School Safety & Emergency Preparedness

At Hickam Elementary School, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priorities. We are committed to providing a secure learning environment, and to that end, we have a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in place, developed in collaboration with local emergency services and district guidelines.

This page is designed to provide families with essential information about our safety procedures and what to expect during an emergency. Please understand that for security reasons, the full operational details of our plan are not publicly shared.

Our Commitment to Safety

Hickam Elementary is dedicated to maintaining a safe campus through:

• Proactive Planning: Our Emergency Response Plan is regularly reviewed and updated.

• Trained Staff: Our faculty and staff are trained in emergency protocols and procedures.

• Collaboration: We work closely with Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam security and local emergency responders.

• Secure Environment: Measures are in place to control campus access and monitor our facilities.

Emergency Drills & Training

To ensure our students and staff are prepared, Hickam Elementary regularly conducts various emergency drills throughout the school year. These drills include:

• Fire Drills: Practicing safe and efficient evacuation procedures.

• Lockdown Drills: Training students and staff on procedures for securing classrooms and protecting against threats inside the building.

• Shelter-in-Place Drills: Preparing for situations where it's safer to remain inside the building due to external hazards (e.g., hazardous materials).

• Other Drills: As mandated by state and district guidelines, preparing for a range of potential emergencies.

These drills are essential for reinforcing safety procedures and ensuring a swift, organized response in a real emergency.

Emergency Communication with Families

During an emergency, Hickam Elementary will use the following methods to communicate with parents and guardians:

• Automated Notification System: You will receive messages via phone calls, text messages, and/or email using the contact information you've provided to the school. Please ensure your contact details are always up-to-date with the school office.

• School Website: Updates and official instructions will be posted on the Hickam Elementary homepage and this "School Safety & Emergency Preparedness" section.

• Official School Social Media (if applicable): (Include if your school uses official social media for emergencies, e.g., "Official Hickam Elementary Facebook Page")

Important: During an emergency, please DO NOT call the school or rush to campus immediately. This can overwhelm phone lines needed for emergency communication and impede access for emergency responders. Wait for official school communications.

Student Reunification Procedures

In the event of an early dismissal or evacuation requiring students to be picked up from a designated reunification site, Hickam Elementary will follow strict reunification protocols to ensure the safe and orderly return of students to their authorized guardians.

• Designated Reunification Site: An alternative location will be communicated via official channels if students cannot be picked up directly from campus.

• Identification Required: Parents/guardians or authorized contacts will be required to present a valid photo ID and follow established sign-out procedures at the reunification site. Only individuals listed on the student's emergency contact form and authorized for pickup will be allowed to take students.

• Patience is Key: The reunification process is designed for safety and efficiency, but it may take time. Your patience and cooperation are crucial.

Campus Security & Visitors

We maintain controlled access to our campus to ensure a safe environment for our students and staff.

• All visitors must check in at the main office upon arrival.

• Please review our Visitor Code of Conduct for detailed procedures and expectations.

Reporting Safety Concerns

If you "See Something, Say Something." We encourage students, staff, and families to report any safety concerns immediately.

• For immediate emergencies, always call 911.

• For non-emergency safety concerns or to report suspicious activity on or near campus, please notify school administration or staff as soon as possible.

Contact Us

For questions about our safety plan or general safety concerns (non-emergency), please contact the school office during school hours.