Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time. Plan now to make sure everyone in your family will be safe. Emergency preparedness can be low-cost and is as easy to do as talking with your family about the types of hazards and threats in your area.

Stay Informed with Local Emergency Alerts

Your child’s safety is our top priority. Families can receive real-time updates about emergencies, severe weather, and school-related notifications by signing up for county alert systems. Staying informed helps you make timely decisions during events that may affect your student’s health and safety.

Santa Clara County Alerts: https://oem.santaclaracounty.gov/prepare-4-steps/register-alerts
San Mateo County Alerts: https://www.smcgov.org/dem/smc-alert

We encourage all families to sign up to receive notifications via text, email, or phone so you are always in the know.

Make a Plan

Emergencies and disasters can happen without warning. Talking with your family and creating an emergency plan now helps ensure everyone knows what to do before, during, and after an event. A good plan covers how you will contact each other, what to do if you are apart, and where you will meet if you cannot return home. Families should also identify multiple evacuation routes and safe meeting places, and practice the plan so everyone feels confident and prepared. Having a plan in place can reduce stress and improve your ability to stay safe when it matters most.

Build A Kit

Being prepared means having the supplies you and your family may need during an emergency. Keep a home emergency kit stocked with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies—enough for at least 72 hours.

It’s also a good idea to have a car emergency kit with water, snacks, blankets, a flashlight, a phone charger, and basic first-aid items. This can be lifesaving if you are stuck away from home, need to evacuate, or encounter blocked roads. Regularly check and update your kits so everything stays ready and safe to use.

Staying Safe in Emergencies

Hot Weather Safety

Hot weather can increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for children and individuals with medical conditions. Schools take precautions during warm and extreme heat days and encourage families to be aware of symptoms and prevention strategies.

Staying Safe in Hot Weather

To help prevent heat-related illness:

Drink water frequently, even if you are not thirsty
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
Limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day
Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas
Never leave children in parked vehicles

Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Heat Exhaustion

Heavy sweating
Dizziness or headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue or muscle cramps

Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)

Very high body temperature
Hot, red, or dry skin
Confusion or unusual behavior
Loss of consciousness or seizures

Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected.

What Schools May Do During Hot Weather

During periods of high temperatures, schools may:

Adjust outdoor activities, recess, or physical education
Increase access to water and rest breaks
Use shaded or indoor spaces when possible
Monitor students for signs of heat-related illness

Families will be notified if changes to the school day or activities are needed.

How Families Can Help

Send a refillable water bottle to school
Encourage hydration before and after school
Share any medical conditions that may be affected by heat with the school nurse
Keep emergency contact information up to date

Cold Weather Safety

Cold weather can increase the risk of illness and injury, particularly for children. Schools take precautions during cold and extreme weather conditions and encourage families to be aware of safety measures and warning signs.

Staying Safe in Cold Weather

To help prevent cold-related illness:

Dress in warm layers, including hats, gloves, and coats
Wear weather-appropriate footwear to prevent slips and falls
Keep skin covered to protect against cold and wind
Change out of wet clothing promptly
Limit time outdoors during very cold or wet conditions

Signs of Cold-Related Illness

Hypothermia

Shivering
Cold, pale, or bluish skin
Slurred speech
Fatigue, confusion, or clumsiness

Frostbite

Numbness or tingling
Pale, white, or grayish-yellow skin
Skin that feels hard or waxy

Seek medical care promptly if hypothermia or frostbite is suspected.

What Schools May Do During Cold Weather

During periods of cold or severe weather, schools may:

Modify or limit outdoor activities, recess, or physical education
Keep students indoors during unsafe weather conditions
Monitor students for signs of cold-related illness
Follow district and local guidance related to weather conditions

Families will be notified if changes to the school day or activities are needed.

How Families Can Help

Ensure students come to school dressed for the weather
Label jackets and cold-weather items
Share any medical conditions that may be affected by cold with the school nurse
Keep emergency contact information up to date

Flood Safety

Flooding can occur during heavy rain, storms, or infrastructure failures and may create unsafe conditions at school and in the community.

Staying Safe During Flooding

Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters
Stay away from moving water and storm drains
Follow school and local authority instructions
Keep emergency supplies accessible

Health and Safety Concerns

Risk of injury from moving water or debris
Exposure to contaminated water
Increased risk of slips, falls, and electrical hazards

What Schools May Do During Flooding

Modify schedules or activities
Restrict access to affected areas
Implement safety or evacuation procedures as needed
Communicate updates to families

How Families Can Help

Avoid flooded routes when traveling to and from school
Monitor local weather and emergency alerts

Earthquake Safety

Earthquakes can occur without warning and may cause injuries or damage to buildings and utilities.

Staying Safe During an Earthquake

Drop, Cover, and Hold On
Stay away from windows and heavy objects
Remain where you are until shaking stops

After an Earthquake

Follow staff instructions
Avoid damaged areas
Be alert for aftershocks

What Schools May Do After an Earthquake

Assess facilities for safety
Keep students supervised until conditions are safe
Communicate next steps to families

How Families Can Help

Review earthquake safety with students
Avoid coming to campus unless directed
Keep contact information current for reunification updates

Power Outage Safety

Power outages may occur due to storms, heat, earthquakes, or utility issues and can affect lighting, heating, cooling, and communications.

Staying Safe During a Power Outage

Remain calm and follow staff instructions
Use caution in low-light conditions
Avoid using elevators

Potential Impacts

Reduced lighting or temperature control
Limited communication systems
Changes to normal school operations

What Schools May Do During Power Outages

Implement safety protocols
Adjust activities or schedules
Communicate with families as information becomes available

How Families Can Help

Ensure emergency contacts are reachable
Monitor district communications
Be prepared for possible early dismissal if needed

Wildfire & Smoke Safety

Wildfires and smoke can impact air quality and pose health risks, even when fires are not close to school sites.

Staying Safe During Wildfire or Smoke Events

Limit outdoor activity when air quality is poor
Keep doors and windows closed when advised
Follow public health and school guidance

Health Concerns from Smoke

Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Coughing or shortness of breath
Worsening of asthma or other respiratory conditions

What Schools May Do During Wildfire Events

Move activities indoors
Adjust or cancel outdoor programs
Monitor air quality conditions
Follow local and state emergency guidance

How Families Can Help

Notify the school nurse of respiratory conditions
Ensure students have required medications at school
Monitor district communications for updates

Storm Safety

Storms may include heavy rain, strong winds, hail, or lightning and can develop quickly.

Staying Safe During Storms

Seek shelter indoors during severe weather
Stay away from windows and exterior doors
Avoid open areas during lightning

Potential Risks

Falling debris
Power outages
Unsafe travel conditions

What Schools May Do During Storms

Keep students indoors during severe conditions
Adjust arrival, dismissal, or activities
Follow emergency response procedures

How Families Can Help

Monitor weather conditions
Use caution during travel to and from school
Ensure emergency contact information is up to date

If you have questions please contact Health Services.