Emergency FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about TUSD's Emergency Response Procedures

Q: Is my child safe at school during an emergency?

A: Yes. School staff is prepared to care for students during and after many types of emergencies and disasters. They regularly practice responding to emergencies, and the district has initiated a comprehensive planning process to assure the safety of all students and staff. In addition, school buildings are very well constructed and inspected regularly. Your child is very safe at school.

Q: What should I do if my child is at school during an emergency?

A: Please—Do not come to the school during an emergency! Coming to school during an emergency can interfere with emergency first responders (Fire, Police, Ambulance, etc.) and can create additional problems. Your child is safe at school, and if necessary, you will be able to pickup your child after the emergency has passed.

Q: Who can pick-up my child from school?

A: Only those people who are listed on the Registration/Emergency Card may pick-up your child from school, so it is very important that the information on these cards is up to date and accurate. If you work out of the area, you may wish to have someone you trust--who lives close to the school--listed on your child’s Registration/Emergency Card. Cards are sent home with students and returned to school at the beginning of the school year. You can make changes then, or come to the school office and tell the staff you want to update the Registration/Emergency Card.

Q: How will I be contacted if an emergency situation occurs on my student's campus?

A: Depending on the nature of the emergency, parents will be informed through a letter home, messages on the District Website, Facebook page, or a School Messenger phone message to Emergency Contact numbers. Please be sure that all contact numbers are up to date and accurate. E-mail messages may also be sent if an e-mail address is provided on the student's Emergency Card.

Q: If my child is hurt, will they be taken care of at school?

A: Yes. School staff members are trained in First Aid, and there are school nurses and nurse assistants available. Schools also have medical supplies ready to use in an emergency. Students who are seriously injured will be taken to receive appropriate medical care at a hospital or emergency treatment center.

Q: How long will the school care for my child?

A:  School staff will take care of your child until you or a person designated on the Registration/Emergency Card arrives. Your child will have food to eat, and be safe and comfortable at school.

Q: What can I do to prepare for an emergency?

A: Every home should have emergency supplies and a plan of what to do in the event of a disaster.

Q: How will we communicate if the phones don’t work?

A: In a major emergency (like a major earthquake) electricity and phones will probably not work. Many announcements will be made over the radio, so having a battery operated radio is a good idea. Please visit the following links for comprehensive emergency preparedness information.

Emergency Preparedness Links

Emergency preparation information from the Department of Homeland Security - Ready.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency information and resources - FEMA

American Red Cross preparedness information - American Red Cross

Federal government information for disability related information and resources - Disability Information

Parent resources on safety from the National Parent Teacher Association - PTA.org

Emergency Preparation for Pets - Information for Pets

Disaster and Crisis Recovery - Red Cross