Preparedness Drills

Tornado, fire, and intruder drills provide our students and staff with the opportunity to practice what to do in case of an emergency and to familiarize themselves with routes and procedures.

These drills are important to maintaining a safe learning environment and are conducted throughout the year, including throughout summer school sessions.


Intruder Drills

The district’s intruder response process is entitled ALICE, (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate). Through the district’s ALICE training, we emphasize that while schools are very safe places, the district values proactive preparation. ALICE is a national training program developed by school safety experts.

Intruder Drills (School Safety Incidents) are performed at least twice annually and ALICE training is conducted at the site within the first month of school.

Two different types of safety drills are practiced by all schools within the district. The two types are designed to respond to an intruder within the building. These Lockdown safety drills will allow classrooms to practice “locking down” within a classroom or evacuating the school and moving to their rally point. A rally point is a predetermined community landmark near the school, typically a park or church.

Each school has a site-based safety committee that determines the safety needs of each location and will oversee all planning related to the drills. The district’s training and practices allow our staff and students to think carefully about their surroundings at school, and consider what they will do ahead of time in the case of an emergency. ALICE training reinforces that all staff are empowered to make decisions in the best interest of their students’ safety. 

Resources

ALICE/Safety Procedures
Ongoing Efforts to Improve School Safety
Student Information - Helpful when talking to your child about intruders


Tornado Drills

The AASD practices tornado drills at least twice annually, one of which is during annual statewide Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week held in April. 

Watch versus Warning
When conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, a WATCH is issued. As storms develop, National Weather Service personnel use information from weather radar, storm spotters, and other sources to issue Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado WARNINGS for areas where severe weather is imminent or already occurring.

Tornado Watch
Severe thunderstorms with tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. Be prepared to move to safety if a Warning is issued. Know what counties are in the watch area by listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television stations.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds are possible. Be prepared to move to safety if a Warning is issued.

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Move to a place of safety now!

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A thunderstorm with large hail and damaging winds has been reported or indicated by weather radar.

Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.

Resources

Tornado Safety in Schools


Fire Drills

All AASD schools comply with state statutes that require schools to conduct monthly fire drills at all levels and buildings and to keep a record of those drills. In addition to state statutes, the following locally adopted International Fire Code (IFC) requirements are also followed:

  • The first emergency evacuation drill of each school year will be conducted within 10 days of the beginning of classes
  • Emergency evacuation drills will be conducted at different hours of the day or evening, during the changing of classes, when the school is at an assembly, during recess or gym periods or during other times to avoid the distinction between drills and actual fires

The AASD values and prioritizes students’ safety and parents’ peace of mind. We will continuously work to ensure that our staff and students are well prepared for emergency situations.

Resources

Children's Resources