Emergency response drills and equiptment

OLHMS conducts regular emergency response drills such as fire, tornado, and lock-down exercises for the preparation of an actual event. Tampering with emergency response equipment and/or setting off false alarms are a violation of village ordinance and school policy.

Emergency School Closings

In case of inclement weather or other emergency situations that would necessitate the closing of school, a nnouncements will be made before school by way of telephone via the instant alert communication system. News services are informed as soon as the determination is made to close school, but we cannot guarantee that the services will post the information. The stations that will serve our District on AM radio are WGN 720, WBBM 780 and WLS 890. Television stations include: WMAQ-TV Channel 5, WGN-TV Channel 9, FOX 32, and CLTV NEWS. In addition, members of the school community who register with the instant alert system will be notified via telephone of any school closing.

Fire/Lockdown/Tornado

In the event of an emergency, either a fire alarm will be sounded or an announcement will be made. During this time, absolute silence is necessary so that everyone can hear and obey orders. Each classroom teacher will give specific instructions either to evacuate the building or to go to a designated area of the classroom or hallway. Throughout the school year, drills will be conducted so that students are familiar with these procedures.

Visitors/Security

OLHMS has a closed campus plan for the safety of our students. School doors will be closed and locked during school hours and entry may be gained only through the doors in the front vestibule. Visitors must push the security button located near the door. A parent or a parent-designee in the office must sign out students who are to be dismissed early. Any visitors in the building (including parents) must sign in and out through the office, show picture identification, and wear a visitor’s badge if they leave the office area to travel within the building.