Q: I’ve heard the term “Reverse Evacuation.” What exactly does that mean?
A: Simply stated, reverse evacuations are conducted when it is safer to be IN the building than outside in such cases as an intruder, oncoming storm, etc. They are just as important to be practiced as evacuations, and should be practiced as whole school drills.
Here are some standard guidelines for reverse evacuations.
Building Administration
- Make an announcement or sound an alarm for reverse evacuation
- Direct staff to physically notify any classes that may be too far away from the building to hear the announcement or alarm
- Monitor the situation
- Provide staff with updates and additional instructions
- Announce “all clear” signal when the emergency has ceased
Staff
- Move all students and staff inside as quickly as possible
- Assist those needing additional assistance
- Report to classroom
- Take attendance
- Report any missing, extra, or injured students to building administration
- Wait for further instructions
