Safety & Disaster Preparedness

In the event of an emergency at a West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) school site, parents and guardians are advised to follow specific procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. These procedures are outlined in the district's Site Safety Plans, that include the following steps:

1. Stay Informed: At the beginning of the school year, connect with the Principal and/or Office Manager to receive guidance and emergency instructions. Keep instructions where you can easily find them throughout the school year.

2. Do Not Rush to the School: Unless explicitly instructed, avoid coming to the school site during an emergency. This helps prevent additional congestion and allows emergency responders to operate effectively.

3. Follow Reunification Procedures: If a reunification process is initiated, adhere to the school's established procedures, which typically include:

   • Check-In: Arrive at the designated reunification area and present valid identification.
   • Student Release: Only individuals listed on the student's emergency contact information, with proper identification, will be authorized to pick up the student.
   • Safety Measures: Follow all instructions from school staff and emergency personnel to ensure a smooth and secure reunification process. 
      

4. Keep Contact Information Updated: Ensure that your contact details and emergency contacts are current in the school's records. This facilitates efficient communication during emergencies. 

For detailed information, refer to the WCCUSD Parent-Student Handbook and the specific school's Site Safety Plan, which provide comprehensive guidelines on emergency procedures and parent responsibilities. 

Instructions

1. Go to Schools button at very top of this page.

2. Scroll down, find the school your child attends and click to go to their website. 

3. Scroll to the very bottom of the page to view the school's main phone number. 

instructions

1. Visit the Community Rights & Resources page here.
2. Choose which type of report you'd like to submit.
3. Follow the instructions. 

WCCUSD (West Contra Costa Unified School District) has several protocols in place to ensure the safety of students during emergencies. Here are some key strategies they use to keep children safe:

1. Emergency Preparedness Plans: Each school within the district has a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. This includes procedures for various types of emergencies such as natural disasters, medical emergencies, fires, and active shooter situations. These plans are regularly reviewed and practiced through drills.

2. Regular Drills: Schools conduct routine safety drills, such as fire drills, earthquake drills, and lockdown drills, to prepare students and staff for emergencies. These drills ensure that everyone knows the proper procedures to follow in case of an emergency.

3. Communication Systems: WCCUSD has established communication systems to keep parents, guardians, and staff informed during emergencies. This includes automated phone calls, text messages, and emails to ensure timely and accurate information is distributed.

4. Emergency Response Teams: Each school has a designated emergency response team composed of staff trained in first aid, CPR, and other emergency response procedures. These teams are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to protect students.

5. Secure Campuses: Schools in the district have secure campuses with controlled access points. Visitors must check in at the main office and show identification before being allowed on campus. This ensures that only authorized individuals are on school grounds.

6. Student Reunification Plans: In the event of an emergency that requires evacuating or sheltering students, WCCUSD has specific student reunification plans in place. These plans ensure that students are safely released to authorized individuals, and only those with valid identification and proper documentation will be allowed to pick up children.

7. Collaboration with Local Emergency Services: WCCUSD works closely with local fire departments, police, and emergency medical services to ensure a coordinated response in case of a crisis.

8. Mental Health Support: After an emergency, the district provides mental health support for students and staff. Counseling services are available to help everyone cope with any emotional distress resulting from the event.

9. Safety Equipment and Resources: Schools are equipped with safety resources, including first-aid kits, emergency supplies, and evacuation routes that are clearly marked to help guide students and staff during emergencies.

These measures ensure that students are as safe as possible in the event of an emergency, and the district continuously works to improve and update their safety protocols.

Visit the Report a Concern or Complaint web page.

Below is the District's Suicide Prevention Board Policy for K-6 and 7-12 grade levels: 

Board Policy 5141.52: Suicide Prevention (This Board Policy is age-appropriate for Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive) 

Administrative Regulation 5141.52: Suicide Prevention