Westbrook Elementary School

Emergency Information

MCPS utilizes a comprehensive emergency/crisis response plan that incorporates the concepts and structure of the national Incident Command System (ICS) for responding to a school system emergency/crisis situation.  The system-wide plan – MCPS Emergency Response Plan – provides for the various supports necessary to manage any type of emergency that may occur within the school district.

Westbrook has developed a comprehensive emergency/crisis plan that fits our individual needs.

• We have an on-site emergency team (OSET), including WCC and parent representatives.
• Our OSET members receive on-going training in emergency preparedness and crisis management to assist administrators when responding to an emergency/crisis situation.
• The principal has assigned specific duties and responsibilities to all staff and members of OSET.
• The alignment of emergency response duties under the structure of the ICS allows for a seamless integration between the Montgomery County Government Response Plan and the local school emergency/crisis plan.

The following procedures will be followed in case of inclement weather or other emergency situation. Please make sure your child knows your plan -- and your back-up plan -- in case of an emergency early dismissal. It may also help to do a "practice run" if this is different than his/her usual routine. You may want to keep this information in writing in your child's backpack. Keep in mind we can only release your child to adults listed on your emergency card. 

Please do not call the school to see if we are open. Check the sources listed below for information -- that's how we hear it, too!

Information Sources

Information on school closings may be found quickly via:

Schedules

The following schedules will be followed for emergency conditions:

Delayed Openings: 

• Schools will open two (2) hours later than usual (WES doors open at 11:00).
• Students may not arrive at school prior to 11:00 a.m.
• Buses will run their normal routes 2 hours later than usual.
• Field trips are cancelled.

Early Dismissals: 

• Schools will close two and one-half (2.5) hours early (WLES: 1:00).
• Buses will run their normal routes 2.5 hours earlier than usual.
• Students will eat lunch at school.
• All afternoon and evening activities are cancelled.

Closings: 

• All instructional programs and extracurricular activities in schools are cancelled.
• All community activities are cancelled.
• Private day care providers may stay open if administrative offices are open.

As part of the MCPS crisis preparedness efforts, two distinct procedures have been developed for securing all schools and facilities in case of an emergency/crisis:  Code Red and Code Blue. 

Code Red calls for an immediate and complete securing of students, staff and visitors until cleared by public safety officials or an MCPS administrator.

Code Blue allows for different levels of response by the school or facility to an incident.

Westbrook has two Parent-Child Reunification locations:

• Westland Middle School Cafeteria (this is our first choice)
• Westmoreland Circle Church (we would use this location if Westland is unavailable to us)

School Readiness

At school we regularly practice fire drills, Code Red drills and Code Blue drills.  In addition, we practice a partial-evacuation to Westland Middle School which involves walking two classes halfway to Westland.

MCPS also has implemented a notification and communication system to communicate with all facilities and personnel.  In addition, each school has a Nextel telephone for emergency communication with direct connect capabilities and a NOAA weather radio that can receive emergency messages in addition to weather alerts.  Each school and facility has a mobile emergency kit (to be located in the principal’s office).  This kit contains a cell phone, AM-FM radios, first aid supplies, batteries, and other essential items.  All rooms in Westbrook contain an Emergency/Crisis Plan, flashlight and shelter-in-place supplies.

In the event of a suspected chemical, biological, or radiological incident, affected schools will immediately implement their shelter-in-place procedures and all exterior doors will be secured/locked.  Shelter-in-place simply means that it will be necessary to immediately secure students and staff indoors.  Shelter-in-place also may 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 the public safety officials and/or MCPS officials.  MCPS does not envision the need for a long term, multiple day shelter-in-place procedure. 

Chain of Communication

In the event of an emergency/crisis Westbrook Main Office will contact PTA Officers, Westbrook Parent OSET Representatives, WCC and Westbrook Listserv.  The Principal will use the Connect Ed phone system as the need arises.

Before an Emergency

Please take these steps to improve communication:

• We encourage all parents to join the PTA Listserv.
• Parents can also automatically obtain MCPS emergency messages via the internet by registering with the web based service, www.schoolsout.com.
• Provide CLEAR information on the yellow emergency cards kept in the Main Office.  Update as necessary.
• Always use the sign in/out sheets for students AND visitors in the office.  These sheets provide accurate up-to-the-minute attendance information in an emergency situation.
• It is imperative that parents discuss emergency back-up plans with their children.
• Please talk to your neighbors and friends and relatives and arrange for a secure location for your child for any unforeseen problems or delays in your personal schedule.