II. G. Risk Management

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Fire Safety Drills

It shall be the duty of the principal in charge of every public school in West Warwick to instruct and train the pupils by means of drills, so that they may in a sudden emergency be able to leave the school building in the shortest possible time and without confusion or panic. There shall be fifteen (15) such drills or rapid dismissals during the school year, at least eight (8) of which shall beheld during the months of September, October and November. The remaining seven (7) such drills or rapid dismissals shall be held at the discretion of the principal or person in charge of such school. At least four (4) drills or rapid dismissals shall be obstructed by means of which at least one (1) or more exits and stairways in the school buildings are blocked off or not used and at least two (2) of such obstructed drills shall be held during the months of September and October.

Neglect by any principals in charge of any public school to comply with the provisions of this section shall be a misdemeanor under the General Laws of Rhode Island and be punishable by a fine of not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.).

References

RI Gen. Laws § 16-21-4 Fire drills required Failure to comply.

RI Gen. Laws § 16-21-5 Uniform fire code or drill tactics Reports.

Policy adopted: 4/23/81

Fire: Emergencies

The West Warwick School Committee expects that the operation of the schools shall encompass provisions to the greatest degree possible, for anticipating any emergency caused by fire.

It is expected that the safety of children shall be the paramount consideration in any plans devised to cope with this type of emergency.

Such plans as are necessary to implement this consideration are designated as priority items and the school superintendent is directed to provide a clearly defined standing order of procedure that may insure the highest degree of safety possible to students and personnel in each and every building within the jurisdiction of the committee.

It is expected that school personnel may place the safety of children above all other considerations in such emergencies.

References

RI Gen. Laws § 16-21-4 Fire drills required Failure to comply.

RI Gen. Laws § 16-21-5 Uniform fire code or drill tactics Reports.

RI Gen. Laws § 23-28.12-36 Fire alarm systems Fire drills Penalties.

Policy adopted-: 4/23/81

Communications in Emergencies

Absent extraordinary circumstances, within one hour after an incident of an emergency nature, the building principal shall notify the superintendent’s office. For the purpose of this policy, an emergency is one in which fire, police, or rescue assistance is required. Within 24 hours of the incident, the principal shall provide the superintendent with a written report.

Policy Adopted: 3/13/95

Bomb Threats

The West Warwick School Committee considers bomb threats to be potentially detrimental to the safety of students.

The superintendent is directed to take such steps as are necessary to establish a procedure which may insure to the greatest extent possible, the safety of students affected by threats of bomb placement.

Policy adopted: 4/23/81

Civil Defense

The West Warwick School Committee directs the establishment of a civil defense procedure consistent with recognized official civil defense practices as determined by such federal and state agencies as are authorized to do so.

References

RI Gen. Laws § 30-15.3-1 Public fallout shelters

Policy adopted: 4/23/81

Latex Allergies

The West Warwick School Committee recognizes that repeated contact with latex may cause a latex allergy or may worsen a present latex allergy.

While latex gloves may be used in each school, all schools are required to maintain an ample supply of non-latex (vinyl) gloves and latex-free bandaids for use as needed and when appropriate.

In the event that latex gloves are used, a sign shall be posted in each respective area (i.e. clinic, food preparation areas, etc.) advising students, parents and staff of their presence and use

        References

        R.I. General Laws § 23-73-2 (b) Latex Glove Safety Act

        R.I. General Law § 23-73-1- Latex Glove Safety Act Findings

Date Policy Adopted: November 13, 2002

 

PESTICIDE CONTROL

PESTS

It is the policy of West Warwick Public Schools (hereinafter referred to as district) to control pests in the school environment. Pests such as cockroaches, fleas, fire ants, stinging wasps, termites, and rodents are annoying and can disrupt the learning environment in schools. Additionally, pests are known to bite, sting, or transmit diseases, and may also cause allergic responses.

PEST MANAGEMENT

It is the policy of the district to reduce exposure to pesticides in the school environment. When pesticides are used to control pests in schools, there is potential for human exposure. Excessive exposure may result in pesticide poisoning or allergic responses in sensitive individuals. Children may be more susceptible to pesticides than adults due to their smaller size and rapid growth and development. Their playful behavior may expose them to more pesticide residues.

1. The district is committed to controlling pests in the school environment in order to:
• Reduce any potential human health hazard to protect against a significant threat to public safety.
• Prevent loss or damage to school resources, structures or property.
• Prevent pests from spreading in the community, or to plant and animal populations beyond the school site.
• Enhance the quality of life for students, staff, and others.

2. The level of pest control and the method of pest management to be considered are as follows:

• Non-Chemical prevention of pest populations using methods such as sanitation, exclusion, and cultural methods. (e.g. getting food out of the classroom, moving breakfast programs to the cafeteria)
• Application of pesticides only "as needed" to correct verified problems.
• Selecting the least hazardous methods and materials effective for control of targeted pests.
• Precision targeting of pesticides to areas not in contact with or accessible to the children, faculty and staff.
3. Limiting the need for pesticide applications and reducing the exposures of children to pesticide residues is best accomplished through Integrated Pest Management. The success of IPM in schools is dependent upon:
• Full cooperation of administrators, faculty, maintenance/custodial staff, parents and students.
• Coordination of the IPM program and maintenance of pest management records by the Director of Property Services.
• School Improvement Team Committee being informed of the pest problem, the actions taken to date and the current need for pesticide applications.
• Incorporation of pesticide storage, use, disposal and practices into the existing chemical hygiene plan by the Director of Property Services.
• Oversight of all pesticide applications to ensure adherence with the school’s pest management policies by the Director of Property Services.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A DISTRICT AND SCHOOL POLICY

IPM procedures will determine when to control pests, and whether to use physical, cultural or biological means, noting that chemical controls should be used as a last resort. IPM practitioners should depend on current, comprehensive information on the pest and its environment and the best available pest control methods. Consideration of IPM principles should prevent unacceptable levels of pest activity and damage. These principles should be based upon the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.

Date Policy Adopted: November 13, 2002