyone. Its purpose is to inform principals and work location supervisors about communication plans and to remind principals and facility managers to review emergency preparedness procedures to ensure the safety and security of our students, employees, schools, and departments.

Please direct any questions you may have about this communication or plans for your location to your supervisor or contact Austin ISD Campus Police Emergency Management Bureau (phone: 512-414-0462).