We Prepare

We have four levels of safety plans by which the Children's School operates. These include:

• a plan for a normal day,
• a plan to keep children out of the way when there is a situation where they may be in minor danger (e.g., classroom accident, spill, etc.),
• a plan to contain the children within the school (i.e., protection from an outside threat), and
• an evacuation plan (in the event that remaining in the building is unsafe).

Our security doors have two goals: (1) to keep all children safely inside the school and (2) to allow entry only for people who have Children's School business. Anyone visiting the school must ring the buzzer and someone from the office will ask who it is before admitting them. All visitors (whether prospective parents, students or observers) must first come to the office to sign in and make a nametag. If teachers see someone in the school or on the playground that they do not know or who is not wearing a nametag, they will escort the person to the Office or to the door immediately.

Every year, all of our teachers are trained in emergency pediatric first-aid treatment including CPR for children and emergency management of choking. The University has provided us with a fire and emergency action plan. It includes a map with recommended evacuation routes.

We Practice

We practice " Fire Drills" with the children each month. Each teacher carries an emergency pack, which includes class lists, phone numbers and first aide supplies. An administrator brings a cell phone.

We Communicate

Depending on the situation, communication between the school and parents is disseminated through newsletters, e-mails, radio and television announcements and personal phone calls. Please be sure we have your Child Care Emergency Contact Information Sheet. Extra copies of this form are in the office.

Mrs. Simpson has been and will continue to be in touch with the Security Department and Environmental Health and Safety Department at CMU. One of our parents, who is a Pennsylvania State Trooper, was at a meeting this past week at CMU and said our university is a forerunner in Pittsburgh with their emergency plans! The University has a web page, "Carnegie Mellon Responds to National Tragedy". It can be found by going to CMU's web site, www.cmu.edu and clicking on the America Flag. CMU will post announcements and advice in response to the current events.

We Care

Please know that in an emergency situation at the Children's School, our main concern is for the physical safety and emotional well being of the students. If you have any questions or comments feel free to talk with us.