1. ASSESSMENT

   1. Identify the problem and determine the degree of impact.
   2. Take steps to secure the safety and security of the site, as needed.
   3. Make an incident report to the district administrator.
   4. Determine if additional support is needed. If so,
      1. Call school police and/or city police.
      2. Call cluster crisis team.
      3. Call other district crisis personnel.
   5. Alter daily/weekly schedule as needed.

2. INTERVENTION: COMMUNICATION

   1. Set up a command center.
   2. Establish sign-in procedures at all campus entry sites.
   3. Administrator/designee/crisis manager should do the following:
      1. Review facts and determine what information should be shared.
      2. Consider police investigation parameters.
      3. Notify family, with sensitivity and dispatch (consider a personal contact with family).
   4. Develop and disseminate bilingual fact sheet (written bulletin). Distribute to the following groups:
      1. Faculty
      2. Students
      3. Parents and community
   5. Begin media interactions:
      1. Identify a media spokesperson (office of communications may be used).
      2. Designate a location for media representatives.
   6. Contact neighboring schools.
   7. Contact schools of affected students' siblings.
   8. Initiate other communication activities:
      1. Classroom presentations or discussions
      2. Parent/community meetings
      3. School staff meeting
   9. Provide for rumor control:
      1. Keep a TV set or radio tuned to a news station
      2. Verify facts
      3. Update fact sheet as needed
      4. Work with student leaders:
         • As sources knowledgeable of rumors among students
         • As peer leaders to convey factual information
         • As runners (written bulletins should be sealed when necessary)

3. INTERVENTION: FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY RELEASE PLAN

   1. Designate rooms/locations/areas for the following:
      1. Individual counseling
      2. Group counseling
      3. Parents
      4. Staff (certified)
      5. Sign-in for support services
   2. Initiate the referral process, including procedures for self-referral:
      1. Identify a crisis team member to staff all locations.
      2. Provide bilingual services as needed.
      3. Distribute appropriate forms for student counseling referrals to staff.
      4. Disseminate student referral information to teachers and other staff.
   3. Identify and contact high-risk students.
   4. Identify and contact other affected students, staff and personnel.
   5. Initiate appropriate interventions:
      1. Individual counseling
      2. Group counseling
      3. Parent/community meetings
      4. Staff meetings
      5. Classroom activities and/or presentations
      6. Referrals to community agencies.

4. INTERVENTION: DISSEMINATE APPROPRIATE HANDOUTS TO STAFF/PARENTS

5. INTERVENTION: DEBRIEFING

   1. Daily and mandatory crisis intervention activities. Include the following:
      1. Review the actions of the day.
      2. Identify weaknesses and strengths of crisis interventions.
      3. Review status of referred students.
      4. Prioritize needs and personnel needed for the next day.
      5. Plan follow-up actions.
   2. Allow time for emotional debriefing.

Reference

Center for Mental Health Services at UCLA (2000). A Resource Aid Packet on Responding to a Crisis at a School. Los Angeles, CA: Author.