PCOE

Crisis Response
PCOE Public Facing Web Site

Introduction

The safety of our students, staff and community is always our top priority. The Placer County Office of Education works collaboratively with county agencies, law enforcement and emergency services to ensure the community and local school district personnel have the information they need to make informed decisions.

California Wildfires

Placer County Support to Families

In the event of a wildfire impacting Placer County school communities, PCOE is available to assist local students, families and school employees by connecting them to resources such as housing, shelter, food, basic needs and childcare referrals. Complete the online form for support.

PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

When gusty winds and dry conditions occur, combined with a heightened fire risk, PG&E may need to turn off power for public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).

The Placer County Office of Education (PCOE), in partnership with the Placer County Health & Human Services department and the Placer County Office of Emergency Services, works to ensure our school communities are informed and prepared for these potential power shutoffs.

At this time, there is not a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) scheduled to impact Placer County.

The decision to operate schools during a PG&E PSPS is made at the local school district level. In many cases, school may continue as scheduled with additional contingency plans regarding safe food handling, hydration of students and modification of activities to ensure student safety.

Power Outage Resources

We believe planning ahead is the best safeguard. PG&E offers many resources to help prepare your home, family and business for a potential PSPS.

Update your contact information directly with PG&E at pge.com/mywildfirealerts to receive alerts for potential power shutoffs.
Identify backup charging methods for phones and keep hard copies of emergency numbers.
Plan for any medical needs such as medication that needs refrigeration or devices that require power. View additional information about medical needs from PG&E.
Build or restock your emergency kits with flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash. Have enough nonperishable food and water stored to meet your basic needs for at least a few days.

Safety

About

The Placer County Superintendent of Schools annually allocates resources to support safety initiatives of the Countywide District Safety Committee. The committee is made up of representation from all 16 school districts, law enforcement jurisdictions, fire department jurisdictions, the Office of Emergency Services, and Pacific Gas & Electric. The committee meets at least quarterly to review countywide safety concerns, Comprehensive Safe School Plan updates, and initiatives that serve all school districts. The committee supports initiatives under three major safety categories: Prevention/Planning, Response, and Recovery.

Prevention/Planning

Comprehensive Safe School Planning (CSSP)

Emergency Communication Training

Common emergency response language is reviewed across the county with first responders:

Secure Building (Response to possible threat to students and staff and to prevent perpetrator from entering building).
Lockdown/Barricade (Imminent deadly threat to students and staff and more active measures are taken to limit access to students and staff).
Shelter in Place (Response to keep students and staff indoors to provide greater level of protection from airborne contaminants).
Evacuation (Immediate response when it is determined it is unsafe to stay in the building).

Behavioral Threat Assessment Protocols

Fostering the use of common threat assessment as a systematic approach to violence prevention

Emergency Recovery Planning

Response

Incident Command Structure in Schools

Supporting the universally accepted Incident Command Structure (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS)

Imminent Threat Response Training

Recovery

Reunification

Trauma-Informed Recovery Practices

Emergency Recovery

Before Event

During Event

After Event

CSSPs for Placer County Districts

CSSPs for County Office Schools

Per Education Code 32281, each School Site Council/Safety Committee is required annually to review, analyze, and update the Comprehensive Safe School Plan (CSSP). These are the current CSSP's for the Placer County Office of Education's school sites.

Severe Heat Guidance

The safety and well-being of our school communities is a top priority. We want to make sure students and staff are as comfortable as possible so that learning can continue. As a result, schools in Placer County have a number of guidelines in place during severe weather incidents. Administrators, teachers and coaches are making sure students stay cool, stay hydrated, stay connected, and stay informed.

Decisions around moving recess, PE or athletic practice to alternative times, indoors, or even canceling all together are made district-by-district, based on local conditions. CDPH issued Interim Health Guidance for Schools during Extreme Heat which provides additional resources and considerations for schools. View the guidance.

Families are encouraged to send their students to school with water bottles and dress in light clothing appropriate for the weather.

Student and Family Reunification

Reunification-Training-2024

The safety of students, staff and our school communities is our top priority, and while we know schools remain among the safest places for students, we also know that crisis events do happen. There may be a time when school leaders need to evacuate students or release them early from school. It could be severe weather, water or power outages, or a critical event at or near a school campus.

Although rare, it may be necessary for families to pick up their students in a formal, safe and controlled manner off campus. Planning, communication and clear expectations are essential to smoothly reconnect students and families – a process known as "reunification."

This video illustrates best practices and expectations that parents should know for a comprehensive reunification process.

Additional Video Downloads for School Leaders

If you are a school or district administrator seeking additional information on the reunification training process or videos, contact PCOE Deputy Superintendent Phillip Williams.

Placer County Air Quality & Smoke

General Information

Over the last decade, devastating wildfires have continued to ravage communities and school districts across the state. The impact of smoke depends on the sensitivity of the person and the length of exposure. Students with asthma, respiratory or other heart/lung conditions are vulnerable to poor air quality and may require extra precautions.

The Placer County Office of Education (PCOE) works collaboratively with the Placer County Air Pollution Control Board (APCB) and Placer County Health and Human Services (HHS) to monitor air conditions that may impact outdoor activities or possible school closures as a result of air quality due to wildfire smoke. Please note, outdoor activities along with event cancellations and school closures are a local decision, district-by-district, based on local air quality conditions.

Additional Resources

Visit www.airnow.gov for information about the Air Quality Index in your area.
Visit https://fire.airnow.gov (Fires and Smoke Map) to review current conditions for fine particulate matter also known as PM2.5 for your location. Please note, air quality conditions can change quickly, with smoke moving in and out of an area, dependent upon wind direction.
Air Quality Index Chart for Outdoor Activity for Schools
CDPH Wildfire Smoke Considerations for Public Health Officials August 2022.
Understanding the Differences: Face Coverings
Fire and Smoke Map Information: https://vimeo.com/592345480

Weather Closures and Snow Days

Decisions around possible school closures due to severe weather are made district-by-district, based on local conditions. Even though it may have snowed the previous evening, and weather forecasts may be calling for severe weather, the decision to call off school is typically made by local school districts between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. after a careful analysis of current road and weather conditions.

What To Do During a Lockdown: Safety Video

Active-Shooter-Safety-Video

This video provides valuable information to understand how your school district has planned for emergencies and how you can be better prepared to understand your role. Unfortunately, violent acts such as school shootings are a real possibility. While the topic is unpleasant, these plans are important for you to know what's expected of you during a critical incident and what you can expect from the Placer County Sheriff's Office.

FAQ's

HOW DO I FIND OUT INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19 AT MY SCHOOL?

All official information pertaining to your student and your school will come directly from your school district, charter school or private school. Contact your school for additional information.

WILL MY SCHOOL BE OPEN DURING A POWER OUTAGE?