Safety
Fire Code
Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Schools
Fire Codes and Life Safety Issues
Forsyth County Fire Department
1. Monthly Inspections and Fire Drills:
- Principals conduct 2 inspections per month.
- Fire Drills are to be conducted each month with the first occurring by the 10th day of classes.
- Evacuation goal is < 4 minutes. Explain unusual time delays.
- Evacuation plans shall be posted in each room.
- Reports must be submitted to Ron Pannell by the 10th of each month.
2. Exits and Corridors:
- All exits and corridors must be UNLOCKED and UNOBSTRUCTED when building is occupied. These are serious fire code issues that will prompt immediate fines.
- Corridors, hallways and stairways must be unobstructed, clear of combustibles and allow full width passage to exits.
- Padlocks and chains are allowed in older schools but they must be unlocked and stowed in a fashion that prevents relocking by unauthorized persons when the building is occupied.
- All classrooms must maintain 2 clear exits with a clear route to same. (i.e. 2 doors or 1 door and 1 rescue window)
- Doors may not be wedged opened and windows should not be covered.
- Vehicles and materials should not block exit routes outside the building.
3. Occupant Loads and Overcrowding issues:
- Assembly areas must not exceed the posted Occupant Load.
- You must have a means to control and identify the number of persons in attendance at indoor events.
- Only rooms designed as classrooms may be used by 6 or more students at any one time.
- Classrooms should have 36 inches of aisle space between desks with clear access to 2 exits.
- The numbers of students allowed in classrooms are calculated at 1 student per 20 square feet of floor space.
4. Fire Protection and Communication equipment:
- Do not block, cover or obstruct any fire alarms, pull stations, fire suppression equipment or hydrants.
- New fire alarm systems may be monitored by an alarm company that will automatically dispatch the fire department.
- DO NOT RESET alarm systems until the Fire Department can check same. You may "silence" the alarm after 5 minutes.
- Check your main telephone lines to assure they are routed to the proper local centers when dialing 9-1-1.
- All fires must be reported no matter how small or how late they are discovered.
5. Heat Producing Appliances and Devices:
- Microwaves, coffee makers, hot plates, toasters, etc. are only allowed in approved, posted staff lounge areas that are not accessible to students. No extension cords are allowed.
- Portable heaters are not allowed.
- These items may be used for controlled instructional purposes and special activities but must be cool and stored in a secure location when the activities conclude. A fire extinguisher must be positioned on standby during the demonstration.
- Clothes dryers must be kept free of lint with filters cleaned after each use.
- Candles and other open flame devices are not allowed without a special permit and precautions.
6. Multi-Outlet strips and Extension Cords:
- Only multi-outlet strips and extension cords provided, approved and installed by WSFCS Maintenance are allowed.
- Piggy-backing of these devices are not allowed.
- Residential and store bought extension cords are not allowed.
7. Electrical, Mechanical and Boiler rooms:
- Rooms shall be secured to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Combustible storage is not allowed.
- A clear space of 36" shall be maintained around all equipment.
- Minimal storage is allowed in Sound or Communication rooms on approved racks or shelving as authorized by the Fire Marshal and WSFCS Maintenance.
8. Decorations, Art work and Displays:
- Combustible art work and displays must be limited and not pose a hazard.
- Candles and open flame devices are prohibited. Light bulbs and other heat producing devices must be clear of combustibles.
- Natural cut Christmas trees are only allowed in areas with a Fire Sprinkler System.
- Live trees with root ball and potted plants are allowed if maintained in a fresh condition.
- Use of Curtains are very limited and must be approved by WSFCS Maintenance and the Fire Marshal.
- Art work displayed on walls in hallways is limited to 20% coverage and shall not block windows or exits.
- Decorations shall not obstruct corridors or exits.
9. General Precautions:
- Trash and debris must be in approved receptacles and not allowed to accumulate in rooms, corridors, service areas or docks.
- Storage shall be in a neat and orderly fashion and maintained 24 inches below the ceiling. (18 inches below the ceiling is allowed in rooms with fire sprinkler systems)
- Fire Doors, Shutters and Curtains must be free to operate and clear of obstructions.
- Fire suppression and alarm equipment must be serviced by an approved contractor with written documentation maintained annually.
- Ceiling tiles must be in place and the integrity of the walls, doors and windows must be maintained at all times.
- Flammable liquids and chemicals are limited and must be in approved containers and cabinets. Material Safety Data Sheets should be maintained on site.
10. Civil Penalty Schedules are dictated by County ordinances. Fines may be issued to the principal for violations involving activities on the campus. These are payable to Forsyth County and forwarded to the Board of Education. The common Civil Penalties are as follows;
- Blocked or locked exits and corridors: $ 200 per door.
- Overcrowding classroom, gym, auditorium: $ 200 per area.
- Fire and life safety equip. not maintained: $ 100 per device.
- Fire drills, plans and inspections not current: $ 50 each
8-3-14
Tim Whicker, Deputy Fire Marshal
James Griffin, Fire Inspector
Forsyth County Fire Department
336-703-2550
General Safety Procedures
Report all injuries and illnesses to the office immediately. An injury or illness form must be completed and returned to the office on the same day that the injury occurs. Teachers must fill these out and call parents the day the injury or illness occurs.
Teachers are reminded of the legislation calling for the use of eye protection glasses in shops and laboratories. The legislation is Chapter 1050, House Bill 1329, ratified in 1969.
Stress safety around the building and on buses. Encourage students to use the sidewalks when possible.
Emphasize that students are not to run in the building or on the grounds except under the direction of the physical education instructors.
The standardized hall pass is the only pass that will be used this year-no exceptions. Please do not send students out of class without this pass completed.
Students are expected to be well-behaved and in a straight line when they move with teachers throughout the building.
Report all safety concerns immediately to the principal or an assistant principal. Most safety conditions can be corrected quickly by our maintenance division.
Classroom doors should be locked at all times, both when class is in session and when the room is vacant.
Post all safety drill exit instructions near the door for use in case of emergency.
Teachers are expected to know the safety plan. You will find the on the staff page of the school web page. Drills for evacuations and lockdowns will take place throughout the school year.
Report of Serious Injury
If a student is injured on campus, the teacher needs to notify the office. If the injury is serious enough for a parent to be called, it is serious enough to notify the office. The teacher also needs to complete the Report of Serious Injury before leaving school for the day. Turn this in to the financial secretary.
If a staff member is seriously injured in the line of duty and/or on the school campus, an administrator needs to be notified immediately, and the Report of Serious Injury needs to be completed before leaving school for the day. The employee also needs to get from the financial secretary the Workers' Compensation Claim Form. If medical attention is needed or may be needed, Workmen's Compensation will not pay unless these steps are followed. In addition, the medical attention must be from Prime Care.
Reporting Child Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency
If a child shows signs of injury or emotional damage that could be the result of abuse or neglect, school employees are required by state law to report suspected incidents to the Forsyth County Department of Social Services by calling 336-703-3500.
Additionally, the law requires the reporting of dependency. For the purposes of the reporting law, a child is dependent when the parent, guardian, or custodian is not able to provide for the child's care or supervision, and lacks an appropriate alternative child-care arrangement.
Consultation with the principal, school social worker, and counselor is recommended, but this does not supersede the law to report. The person who observes the dependency, abuse, or neglect must report it himself or herself to the Department of Social Services at the above number.
DSS will determine if your report warrants an investigation. A one-time report of neglect or dependency may not be sufficient for an investigation to take place; therefore further incidents also should be reported. Child Protective Services at DSS will work with the family and other agencies to help overcome the problem and protect the child.
Safety Plan - Crisis Team
Crisis Team - Evacuation of Campus
Principal or Assistant Principal….. Notification of Emergency Personnel & Central Office Media representative
Brandon Davis….. Evacuation of students and monitoring holding area.
Val Raynor/Peggy Dickey ….. Transportation, Evacuation Contact Hellen Bee, 748-2287 ext.34730 or 407-8609
Nurse Marian Shores. .First Aid
Brandon Davis- prepare gym for holding area
Custodial Staff…… Securing all entry points of the building, staff in 209, 210, 225 secure end doors
Nurse Shores….. Have a copy of medicine in a bag to take with you. Before leaving put medicine in the same bag.
Monica Small/ Paula Bonner….. Sign students out at the appropriate time. You should have the information book with you. This will be used to sign students out. Parents/Guardians must bring a valid picture ID to pick up their child. The person picking the child up must be listed on the information sheet. Wait for instructions before signing any student out of school
Brandon Davis/Lonnie Harris….. If it is necessary to move off campus, direct staff and students to safe location (across the street to KABA, church parking lot, football field)- make sure you wear safety vests
Custodians….. If it is necessary to move off campus, will assist by monitoring students as they travel
Safety Plan - Lockdown Drill
A lockdown will occur if there is the possibility of danger for students and staff. If this situation arises an announcement will be made stating that we are in lockdown mode. When this announcement is made teachers should follow instructions that pertain to their location.
Classroom
• Lock and secure all doors.
•If any students are in the hall bring them into your room regardless if they are your student.
•Close blinds and turn off the lights.
•Account for students who may have left your room.
•Move students to an area in the room that is not visible from the door.
•You should keep a piece of paper to cover each door window in your class. Keep it and other emergency information readily available.
•Keep all students quiet
•If anyone in your room is injured, display your red sign in your exterior window and slide it outside of your door. If you do not have red signs let Brandon or Dr. Raynor know ASAP.
•Remain in lockdown until you are told to move by administration or law enforcement.
•Do not use the bogen phone !
Cafeteria
• Students will remain in the cafeteria if it can be secured and if it is not the area of danger. If needed, move students to the two offices on the stage.
• In the event of evacuation, students will be moved to the gym or to an outside location that is safe
• Teachers need to assist to keep students calm and quiet so that you may hear directions.
Outside Groups
If the danger is inside of the building the classes should stay outside. They need to listen for directions in the situation that we need to relocate the class. If the danger is outside of the building the class should be moved inside as quickly as possible. Follow instructions for the classroom lockdown.
Bus
Inform bus driver of the problem
Students should remain seated and quiet
Driver should radio supervisor for directions
Supervisor will notify school administrator
Evacuation
In certain situations it may be necessary to evacuate students to different areas within the building. If this were to occur we would use the gym. It may not be necessary to move all classes. Listen to announcements for instructions to move your class. DO NOT move your class until you are told to do so!
Evacuation of the building will be done when danger exists inside of the perimeter. The building will be evacuated by the fire alarm or by announcements. In certain situations only parts of the building may be evacuated. Listen carefully and follow directions given. Make sure students move quickly, quietly and orderly. Teachers should carry their roll book and the emergency packet.
If evacuation is to take place we will move students across the street, to the church lot, or to the football field. You should refer to the chart to see where your class should taken. Teachers are to wait with their classes for buses to arrive. You will be directed to board the busses and be transported to another location. Students SHOULD NOT be allowed to leave. We will sign students out when we have reached the designated area (Carter High School). If you encounter an irate parent direct them to administration. If they insist and take the child without signing them out, list the child's name and the name of the person taking them if possible.