Earthquake / Disaster / Fire / Lockdown Drills

Message from South Pasadena Unified School District:

Great California ShakeOut

At approximately 10:20 a.m. on October 20, 2022, all students within South Pasadena Unified School District will participate in the Great California ShakeOut earthquake drills. Students, faculty and staff have been informed about proper earthquake safety protocol and will participate so that steps are easy-to-understand and easy-to-remember in case of an emergency.

The ShakeOut is only one example of safety preparedness activities undertaken every year. Each school develops a comprehensive safety plan including staff pamphlets detailing fire, earthquake, soft lockout and hard lockdown procedures and an age-appropriate safety video that is shared with students. All these protocols were developed in tandem with law enforcement agencies including the South Pasadena Police Department.

School safety is our number one priority. Participation in the International ShakeOut Day is an important reminder that the more we discuss and practice our safety protocols, the more natural our responses will become.

For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, Office of the Superintendent, [email protected]

Message from South Pasadena Middle School:

DISASTER / EARTHQUAKE DRILL - Thursday, October 20, 2022

OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE DRILL

This drill enables us to take the appropriate steps for our students' safety in case of a major disaster. We hope we never have to use our plan, but it is important that we make it the best plan possible! You need to be aware of the information that follows.

An important part of this plan is the identification process and procedures for picking up your child from school. In order to account for everyone in the event of an emergency, it is essential that each child gets picked up at the proper location either:

* Reunion Gates - ON BANK STREET

The Disaster Release is for people you know who can get to the school and get your child. Consider carefully whom you include on it. You may have grandparents on your child's standard emergency card, for example; but grandparents may not live close enough to get to the school in case of major highway damage or official road closures. On the school emergency form, please supply us with the names of at least four (4) people if there are any changes to the emergency contact information you have previously submitted.

During an emergency, only those persons yo have listed on the emergency card may pick up your child. The designated person must have valid identification and must sign the release form before your child will be permitted to leave the school premises with them. If you have an out-of-state contact, please list them and be sure to include their phone number on the form. Your prompt completion of the required information will assist us in ensuring that we are properly prepared in the event of an emergency at the school.

Thank you for your cooperation and prompt attention to this very important matter.

Fire Drills are held throughout the year - these dates are not posted.

Soft Lockdown = A precautionary security procedure due to a potential threat in the immediate vicinity not directly related to the school. A soft lockdown may be elevated to a Hard Lockdown if circumstances warrant and in consultation with the police department.

Hard Lockdown = A life-threatening situation/event occurring inside the school, on campus grounds, or immediately adjacent to the school, that has a high probability of moving onto school grounds. All doors are locked. All students/staff must remain behind locked doors.