What to expect during a school emergency

Schools prepare students and staff for emergencies by conducting situation drills each year. Some may be as simple as the traditional fire and evacuation drill while others focus on lockdown situations and intruders on campus. The purpose is never to scare students, or parents, but to give them the skills and knowledge needed to remain safe during an emergency situation.    

Communications during an emergency

The first priority of school staff will be to ensure the safety of those on campus during an emergency situation.  We want parents and students to have accurate information, not rumors.  District staff will work with school staff to notify families of the situation as quickly as possible. In an emergency situation you can expect to receive communications in multiple ways including:

Mass Notification 

The district's mass notification system can quickly call parents, send e-mails, text messages and push notifications to the mobile app.    IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION BE UPDATED FOR YOU TO RECEIVE THESE NOTIFICATIONS.  Typically, you will receive an initial call to let you know that there is an incident. You will then receive updates as information becomes available and a final call to alert you that the situation has been resolved.

Download the district's Free Mobile App 

The Murrieta Valley USD app is available for iPhone and  Android smartphones and it is designed specifically to keep our families better informed.

Social Media

Accurate information and updates about emerging situations will be posted on the district’s official Social Media sites, Facebook and Twitter 

Websites

During extended emergency situations, updates will typically be posted to the district and/or school website.  You should check these pages frequently for the latest information.

News Media

OFFICIAL updated information will be posted on the district's social media channels.  

Securing a Campus

During an emergency situation, the schools work closely with district administrators, law enforcement and the fire department to determine the appropriate actions to take for the safety of all involved.  Depending on the circumstances, a school campus may be placed on a lockdown.  During a lockdown, no one will be allowed to enter or leave the campus, including parents.

Students' Role in an Emergency

Students should understand and follow all plans applicable to the given crisis. 

• Remain calm, follow the school emergency plan, and reassure fellow students.
• In the absence of adult direction, students can decide where it is safest to be and remain there.

Families' Role in an Emergency

• Make sure your emergency contact numbers are updated and on file in the office.
• Stay calm during a school emergency
• Listen carefully to emergency notification messages. Check the district and/or school website for breaking news updates as phone communication may be interrupted due to excessive calls.

Picking Up Students After an Emergency

To ensure students remain safe, schools may implement restricted pick-up procedures after an emergency situation. Please keep in mind that no one except authorized District staff and first responders will be allowed to enter or leave a school campus during certain emergencies.  Also, only those listed on a student's emergency card will be allowed to pick a student up. Parents will receive information on the evacuation location and plan via phone, email, text and information will also be posted on the district or school website and on the district's official social media channels.

What Should You Bring to the Pickup Area? 

Families should come to the pickup area with:

• Photo Identification - This requirement applies to all families. If you do not have a photo ID, your student may not be released or it may cause significant delays. 
• Your Mobile Phone - Emergency situations sometimes require changes to reunification plans. By having your phone with you, you will receive any updates sent via our automated notification system. 
• Patience - In most situations, there will be a large number of families who choose to pick up their student after an emergency situation. This may result in an extended wait time as we verify ID's and call students to the reunification area. 
• If you wish to allow a person such as extended family member or a neighbor to pick up your children, please make sure they are listed on your child’s emergency card.  Please also make sure that the person has instructions on where to pick up and what identification they will need to provide to sign your child out.