Devices Use In Emergency Situations

Emergency situations can change on the fly.

This means information can change, too. When people send texts or post info to social media, it can often be inaccurate. Or, in the worst case, a harmful rumor. This can cause confusion for responders, community members, and the school district.

Timely updates from law enforcement, or a school district are the safest and most accurate way to receive information.

Parents and students should know that when something gets posted, everyone can see it. This could include an intruder. Giving away sensitive information like where you’re hiding, or where you’re moving to, could compromise everyone’s safety.

Never assume there's a private audience. 

We understand that an emergency can be unnerving for students and families. But texting and posting throughout an incident can accelerate those feelings. This can lead to a rise in parental and community arrival at a scene. Too much traffic can affect how first responders are able to respond and secure a scene.

Above all else, phones and devices can be used to spread rumors and threats before a situation even happens. These threats spread among students and cause an emergency response, even at other schools.

The District takes every threat seriously. But responding to hoaxes can take first responders away from real emergencies.

Now, you might think no phones will leave classrooms in the dark. This is not true. Classroom phones will still be usable and accessible during emergencies.

Having that main point of contact will ensure the proper information is given in the proper way. This makes a first responders job easier because we focus on one of our main objectives: Keeping you safe.

For more on how Pal-Mac navigates emergency communications, please visit our District Wide School Safety Plan.