Emergency communication

Communication During an Emergency, Disaster, or Crisis

We have developed a communication plan that identifies who is responsible for communications, which communication methods we will use, and who we will contact and liaise with in the event of an emergency, disaster, or crisis. The principal is in charge of overseeing emergency communications, but may delegate this to other board or staff members.

Communicating with staff and students

We have a plan for communicating with staff during an emergency, disaster, or crisis. We also consider how to share appropriate information with students to help them deal with the event.

Communicating with whānau

In an emergency, disaster, or crisis the school contacts parents/caregivers/whānau when it can, using the emergency contact details provided, and releases information to the school community as appropriate. Depending on the circumstances, our available communication options may include:

• texting/messaging or phoning parents/caregivers

• updating the school website, any social media accounts, school app, parent portal, or student management system

• updating any voice message system with the new status of the school

• putting up signs

• emailing parents/caregivers

• informing local media outlets.

Parents/Caregivers must follow any instructions issued by the school, including not coming to the school to see or collect their children if advised. This is particularly important when the school is in lockdown under police instruction. Our communications with whānau explain how parents/caregivers can be reunited with their children in the event of emergency closure.

Other communications

Our communication plan includes procedures for notifying and liaising with the appropriate emergency service organisations and other relevant services and stakeholders to gain advice, support, and discuss logistics.

We also consider how to manage media enquiries. At our school, the designated media contacts are the principal and board chair. The principal and board chair work together to manage media contact, including preparing media statements and determining who speaks to the media.