Homeland Security Preparedness Information

National Threat Level Status
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the national threat level status is currently Yellow, indicating an Elevated risk of terrorist attack.

For guidelines specific to HISD employees outlining precautions to take in response to the different levels of alert, please click on the link to the "Understanding and First Response to National Security Alert Codes" in the index on the right.

Information about HISD's procedures during weather-related emergencies, posted here.

Other Useful Links:
Department of Homeland Security—Includes information on the Homeland Security Department, national security planning, and tips to help citizens prepare for emergencies

Homeland Security Advisory System—From the White House Web site, an explanation of the Homeland Security advisory system

Emergency Response Preparedness:
It is vital for all district employees to be aware of what to do and how to protect themselves and students in the event of an emergency. It is important for parents and the community to be aware of HISD's plans as well. To further these objectives, the district has set up this page on HISDConnect to provide information about district safety procedures and detailed instructions about what precautions to take for the different levels of National Security Alerts. You will also find links to useful information from government Web sites such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Education.

Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the district’s emergency response procedures. As always, the safety of students and staff members is HISD’s number-one priority.

Emergency Information for Parents

The Houston Independent School District wants to assure parents that it is doing everything possible to keep all of its schools safe. Please be assured that there is no reason to believe that any HISD schools or facilities are targets of terrorism; nevertheless, all locations have adopted plans that address a variety of crisis situations. In addition, staff members have met with the Houston Police Department, the Houston Fire Department, the FBI, and other government agencies with emergency responsibilities. HISD’s procedures are fully in line with those recommended for all school districts.

In case of chemical or biological release, schools will implement Shelter-In-Place procedures. The procedures require that every child and adult seek immediate shelter inside a pre-determined place in the school to avoid direct inhalation of fumes. They would remain indoors until the proper authorities instruct the schools otherwise. For the safety of the children, parents would be asked to refrain from picking up their children from school and wait for further instructions through the media.

In an effort to keep our children’s fears to a minimum, HISD suggests that you do the following:

• Help your children feel safe. Let them talk about their fears and worries. Stick to family routines that help children feel comfortable and secure. Reassure them that parents, teachers, doctors, and government officials are doing everything possible to keep them safe and healthy.
• Limit children’s viewing of television news. Children may be frightened, overwhelmed, or traumatized by news reports about bio-terrorism. Supervise what they watch on television. When they do watch, be sure to allow for family discussion time during and after viewing to let them air their fears and concerns.
• Arm yourself with the facts. Education is your best protection against unnecessary fear. Your children will be less fearful if they see that you are not afraid and if you spend time with them answering all of their questions.

If you would like information about what specific procedures your child’s school has in place, please contact the principal.

Emergency Response Preparedness Procedures for HISD Principals and Work-Location Supervisors

The purpose of this communication is to inform all principals and work-location supervisors about the procedures HISD 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. It 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 HISD schools or facilities are targets of terrorism; nevertheless, all locations have adopted plans that address a variety of crisis situations. In addition, staff members have met with the Houston Police Department, the Houston Fire Department, the FBI, and other government agencies with emergency responsibilities. HISD’s procedures are fully in line with those recommended for all school districts.

Districtwide Emergency Alert System
HISD deployed a districtwide Emergency Alert System in 2003 in support of its core value of “Safety Above All Else” for both students and employees. The system enables each HISD school or facility to receive a radio warning about emergencies such as storms, flooding, and other dangerous situations either in specific areas or districtwide. Following a special alerting tone, a recorded or live spoken message outlines the emergency, and employees have been trained in how to use the system and what to do when an emergency announcement is made.

Alert E-mail System
In the event that the districtwide Emergency Alert System fails, HISD will use the Alert e-mail system that was put in place after 9-11. These emergency e-mails will have "Alert, Alert, Alert!" in the message subject line to emphasize their importance. In addition, to increase the probability that these important messages are received quickly by all locations, principals and work-location supervisors must designate additional members of their staff to receive the Alert e-mails. To help you set up your Microsoft Outlook e-mail software to auto-forward Alert messages to your designees, follow the online instructions on how to use the "Rules Wizard."

Emergency Response Information
Use the links in the Index to the right for 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 as well and include "Understanding and First Response to National Security Alert Codes" which contains specific instructions from the HISD Office of Risk Management about what precautions school and office personnel must take for the different alert levels. Any change in the alert level status will be communicated through the Emergency Alert System and posted to HISDConnect.

Shelter-in-Place and Evacuation Plans
It is vital that all principals, work-location supervisors, and staff members designated to monitor the Emergency Alert System or receive Alert e-mails, review the procedures for "shelter-in-place" detailed online. It is also important for all principals and work-location supervisors to have an evacuation plan ready and to communicate that plan to all employees.

Secondary Communication Plans
If the Emergency Alert System and e-mail network are down, emergency messages will be communicated by telephone. If telephones are not working, tune a battery-powered radio to KTRH, 740 AM. If needed, messages will also be available on the HISD telephone hotline (713-267-1704) that is used to announce closings due to inclement weather or other emergencies.

Finally, this communication is not intended to alarm anyone. Its purpose is to keep principals and work-location supervisors informed about communication plans and 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 Kermit Falgout—Manager, Risk Management (phone: 713-220-5092; e-mail: kfalgout@houstonisd.org).

Emergency Response Preparedness Procedures for HISD Employees

The information posted on this page serves to inform all employees about the procedures HISD has in place for responding to emergency situations or changes in national security alert levels.

Even though there is no reason to believe that any of HISD's schools or facilities are targets of terrorism, plans that address a variety of crisis situations have been adopted by all HISD work locations. In addition, staff members have met with the Houston Police Department, the Houston Fire Department, the FBI, and other government agencies with emergency responsibilities. HISD’s procedures are fully in line with those recommended for all school districts.

Shelter-in-Place and Evacuation Plans
In the event of a release of chemical or biological agents, schools and work locations will implement "Shelter-In-Place" procedures (see links in the Index on the right), which require all students and employees to take immediate shelter inside a designated place until the proper authorities give the all-clear. For the safety of the students, parents have been asked to refrain from picking up their children from school and to wait for further instructions through the media. If evacuation is called for by city authorities, everyone should follow the instructions contained in the evacuation plan that has been designed specifically for every HISD facility. All HISD supervisors should familiarize their staffs with the plan for their particular site and the safety procedures outlined in it.

National Security Alert Levels
Explanations of the national security alert level color coding used in the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory System are available online here. Instructions from the HISD Office of Risk Management about precautions school and office personnel must take for the different alert levels are also available (see "Understanding and First Response to National Security Alert Codes"). Any change in the alert level status will be communicated using the districtwide Emergency Alert System or by e-mail to principals and work-location supervisors and posted to HISDConnect (details available here).

Emergency Response Information
It is vital for all district employees to be aware of what to do and how to protect themselves in the event of an emergency. 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 is available using the links in the Index on this page. Also available are links to useful information from government Web sites such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Education.

Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the district’s emergency response procedures. As always, the safety of students and staff members is HISD’s number-one priority. The district will continue to do everything possible to keep them safe in spite of whatever threat America may face.

Understanding and First Response to National Security Alert Codes

Understanding and First Response to National Security Alert Codes from the US Department of Homeland Security and the HISD Emergency Preparedness Plan Manual (Click here for PDF)

The following information was prepared by the Risk Management Department as it references responsible safety and security emergency management during elevated National Security Alerts.

The information is provided to help schools recognize and respond to, by descending order of severity, the Five National Security Alert Codes; Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue and Green.

The information should be considered as a companion to the HISD Emergency Preparedness Plan Manual.

For questions about this information on safety / security emergency management, you may wish to contact Safety and Loss Control, at 713.871.9365 or by preferred email.

CODE RED: A severe condition or severe risk of terrorist attack

• If advised by emergency management officials to close the schools – Initiate Plan A, Closing of Schools, outlined in the Emergency Preparedness Plan Manual, chapter 8, page 1.
• If advised by emergency management officials, prepare to initiate Shelter-In-Place, as outlined in the Emergency Preparedness Plan Manual, chapter 3, page 19.
• If advised to Shelter-In-Place, post signs on the windows of entrance/exit doors indicating the doors are locked and will not be opened, for any reason, until it is safe to do so.
• Maintain a “heightened awareness” for suspicious activity; including suspicious vehicles on/around campus grounds, suspicious persons in/around the school buildings including those taking photographs or videotaping, suspicious packages around the building perimeter and/or in the school, or suspicious solicitations for information by unknown persons. Report suspicious persons/activities to campus administration / HISD PD.
• Routinely monitor incoming / exiting persons, - check picture IDs. Frequently check restrooms, hallways and stairwells for unauthorized persons.
• If a bomb is suspected, do NOT use walkie-talkies.
• Consider canceling/rescheduling off-campus school-related activities (i.e., athletic events, banquets, fundraisers, etc.)
• Convene the campus safety & security council, to review and coordinate campus-specific emergency response actions with district/district office administration & internal/external emergency management officials.
• Ascertain that all emergency contact telephone numbers are updated & centrally located for easy accessibility.
• Continuously monitor email relay, radio and telephonic communication systems for updates on security alerts and emergency management advisories.
• Consider implementing a buddy system, so that no one becomes separated or left alone.
• Address special medical needs of students & staff with the school nurse & emergency management officials, i.e., visual/auditory, special medications, oxygen in use, Osteo- Imperfecta (brittle-bone disease), cerebral palsy, mental impairment, etc.
• Verify inventory in classroom emergency kits.
• Help keep students calm (if SIP is implemented) with light activities and general discussion on what is being done to keep them safe.
• Monitor, redirect, or constrain transportation system – be prepared to communicate specific employee/student transportation needs and the off-campus reunion sights/designated refuge areas with emergency management officials, District Office Administration, and/or Transportation Department.

CODE ORANGE: A high condition or high risk of terrorist attack

• Be prepared for an expedited security alert status upgrade to Code Red.
• Review the Emergency Preparedness Plan Manual for Guidelines on Shelter-In-Place, chapter 3, page 19.
• Practice SIP and disaster preparedness / response drills.
• Consider canceling/rescheduling off-campus school-related activities (athletic events, banquets, fundraisers, etc.)
• Maintain a “heightened awareness” for suspicious activity; including suspicious vehicles on/around campus grounds, suspicious persons in/around the school buildings including those taking photographs or videotaping, suspicious packages around the building perimeter and/or in the school, or suspicious solicitations for information by unknown persons. Report suspicious persons/activities to campus administration / HISD PD.
• Closely monitor incoming / exiting persons, - check picture IDs. Frequently check restrooms, hallways and stairwells for unauthorized persons.
• Review with Area Maintenance groups - the status of windows and door security; assess window panes, wall baseboards and door frames for cracked panes, loose caulking, and defective sealant putty, such that they could not keep out airborne contaminants. Coordinate urgent repairs with FMO Maintenance.
• Convene the campus safety and security-council to review & coordinate campus emergency response actions, member responsibilities, and to provide security / alert updates.
• Ascertain that all emergency contact telephone numbers are updated and centrally located for easy accessibility.
• Monitor email relay, radio and telephonic communication systems for security alert and emergency management advisories.
• Address special medical needs of students & staff with the school nurse & emergency management officials, i.e., visual/auditory, special medications, oxygen in use, Osteo- Imperfecta (brittle-bone disease), cerebral palsy, mental impairment, etc.
• Check emergency supplies, i.e., batteries, flashlights.
• Verify inventory in classroom emergency kits.Help keep students calm with light activities & discussion on what the school can do for
  safety during an emergency.
• Monitor, redirect, or constrain transportation system – be prepared to communicate employee/student transportation needs and the off-campus reunion sights/designated refuge areas with emergency management officials, District Office Administration, and/or Transportation Department.
• Consider sending a letter home to parents, advising of general emergency preparedness plans for the school.

CODE YELLOW: An elevated condition or significant risk of terrorist attack

• Be prepared for an expedited security alert status upgrade to Code Orange.
• Review the Emergency Preparedness Plan Manual, particularly the Guidelines on Shelter In Place, chapter 3, page 19, the Crisis Organization and Notification, chapter 2, pages 1 – 3, and the Emergency Alarm System, chapter 4, page 1-2.
• Practice SIP and disaster preparedness / response drills.
• Maintain a “heightened awareness” for suspicious activity; including suspicious vehicles on/around campus grounds, suspicious persons in/around the school buildings including those taking photographs or videotaping, suspicious packages around the building perimeter and/or in the school, or suspicious solicitations for information by unknown persons. Report suspicious persons/activities to campus administration / HISD PD.
• Closely monitor incoming / exiting persons, - check picture IDs. Frequently check restrooms, hallways and stairwells for unauthorized persons.
• Convene the campus safety and security-council members to review campus emergency response actions and their responsibilities and to provide security / alert updates.
• Ascertain that all emergency contact telephone numbers are updated and centrally located for easy accessibility.
• Review with Area Maintenance groups - the status of windows and door security; assess window panes, wall baseboards and door frames for cracked panes, loose caulking, and defective sealant putty, such that they could not keep out airborne contaminants. Coordinate urgent repairs with FMO Maintenance.
• Monitor email relay, radio and telephonic communications systems for emergency alerts and crisis management advisories.
• Address special medical needs of students & staff with the school nurse and emergency management officials, i.e., visual/auditory, special medications, oxygen in use, Osteo- Imperfecta (brittle bone disease), cerebral palsy, mental impairment, etc.
• Check emergency supplies, i.e., batteries, flashlights.
• Verify inventory in classroom emergency kits.
• Help keep students calm with light activities & discussion on what the school can do for safety during an emergency.
• Monitor, redirect, or constrain transportation system – be prepared to communicate employee/student transportation needs and the off-campus reunion sights/designated refuge areas with emergency management officials, District Office Administration, and/or Transportation Department.

CODE BLUE: A general condition or general risk of terrorist attack

• Review the Emergency Preparedness Plan Manual, particularly the Guidelines on Shelter-In-Place, chapter 3, page 19, the Crisis Organization and Notification, chapter 2, pages 1 – 3, and the Emergency Alarm System, chapter 4, page 1-2.
• Practice SIP and disaster preparedness / response drills.
• Maintain a “heightened awareness” for suspicious activity; including suspicious vehicles on/around campus grounds, suspicious persons in/around the school buildings including those taking photographs or videotaping, suspicious packages around the building perimeter and/or in the school, or suspicious solicitations for information by unknown persons. Report suspicious persons/activities to campus administration / HISD PD.
• Closely monitor incoming / exiting persons - check picture IDs. Frequently check restrooms, hallways and stairwells for unauthorized persons.
• Convene the campus safety and security-council members to review campus emergency response actions and their responsibilities and to provide security / alert updates.
• Ascertain that all emergency contact telephone numbers are updated and centrally located for easy accessibility.
• Review with Area Maintenance groups - the status of windows and door security; assess window panes, wall baseboards and door frames for cracked panes, loose caulking, and defective sealant putty, such that they could not keep out airborne contaminants. Coordinate urgent repairs with FMO Maintenance.
• Monitor email relay, radio and telephonic communications systems for emergency alerts and crisis management advisories.
• Address special medical needs of students & staff with the school nurse and emergency management officials, i.e., visual/auditory, special medications, oxygen in use, Osteo- Imperfecta (brittle-bone disease), cerebral palsy, mental impairment, etc.
• Check emergency supplies, i.e., batteries, flashlights.
• Verify inventory in classroom emergency kits.
• Help keep students calm with light activities & discussion on what the school can do for safety during an emergency.
• Monitor, redirect, or constrain transportation system – be prepared to communicate employee/student transportation needs and the off-campus reunion sights/designated refuge areas with emergency management officials, District Office Administration, and/or Transportation Department.

CODE GREEN: A low condition or low risk of terrorist attack

• Review the Emergency Preparedness Plan Manual, particularly the Guidelines on Shelter-In-Place, chapter 3, page 19, the Crisis Organization and Notification, chapter 2, pages 1 – 3, and the Emergency Alarm System, chapter 4, page 1-2.
• Practice SIP and disaster preparedness and response drills.
• Maintain a “heightened awareness” for suspicious activity; including suspicious vehicles on/around campus grounds, suspicious persons in/around the school buildings including those taking photographs or videotaping, suspicious packages around the building perimeter and/or in the school, or suspicious solicitations for information by unknown persons. Report suspicious persons/activities to campus administration / HISD PD.
• Closely monitor incoming / exiting persons - check picture IDs. Frequently check restrooms, hallways and stairwells for unauthorized persons.
• Convene the campus safety and security-council members to review campus emergency response actions and their responsibilities and to provide security / alert updates.
• Ascertain that all emergency contact telephone numbers are updated and centrally located for easy accessibility.
• Review with Area Maintenance groups - the status of windows and door security; assess window panes, wall baseboards and door frames for cracked panes, loose caulking, and defective sealant putty, such that they could not keep out airborne contaminants. Coordinate urgent repairs with FMO Maintenance.
• Monitor email relay, radio and telephonic communications systems for emergency alerts and emergency management advisories.
• Address special medical needs of students & staff with the school nurse and emergency management officials, i.e., visual/auditory, special medications, oxygen in use, Osteo- Imperfecta (brittle-bone disease), cerebral palsy, mental impairment, etc.
• Check emergency supplies, i.e., batteries, flashlights.
• Verify inventory in classroom emergency kits.
• Help keep students calm with light activities & discussion on what the school can do for safety during an emergency.
• Monitor, redirect, or constrain transportation system – be prepared to communicate employee/student transportation needs and the off-campus reunion sights/designated refuge areas with emergency management officials, District Office Administration, and/or Transportation Department.

The HISD Emergency Preparedness Plan Manual was developed to provide guidelines for effective campus emergency preparedness and response procedures for use under temporary circumstances.

It was not developed for long-term Shelter-In-Place accommodations/considerations.

For disasters and/or severe emergencies, district administration has coordinated extended emergency response plan actions with internal/external designated safety, security and emergency response agencies/officials.

During such emergencies, individualized campus administration will receive direction and support as determined appropriate and coordinated through district administration and applicable safety, security and emergency response agencies/officials.

Campuses and/or classrooms may elect to voluntarily create a basic “emergency kit” for preparedness and use during a Shelter-In-Place emergency. The kits can be created by storing items in a clean, empty 5 gallon bucket with a fitted lid, and may contain the following items.

• One box of disposable latex gloves
• One box of gallon – size Baggies (for disposing items that may be bio-hazardous, i.e., blood soaked bandages, gloves, etc.)
• Antiseptic wipes
• Roll of bathroom tissue and/or a roll of paper towels
• Small package of bandages
• One roll of duct tape
• Kitchen-size trashcan liners
• One gallon-size bottle of water (seal intact)
• One package, bathroom-size paper cups
• Crackers
• One small bucket with lid (younger students may become nauseous when excited/nervous)
• One/two small blankets
• The campus nurse may want to create a thorough first-aid kit, and an updated list of students requiring special medications on a regular basis/schedule

Shelter-in-Place
Procedures for Principals, Teachers, and Parents

In the event of a release of chemical agents, biological agents, or other hazardous materials at an HISD school, teachers, principals, and other school staff should take the following steps to protect themselves, their students, and their co-workers by “Sheltering-in-Place.”

What does this involve?

For Principals

If you receive information regarding a biological threat and instructions to shelter-in-place (rather than evacuate), you should take the following steps:

• Activate the “Shelter-in-Place” plan by announcement over the building’s PA system.
• Require all persons in outside areas to go indoors, perhaps to a specified area decided in advance. Ensure that appointed caretakers assist handicapped students/employees.
• Ensure that maintenance immediately shuts off all heating, cooling, and ventilation systems for the entire building.
• Consider instructing teachers to seal doors and windows with duct tape in severe cases.
• Call your district superintendent and that office will ensure that the following offices are also called:
  
  HISD Police Department 713-892-7777
  (24 hours, non-emergency)
  Risk Management 713-220-5092
  Office of the Superintendent of Schools: 713-556-6300
  Press Office: 713-556-6393
  
  
• Allow no one to leave the shelter during the emergency.
• Use reasonable judgment in allowing outsiders into a shelter during the height of the incident.
• Maintain contact with both police and fire departments for updated information and instructions until the incident is under control.
• Announce the current status of the incident at frequent intervals over the PA system until “all clear.”

For Teachers

• Move all students indoors.
• Close all windows and doors to the shelter.
• Turn off room heating, cooling, or ventilation systems.
• Place a wet handkerchief or paper towel over your nose and mouth if there appears to be air contamination within the shelter (for temporary respiratory protection).
• Continue to follow the instructions given over the PA system.
• Do not allow anyone to leave the shelter until given the “all clear.”

For Other Staff

If you become aware of a potential threat to the health and safety of you, your coworkers, students, or other people in the vicinity of your school, notify the principal immediately so that he or she can take whatever steps are necessary to minimize the threat. Remain indoors until instructed.

Shelter-in-Place
Procedures for Work-Location Supervisors

In the event of a release of chemical agents, biological agents, or other hazardous materials, HISD employees at non-school facilities should take the following steps to protect themselves and their co-workers by “Sheltering-in-Place.”

What does this involve?

For Work-Location Supervisors

If you are the highest authority at your HISD facility and you receive information regarding a biological threat and instructions to shelter-in-place (rather than evacuate), you should take the following steps:

• Activate the “Shelter-In-Place” plan by announcement over the building’s PA system. If you work in a large complex of multiple buildings (with no universal intercom), have someone notify a designated person at each neighboring building (decided in advance) of the situation so that they can take similar precautions.
• Require all persons in outside areas to go indoors, perhaps to a specified area decided in advance. Ensure that appointed caretakers assist handicapped employees.
• Ensure that maintenance immediately shuts off all heating, cooling, and ventilation systems for the entire building.
• Consider instructing employees to seal doors and windows with duct tape in severe cases.
• Call Risk Management (713-220-5092) and that office will ensure that the following offices are also called:

HISD Police Department 713-892-7777
(24 hours, non-emergency)
Office of the Superintendent of Schools: 713-556-6300
Press Office: 713-556-6393

• Allow no one to leave the shelter during the emergency.
• Use reasonable judgment in allowing outsiders into a shelter during the height of the incident.
• Maintain contact with both police and fire departments for updated information and instructions until the incident is under control.
• Announce “all clear” when appropriate.

For Other Staff Members

If you become aware of a potential threat to the health and safety of you, your co-workers, or other people in the vicinity of your building, and you are not the highest authority in that building, notify whoever that person is immediately so that they can take whatever steps are necessary to minimize the threat. Remain indoors until instructed.

Outlook Rules Wizard Assistance

For assistance on how to set up your Outlook Rules Wizard to automatically forward e-mail to additional staff members, click on either link. You may be required to login to HISDConnect to view this information.

--Microsoft Outlook 98
--Microsoft Outlook XP

Other Useful Links

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/index.jsp)
  
• U.S. Department of Education Emergency Planning (http://www.ed.gov/emergencyplan/)
  
• HISD's Department of Student Support Services has many excellent resources on its Web site (http://www.houstonisd.org/hisdstudentsupportservices/ ). In the Guidance and Counseling section, under Family & Community Resources select the "Dealing with Crisis" link.