Handbook and Procedures

Handbook will be posted soon.



Emergency Preparedness Letter to Parents

August 27, 2009


Dear New Families:


Each year, I write to help foster awareness throughout the community regarding how well we are equipped to handle an emergency.  Although the information is the same from year to year, it is important to reiterate and ensure that we all understand what to expect and what action steps we should take in the event of an emergency.


In the event of an emergency on campus, The Carey School has one primary objective – to protect and provide care for your children until they can be safely reunited with you.  We are ready to respond immediately to any major emergency, should one occur.  As part of our school community, parents play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our children in the event of a disaster.


If we experience a major emergency, the faculty and staff initiate the emergency protocol immediately.  Our Emergency Preparedness teams include a Command Post, Search and Rescue Team, First Aid Team, Student Assembly/Attendance Team, Reunification Team, and a Communications Team.  Each team has specific responsibilities and each year during our August in-service we review the protocol and make any necessary adjustments to ensure efficiency and maximum safety.


Each classroom has an emergency folder with a flip chart version of the emergency plan including evacuation routes, a chain of command chart, class lists, student emergency contact information, and a whistle for emergency purposes.  Additionally, each classroom is equipped with a well-stocked first aid kit (courtesy of Dr. Eric Weiss and Amy Weiss).  We also practice fire drills once a month and we have two earthquake drills, one in the Fall and one in the Spring.


Furthermore, at the far back corner of the lower playground we have an emergency supply center stocked with abundant first aid supplies, search and rescue equipment, food, water, blankets, clothes, cooking supplies, recreational activities/games, as well as other necessary emergency items should we need them for an extended period of time.


School is the safest place for your child during a disaster.  The faculty and staff are trained to care for children and all adults are trained in CPR and First Aid.  Additionally, at school we have food, water, and recreational activities/games to keep your child comfortable.  We will do everything possible to provide the best care for your children until they can be safely reunited with you.  While your natural inclination may be to rush to school to pick up your child, please consider the following:


  1. The odds are overwhelming that, even in the worst earthquake, you and your child will survive with no major injuries.  California law mandates seismic safety standards for school buildings.  The Carey School has a comprehensive plan for dealing with a disaster.
  2. You cannot help your child if you are not safe.  Putting yourself in jeopardy will not help you reach your goal of helping your child.  Please wait until it is safe for you to come and pick up your child.
  3. Traffic will be at a standstill.  It is better for you and your child to be at a place where there is shelter and supplies, than to be stuck in your car somewhere with no supplies.
  4. You may not know the condition of your home.  Going there might not be the safest place for you to be.  Allow yourself time to make sure it is safe to go home before you take your children there.


The quickest way to put your mind at ease is to locate an information source that will provide critical information regarding the status of The Carey School.  As part of our comprehensive emergency plan, we will communicate directly with local TV and radio stations about our situation and any special instructions to parents, as soon as possible after the disaster.  To obtain information, please use a battery powered radio (you should have one available at home and at work).


Telephone service will probably be disrupted in some way.  We need to keep all of our available lines open for emergency services and phone calls.  We will not be able to handle your phone calls.  Please do not try to call The Carey School.


The student release procedure works as follows:


  1. Each child has an ID name badge with the emergency form you filled out attached to them immediately following evacuation of the buildings.
  2. When you arrive at The Carey School, you will notice signs indicating where the Student Release/Reunification Center will be stationed.
  3. Give the name of your child or children and the Student Release team will send a messenger to bring the children to the gate.  We will release a child only to a parent or individuals designated on the Emergency Form.


We ask that you:

  • Remain calm when you arrive at the Carey school.
  • Do not try to enter the campus.  We will bring your child to you unless he/she is injured, in which case you will be permitted to enter campus.
  • Be patient if there is a line of parents waiting at the Reunification Center.  We will do our best to expedite the process.
  • Please do not ask for exceptions to the process.  Under no circumstances will we release a child to anyone other than who you designate on the Emergency Form.
  • If you have a special circumstance, please let someone from the Reunification Team know and he/she will contact someone from the Command Post to speak with you.


Do not drive on or park on La Salle Drive.  We need to keep the street clear for emergency vehicles.


Please also remember that the faculty and staff who are working at The Carey School have stayed at the school to care for your children while their loved ones may need attention at another location.


If you have any questions, concerns, would like to review the Emergency Preparedness Plan, or would like a tour of the emergency supply center, please don’t hesitate to contact me at or 650-345-8205.