Emergency Procedures

Independent Study for School Closures
When Pacific School needs to close for emergency situations, we will offer Independent Study with the following conditions:
  1. Independent Study will be offered within 10 days of the 1st day of school closure.
  2. Students who are individuals with exceptional needs shall receive the services identified in their Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).
  3. Independent Study is voluntary.
  4. Parents who want their students to receive independent study should contact their teacher or the office for more information.
Useful Websites for Assessing Conditions at Pacific School
Road closure and conditions map 1
Road closure and conditions map 2
PG&E power outage map
Click here to view the current weather conditions in Davenport. ​
Click here to view the air quality in Davenport.
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Phone Numbers for Reporting Issues in the Davenport Community
Call 9-1-1 For Emergencies
Call 9-8-8 For Mental Health
Call 831-471-1121 Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Non-Emergency Dispatch If you see something suspicious, always document the incident by calling it in.

Emergency Drills
At school we run one or more safety drills every month, practicing fire, earthquake, and/or lock down procedures. ​

Power Outages
Staff are prepared to continue teaching during a power outage. A power outage alone will not be a sufficient reason to close school. School might be closed if stormy conditions make road closures or unsafe driving conditions likely, and/or if cell and telephone services are also out.

Air Quality
If air quality is poor, students will remain indoors, doors and windows will be closed, and room air filters will be turned on. Current air quality conditions in Davenport can be viewed here. Air quality guidelines for CA schools can be viewed here.

At School during an Emergency:
  • All staff members will remain at school until all children are released to go home or are in a place of safety.
  • All students will remain at school under the direction of their classroom teacher, until the emergency situation no longer exists and it is safe to take them home or to another place safety.
  • In the event of impassable roads, the students will be kept safely at the school until roads are clear and parents can pick them up. 
  • In the winter, when we lose electricity, our phones will not ring. Depending on the circumstances, we will do our best to communicate with families and the Davenport community through the school memo, school website, and the County Office of Education.
  • If school buildings are unsafe to occupy, students will be assembled by class in open, outdoor areas.
  • During an emergency, students will not be allowed to call on the school telephone. The telephone lines will be kept open for in-coming calls. Concerned family members should avoid calling the school for updates, so that lines can be kept open for essential communication only.
  • Parents are asked please NOT to come to the school until instructed to do so. Having additional people onsite complicates the response, distracts officials, and can potentially escalate the situation.
  • Students will be released only to their parents, guardians, or emergency contacts, unless the school has received consent for release from a parent by telephone.
  • The school is equipped with emergency supplies for a 48-hour period.
  • If the emergency lasts longer than 48 hours, it will be necessary to ask for the assistance of outside agencies in order to ensure the safety and comfort of children who are remaining at school. The school is not presently equipped to house students for long periods of time.
  • If students are on the city bus headed toward school at the time a school closure is decided, they will be unloaded at school and parents or guardians will need to pick them up from school.

How You Can Help at Home:
  • Discuss the school and your family's emergency plans thoroughly with your student.
  • Make certain that the school has your current address and telephone number. Keep this information up-to-date in the school office.
  • Notify the school of two alternate people who can take your child home and who can safely care for your child, should it be necessary to close school early or during an emergency situation and you cannot be reached.
  • Emphasize to your students that they remain calm and cooperative. Under no circumstance is a student to leave school without permission, even if they live nearby.
  • In an emergency situation, do not call the school office. Check your email for updates from the school and/or check the school website. Our office will be very busy handling the emergency situation and all calls distract from our ability to do important tasks.
  • A battery-operated radio in your home is a necessity. During an emergency, the radio station KSCO (AM 1080, FM 99.1) is a good source of information about local news.
  • Keep a supply of food, drinking water, medications, and other necessities on hand at home to use in the event of an emergency.

Storm and Emergency Resources
Students coming to the blacktop to line up during a fire drill. Mr. Gross times each drill and encourages students to reduce the total evacuation time during the year. Periodically, the representatives from the fire department observe our drills and provide feedback.
Picture
Pacific School students enjoy a visit from the fire department.
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