Diocesan Schools Prepare for Terror Alert

By Mary McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 2/27/03)

Last week, as the Washington metro area was buying duct tape and bottled water to prepare for the code orange terror alert, a memo, printed on orange paper, was sent to the parents and guardians of children in Arlington Diocesan schools to explain safety procedures implemented at the schools.

The memo outlined procedures that are in place to so that schools can respond to a number of incidents including fire, tornadoes and issues of public safety. The Office of Catholic Schools recently implemented additional procedures to be put into effect in the event of exposure to chemical or biological agents.

If a dangerous chemical or biological agent was released and posed a threat to children during the school day, under the direction of public safety officials, school administrators would bring all children and staff indoors, close all doors and windows, and turn off all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Once the school has been secured, no one would be allowed to enter or leave the building until an all-clear signal had been given.

The schools office has assured parents that the schools will make every effort to keep parents informed of the status of their students through school Webpages, telephone calls and emails as well as media outlets.

This plan was adopted by the schools office because it has proven to be much safer than evacuating students into a contaminated outdoor environment.

The office has recommended that any students with special needs carry a small supply of necessities with them; for example, contact lenses, prescription medication and inhalers. Students should also carry important contact numbers with them.

Parents were informed that general supplies have been stocked at the schools in case of emergency.

Another memo was sent to principals from Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy McNiff outlining the field trip policy. Principals were informed that although domestic field trips are allowed, McNiff encouraged principals not to sponsor field trips to downtown Washington and other highly populated areas because of the heightened security alert. The Schools Office will be in contact with local law enforcement and other school systems to determine whether field trip policies should be officially changed.

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