Crisis Information
Code Blue and Red Definitions
Code Blue: This term is used to alert staff than an emergency/crisis exists at or near an MCPS facility. It is an enhanced level of security and safety that requires all students to be accounted for and under supervision. Administrators may activate the on-site emergency team (OSET) and set up a command post when appropriate.
Examples of when a Code Blue may be put into effect:
- Hazardous materials incident
- Criminal activity in the area
- Medical emergency
- Weather-related emergencies
Code Red: This term is used to describe an emergency/crisis at an MCPS facility. Code Red alerts staff that imminent danger exists inside or outside the building, and requires moving to an immediate lockdown mode. It requires all students and staff to be accounted for and under supervision. The OSET is not activated during a Code Red.
Shelter in Place Information
Shelter-in-place simply means that it will be necessary to immediately secure students and staff indoors in certain emergency situations. Shelter-in-place is an enhanced level of Code Blue to be used if there is a suspected chemical, biological, or radiological incident. Shelter-in-place also may be used in the event of weather-related emergencies. The nature and duration of the shelter-in-place will be determined by the emergency situation or by public safety officials and/or MCPS officials.
Rosa Parks Middle School has identified shelter-in-place procedures that have been approved by MCPS.
Parent/Child Reunification Information
The Parent/Child Reunification Process may be initiated during a Code Blue. Our school has developed a comprehensive plan so that students and parents can be reunited in an orderly, effective, and efficient manner in the event of an emergency/crisis. The plan is reviewed and approved annually by MCPS.
We ask that parents follow the guidelines below in order to assist RPMS in our emergency preparedness efforts:
Listen to the media for instructions and updates.
- Please do not come to the school to pick up students unless directed to do so, as this will interfere with the response of the OSET team and emergency personnel. The students are safe and under supervision.
- If you do come to the school, please follow the directions for parking and entering the building.
- Students will not be released without proper identification from parent, guardian, or emergency contact person.
September 11, 2008
