Emergency/Disaster Cards
It is of great importance that Emergency/Disaster Cards be kept up to date. Parents are expected to notify the office immediately when information on the card has changed. Students may be released only to persons listed on this card or who have WRITTEN authorization from parents.

Emergency Drills
Fire, earthquake, tornedo, shelter in place and intruder drills are held regularly. In the case of a serious earthquake or other serious situation which makes it necessary to send children home, they will be released only to their parents or those persons specified on emergency forms. Parents will be notified by way of a school phone family tree system. The diocesan guidelines given to the schools are in accordance with State and Local regulations and are observed at Saint Edward School. St. Edward has a well-defined emergency plan in place developed by our Safety Committee. It can be found in the office and in each classroom.

Earthquake Drill

1. If inside the school building, the teacher will direct students to:

a. “drop” to their knees under some equipment - desks, table, etc., where available.
b. stay away from windows, mirrors, or objects that may fall over.
c. follow the directions of the teacher or supervisor for the duration of the “shaking”.
d. stay there until the quake is over or instructed to leave.

2. If outside the school building, teachers will direct students to stay clear of all buildings, walls, power poles, and objects that could fall.
3. If there is no damage, or if damage is minor, building evacuation need not be initiated and teachers can return to normal procedures.
4. If damage is major, an orderly drill shall be conducted to evacuate the building, and await further instructions from the Newark Police Department. Saint Edward School is listed on the Newark Police Department’s file for Emergency Procedures.
5. Students will be released only to their parents or other authorized persons listed by the parents on the Emergency Form. Be sure that this form contains the names of all persons authorized to pick up your child in the case of emergency and that the school is notified of any changes as they occur throughout the school year.

Civil Defense Drill

1. The Attention or Alert Signal in Newark for Civil Defense is a 3-5 minute broken or short blasts. Earthquake procedures will be followed for inside the school building. If outside, students should immediately go inside to the classrooms and follow the above procedures.
2. Follow instructions given on the radio from the Emergency Broadcast System.
3. The Newark Police Department will notify the school with instructions for the Newark area.
4. Under certain emergency circumstances, Newark Police may direct the school to evacuate to a designated area. We will attempt to inform parents when this is done.

Natural Disaster

1. The Attention or Alert Signal in Newark for a natural disaster is a 3-5 minute steady or unbroken tone.
2. Follow the above procedures.