Evacuation Procedures

The staff and administrators of Ridgeline Middle School have developed a strategy to meet the needs of our families related to students in the event of an emergency if our facility cannot be occupied following a catastrophic event. The following outlines our procedures in the event of an off-campus evacuation.

In the event of an actual emergency, parents should understand that telephone calls will only hinder emergency relief and that information concerning children and the amount of damage cannot be furnished. Parents will be notified by telephone of any accidents to children as soon as possible. 

Procedures During Evacuation

A student/family emergency release form is included in the first day packets sent home with students. This form instructs us which adult(s) a child may be released to in case of an emergency or natural disaster. Students will not be released from school unless parents indicate that the student has permission to leave school on their own or unless a parent/legal guardian or someone on the release form comes for him or her.

When necessary to evacuate the Ridgeline campus, an off-site emergency evacuation location will be used. 

St. Columban Catholic Church at 506 1st St. has been designated as that location. From there, district school buses will transport all students and staff to Yelm Middle School located at 404 Yelm Ave. where students may then be picked up.  School personnel will abide by the following release procedures: students will not be released from school unless parents indicate that the student has permission to leave school on their own or unless a parent/legal guardian or someone on the release form comes for him or her.

Parents, guardians or adults picking up students must sign out students from the designated release station. This would be the office unless the building is deemed structurally unsafe, or the alternate off-site emergency evacuation location is used, in which case signs would indicate the location of the release station. Adults picking up students should follow the school’s procedures under all circumstances so the school is always aware of each student’s safety and whereabouts.

Reason for Evacuation

There are two scenarios in which we would need to evacuate campus: 

1) a situation in which we are not in immediate and present danger (after an earthquake, after a spill or contamination on campus, et al.) but we need to leave campus in an orderly manner and get to a meeting place 

2) a situation in which there is immediate and present danger (an active shooter or other imminent threat on campus) and though we may not have the opportunity to leave campus in an orderly manner, we need a meeting place for classes of students to make their way to as soon as possible, by the safest route possible

Expectations

Students will practice fire, earthquake and lockdown drills throughout the school year. Emergency drills are to be taken seriously.

• Stay in line and walk along with your Homeroom class in the order in which you lined up. Keep up with the person in front of you. Walk on the pavement and stay out of puddles, mud, or dirt. 
• Please keep hands to yourself: No touching other students, plants or trees, houses or buildings.
• Do not pick up items from the ground. Do not throw any items.
• Keep voices at a low volume. Avoid loud talking or noises.
• Keep cell phones and devices put away.
• Notify your Homeroom teacher or an adult if there is a concern or urgent question during the drill. Listen to your HR teacher/staff at all times.