Emergency Preparedness
Poly’s emergency preparedness programs and resources are reviewed on an ongoing basis, including collaboration with Pasadena police and fire departments, Caltech, and Poly’s security/safety consultant. Throughout the year, students, faculty, and staff receive age-appropriate instruction and practices related to fire, earthquake, and active shooter.
Facilities and Resources
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Enclosure of North Campus (youngest students).
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ShakeAlert early warning through U.S. Geological Survey; quake intensity measurement is specific to Poly’s address.
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Emergency alerts from nearby Caltech.
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First Aid supplies in each classroom.
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Emergency “Go Buckets” in each classroom (for longer shelter-in-place).
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Emergency supply bunker with three days of food, water, medical and sanitary.
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Security cameras at certain public spaces for follow-up investigation.
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Three security officers, a prominent security vehicle, and 10 Operations staff for additional eyes/ears.
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A nurse, several athletic trainers, and several Wilderness First Aid Responders (WIFR) for emergency care pending the arrival of medical assistance.
Safety Practices and Routines
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Fire evacuation drills, alternate routes.
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Earthquake drop/cover/hold practice.
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Active shooter response training for faculty and staff.
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Classroom evacuation and barricade practice.
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Rally point gathering practice.
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Testing and differentiation of different emergency alert systems.
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Tabletop exercises with safety/security consultant.
Family Emergency Notification System
During an emergency or natural disaster, Poly will use an emergency messaging service and the school website (when possible) to communicate with families.
Poly’s emergency voice and text messaging service will relay messages to parents using phone numbers from student emergency information. The service will redial families up to three additional times (three minutes apart).
On-Campus Emergency Notification System
The campus is covered with an emergency notification speaker system. The campus-wide active shooter alert can be sent and activated from any landline school phone using an authorized dial code. This same notification system is used to announce the ShakeAlert in the event of an earthquake early warning alert. This system may also be used to broadcast updates during shelter-in-place conditions as the event unfolds.
Emergency Response Recognition
Poly prepares and trains students, faculty, and staff to respond to emergencies through drills, exercises, and education. Fire, earthquake, and active shooter alerts each have different responses. The triggering alarms are equally different to provide a distinct audible alert associated with each emergency.
Reunification Process
In the event of a campus evacuation, students, faculty, and staff will assemble at the school’s designated rally point (currently Tournament Park). This is coordinated with Caltech and provides a large nearby space for the purpose of reunification.
The school will notify parents via the emergency communication system about when and where to pick up their children. A student will be released to only those authorized individuals indicated on the emergency information form. Student pick-up locations will be dependent upon the type and location of the emergency. Follow the release instructions that are communicated by school safety personnel and local authorities during the event.
Student drivers, walkers, and bikers should not leave campus unless they have received school and parental permission first.
Questions or concerns may be directed to Dave Yamaoka, manager of safety and sustainability, at 626-396-6371.
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