Baltimore City Public School System
Baltimore, Maryland

Office of the Chief Executive Officer

March 18, 2003

Dear Members of the BCPSS Family:

SUBJECT: Addressing Concerns Regarding Emergency Preparedness in the Baltimore City Public School System

In light of recent actions calling for heightened precautions, many parents, students, staff, and community members have understandably asked how the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) would handle an emergency during the regular school/work day. The following information will be helpful as you plan to respond to emergencies.

1. Baltimore City public schools have not yet received any threats. Unless otherwise informed, school sessions and activities will continue as scheduled.

2. All school sites have detailed critical incident plans and procedures to minimize risks, and if required, they will evacuate and relocate students and staff. Plans are reviewed and updated on a regular basis, and we are conducting ongoing training with our principals, teachers, and staff to provide maximum security for the safety of all students. Procedures are also in place for situations that require students to remain in the building (called “Shelter-In-Place”) rather than evacuate. Emergency drills are practiced on a regular basis to ensure a smooth and efficient process for students and staff. Students will have access to food, water, and other necessities when required to shelter-in-place.

3. All schools have an internal communication system (telephones, e-mail, and battery-powered N.O.A.A. weather radios) to relay information to staff and students during an emergency.

4. If the Baltimore City emergency warning sirens sound, school administrators, other staff, and parents should tune in to the radio or television to the Emergency Alert Systems Station for official emergency updates:

WBAL Radio (1090 AM)
WBAL TV Channel 11
Baltimore City Cable TV 21
In an emergency, school administrative personnel will provide information to parents via the media and other available means. Calls and visits to schools will most likely hamper the ability of emergency responders and others to quickly access the affected school.

5. In an emergency, response strategies will depend on the nature and scope of the incident and prevailing conditions. We have partnered with Baltimore City Police, Fire, and Health departments who are first responders in emergency situations. In an emergency, for more information on school status, call the office of School Police on 410-396-8588 or log onto Baltimorecityschools.org. In such cases the school system will follow the direction of public safety and health officials.