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Our Sacramento area is experiencing rolling blackouts. These blackouts may occur with little or no notice. It is imperative that sites develop emergency procedures to follow before, during and after a blackout. The following is offered to assist you in developing your site-specific plan.

If you need additional assistance, feel free to contact the following individuals:

Assistant Superintendent @______________________________________

Maintenance & Operations @ ___________________________________

Safe Schools coordinator @ _____________________________________

Risk Management @ __________________________________________

First priority should be given to the safety of students and staff. Operational needs are secondary.

1. Update student emergency contact information
2. Have flashlights and spare batteries available for key personnel.
3. Keep Nextel batteries charged.
4. If your site has emergency lights, test batteries monthly
5. If available keep a battery-operated mega-phone available, test batteries regularly
6. Conduct site inspection for areas that may become trip hazards during a blackout.
7. Backup computer data

1. Don’t panic: remain clam. Other will find confidence in your calm, professional manner.
2. Call to report power outage – telephone _______________________________________
3. Move occupants to safe location. This may be their assigned classroom or common area such as cafeteria, MP room or gymnasium. Do not change classes at end of instructional periods. (EXCEPT where the room is complete dark, with no external light source).
4. Middle and high schools only: Evacuate shop, crafts, industrial arts, home economics and this type of classes to a safe location. If possible cut power to these classrooms.
5. Conduct site walk – look for stranded, lost or inured individuals. Keep in mind special needs students and areas without emergency lighting.
6. Lock restrooms. Provide escorted access as necessary.
7. Lock unoccupied and non-essential areas.
8. Turn off or unplug as many appliances and equipment as possible to eliminate a spike/surge when power is restored.
9. Avoid opening refrigerator and freezer as much as possible.
10. Do not use alterative heating methods. No candles, ovens or gas (propane, kerosene, etc.) heater.
11. Site administrator should personally inspect all elevators to assure that no one is trapped inside. If someone is trapped contact ____________________. Advise the individual to remain calm, do not self-rescue from an elevator or lift.
12. Conduct needs assessment. Notify ___________________________ of any special needs.
13. Consider traffic control issues around school site.
14. Expect transportation delays. Traffic signals may be out in surrounding areas.
15. If an early dismissal has been approved, parents/guardians must be notified prior to dismissing students. Transportation services will not transport students home early unless a parent/guardian has been notified.

Once power has been restored, turn on and plug in all appliances and equipment previously turned off. Report all failures to ________________________________.

EVENING/NIGHT SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

1. Start all evening/night events with a safety orientation explaining proper emergency procedures should a blackout occur during the event.
2. Consider the appropriate number of administrators/staff necessary in view of the possibility of rolling blackouts.
3. Maintain a list of evening/night events. Provide a copy to _____________________________. These sites will be provided extra attention.
4. If a blackout should occur during an evening/night event, send everyone home – cancel the event.
5. Staff and students traveling away from the school for athletic events should be instructed to return if a blackout occurs at the event away from home.
6. Consider providing a battery-operated mega-phone for all home and way events (test the battery).

When developing your plan, don’t forget the following groups:

• Pre-school centers
• Children’s centers
• After-school programs
• Athletic events
• Special needs students and staff
• Night classes–adult education

• The web site of your utility company will contain energy conservation ideas and information on blackouts.
• California independent system operator web site @ CAISO.COM contains updated information on current energy demands, alert status and related links.
• Energy conservation manager @ ___________________________________ will provide site visits to discuss energy conservation ideas and utility utilization history.