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FAQs

FAQs
 
Questions
  1. What happens if there is an emergency at school?
  2. As a PARENT/GUARDIAN, what do I do if I receive a text (or call) from my child saying something like, "there is an emergency at school - come get me!"
  3. What is a Severe Weather Area?
  4. If there is a crisis, how will I know what's going on?
  5. What is an "All-hazard" safety Plan?
  6. Do you have emergency drills?
  7. What are the 4 phases of emergency management?
  8. Does REMBC consider those of us who live within the Plant Vogtle Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ)?
  9. I may live in the Plant Vogtle Emergency Planning Zone. Who can help me?
  10. What is a Family Reunification Plan?
Answers
  1. Q  What happens if there is an emergency at school?  There are so many different types of incidents that can happen within or surrounding a school. The most important factor is for a school to have a plan designed response plan. Our plan in Burke County is the REMBC. This all-hazards emergency plan has been developed with the help of GEMA/FEMA, and all Burke County emergency agencies.
  2. Q  As a PARENT/GUARDIAN, what do I do if I receive a text (or call) from my child saying something like, "there is an emergency at school - come get me!  We are not in the business of telling a parent how to parent. But we do strongly recommend that you consider the following:
    1. We have developed the best Emergency Response Plan that we possible can with the input from expert agencies.
    2. We are fully prepared to and will implement that plan if needed
    3. The ability to move emergency response vehicles in and out of our school campus is vital. A large number of private vehicles will make this very difficult.
    4. If the school is on "LOCK DOWN" you will not be allowed to enter the school.
    5. We will post accurate information on this web site, Facebook, Twitter, and send phone messages as soon as possible.
    6. If the message you receive from your child may cause you to think the school may not be aware of the emergency. Call the school immediately.
  3. Q  What is an Severe Weather Safe Area?
    A  This is the area of a building (school) that is the safest location in the event of high tornado-type winds and/or severe weather..
  4. Q  If there is a crisis, how will I know what is going on?A  The Rapid Communication System is what we use as our first line of emergency parent communication. Please make sure we have your "BEST" phone number. The Burke County Public School System is also set up to communicate with parents on our web site, Facebook, Twitter, and local TV/Radio.
  5. Q  What is an "All-hazards" safety Plan?A  The term "All-Hazards" is an Emergency Management term that means this plan was developed to address all possible emergencies that could occur in the school environment. We have attempted to do that, but experts in the field of Emergency Management will tell you it may be impossible to plan for all emergencies.
  6. Q  Do you have emergency drills? Yes we drill for fire, severe weather, lock downs, etc.
  7. Q  What are the 4 phases of emergency management?A  Prevention-Mitigation - activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the likelihood of occurrence, or reduce the damaging effects of unavoidable hazards. Preparedness - plans for what to do, where to go, or who to call  before an event occurs. Response - put the plan in action! Recovery - our plan to return our school(s) to normal.
  8. Q  Does the REMBC consider those of us who live within the Plant Vogtle Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ)?  YES - we work very carefully with Plant Vogtle on all matters of safety including the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). Our transportation department is prepared to hold or modify bus routes into the EPZ if called for. It is very important that if you live withing this EPZ that you complete the form provided by Plant Vogtle.
  9. Q  I may live in the Plant Vogtle Emergency Planning Zone. Who can help me?  You can contact the Emergency Preparedness Department at Plant Vogtle at (706) 554-2127.
  10. Q  What is a Family Reunification Plan?A  One section of our emergency plan (REMBC) is the Family Reunification Plan. This vital plan is used to link students with their parents/guardians after a school emergency/crisis. It is very important to understand that be BCBOE Policy and State Law, we will only release your child to properly identified adults who are documented as being allowed to pick up the student.