Virginia-Highland Elementary has a Safety Plan that is in compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA). This plan has been shared with our staff and is regularly practiced with our students.

A safety plan is important for several reasons:

1. Emergency Preparedness: A safety plan prepares students and staff for various emergencies, such as natural disasters (earthquakes, floods), fires, or lockdown situations. This proactive approach helps ensure everyone knows what to do in a crisis, reducing panic and confusion.
2. Student Safety: The primary goal of a safety plan is to protect students. By having clear protocols in place, schools can minimize risks and create a safer environment for children, who may not understand how to react in an emergency.
3. Training and Drills: A safety plan includes regular training and drills for staff and students. These practices help reinforce knowledge and skills, making it more likely that everyone will respond effectively during real emergencies.
4. Communication Strategies: A well-crafted safety plan outlines communication strategies for informing parents, guardians, and emergency services during a crisis. Clear communication can alleviate concerns and ensure everyone stays informed.
5. Building Trust: When parents and the community know there is a robust safety plan in place, it builds trust in the school administration. Parents are more likely to feel confident sending their children to a school that prioritizes safety.
6. Addressing Mental Health: Safety plans can incorporate protocols for addressing the emotional and psychological needs of students in the aftermath of an emergency. Providing support helps students cope with trauma and fosters a sense of security.
7. Regulatory Compliance: Many regions have laws and regulations requiring schools to have safety plans. Compliance with these mandates ensures the school meets legal obligations and protects it from liability.
8. Crisis Management: A safety plan serves as a framework for managing crises effectively. It allows school leaders to respond swiftly and appropriately, minimizing potential harm and restoring normalcy as quickly as possible.

In Atlanta Public Schools, we believe that a safety plan is essential for creating a secure environment in elementary schools, ensuring preparedness, promoting student well-being, and fostering trust among families and the community.

• All APS schools are required to have at least one Safety Coordinator who is required to participate in annual trainings, as well as review and revise the School’s Safety Plan.

• Safety plans are reviewed and approved by the Office of Safety and Security and the Atlanta Public Schools Police Department.

• Our school practices emergency drills such as Evacuation, Lock-Down, Weather, Fire, Bus Evacuation, and Earthquake (CPR/AED for Staff).

• Every school has staff on hand trained in CPR/AED and First Aid. We also have a nurse on duty.

• Our administrators and Office of Safety and Security have direct access to our camera monitoring system. (80+ cameras interior & exterior)

• If there is an emergency whereby we must leave or evacuate the school, there are procedures in place. In this event, Virginia-Highland will work in conjunction with the Office of Safety and Security and the Atlanta Public Schools Police Department to notify parents via emergency messaging.