SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY POLICY - Springfield Hindu Primary School

The safety and security of all present at this institution is of paramount importance at all times. The Principal, as the head of the institution will

endeavour at all times do whatever is physically possible and within the resources of the ‘school to maintain a safe and secure environment for all present. All staff members will fully support the Principal and endeavour at ALL times to ensure that the environment is safe and secure. Every staff member is urged to be vigilant and observant of their surround rigs so as to prevent the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances that may endanger fellow staff members and learners.

It is incumbent upon every school to have a safety and security committee. The members of this committee shall comprise of the school Principal, staff members, SGB members, a police officer from the local SAPS and volunteers with expertise in this field if necessary. The committee shall meet at least panacea school term (more than once if the need arises) to discuss the safety and security of the school.

The staff member present at the scene of the emergency must proceed to take necessary action to prevent further injuries/damages. The Principal or Senior manager in the absence of the Principal must be informed. Continue to stabilize the situation and keep calm. DO NOT PANIC. AVOID SHOUTING, SCREAMING AND RUNNING AS THIS WILL WORSEN THE SITUATION AND LEAD TO CHAOS. Some emergencies that could occur at school: Fire, Flooding, Attempted Suicide, Armed Robbery, Hijacking, Physical Assault, Drug/ Alcohol Overdose, Roof caved

in, Collapsed Wall, Hostage Situation, Shooting, Bombing/Bomb Scare, Food Poisoning etc. Two procedures that can be followed during an emergency depending on the circumstances: EVACUATION: To move away from the school building as it would be dangerousto remain there. The continuous sounding of the buzzer will signal an EVACUATION. Teachers in their respective classes at the time of the evacuation

will take control (leave everything as is. Priority must be given to leave immediately and clear the area swiftly) and remind learners to walk in a single file (no need for separate boys and girls lines. Must lead off in a single line and walk briskly) following the evacuation route for their class/room/area not to PANIC or RUN and to proceed to the designated assembly area for evacuation which will be the CAR PARK. At the assembly area a physical count of all learners and staff will be done. Teachers must be with their FORM CLASSES once all classes have assembled. All missing persons MUST be accounted for. Important announcements will be made and once the school building has been declared safe it will also be announced. An instruction will be given to return to classes in an orderly manner and for normal work to resume. Learners must be accompaniednby Form/Subject teacher back to classrooms. TAKE COVER: To remain indoors and to take cover under chairs/desks/tables as it would be dangerous to come out. This will be signalled by the intermittent sounding of the buzzer. Once all have taken cover there must be absolute silence. No one must be injured in this process. An announcement will be made over the PA system when it is safe for all to come out from cover and for normal work to resume.

Depending on the nature of the emergency/ disaster then the necessary support services must be called for help. The office must have a list of local emergency telephone numbers compiled and visibly displayed. The Department of Education must also be timeously informed. Protocol must be observed and the Circuit Manager, followed by the Durban Central Circuit Office Manager and the Umlazi District Director must all be informed telephonically. A written report must be given at a later stage. NO staff member including the Principal is allowed to make any statements or comments to the Media. The Department of Education has its own Media Liaison Officer ands/he will communicate with the media. Staff members are reminded that you are bound by the SASA 84 of 1996, EEA KZN and the SACE code of conduct and any unauthorized communication with any individual will be in breach of Department Regulations. Depending on the nature of the Disaster /Emergency and the state of the school the Principal can only make recommendations for closure to the Circuit Manager. Permission must be granted by a Department Official for the closure of the school  and NO pressure must be brought upon the Principal by staff, parents or

members of the public to do so. The Emergency /Disaster may call for an area to be cordoned off and no parents/members of the public to be allowed in. Staff members, especially those serving on the Safety and Security Committee must ensure school gates are locked if necessary. Crowds must be controlled so as not to interfere with work of the Emergency Services. Whilst the Emergency /Disaster is confined within

the boundaries of the school property permission MUST be sought from the Principal or Senior Manager (in Principal's absence) to take photographs or any form of recording. Parents and the general public must be cautioned about this. Staff members must be familiar with the location of First Aid Kits and Fire Extinguishers in the school. The onus is on every staff member to equip themselves with a basic course in First Aid. They must also know how to use a fire extinguisher. Every class/room in the school will be in possession of an EVACUATION ROUTE and this must be displayed openly close to the exit. Staff and learners alike must be familiar with the evacuation route of the rooms that they use.

Every effort will be made to follow this policy fully in the event of an Emergency /Disaster and thus ensure the safety and security of all at the school.