Policy EBCC
False Alarms, Bomb, Active Shooter and Other Such Threats
Board Approved: December 4, 2023
The Board recognizes that false alarms, and bomb, active shooter or other such violent threats, are a significant concern to schools. Whether a threat is real or a hoax, it represents a likely substantial disruption to the educational mission of the school, as well as potential danger to the safety and welfare of students, staff, and school property.
No person shall make or communicate, by any means, a threat stating the current or future presence of: a fire, an explosion, an active shooter, an explosive device, a biological or chemical substance, or other catastrophic emergency on school premises. This prohibition extends to activating any alarm on school property intended to warn of the presence of one or more such threats or conditions when the person activating the alarm knows the threat or condition is not present, or there is no reasonable basis presence of such threat or condition. Making such threats or false alarms will be deemed a violation of the applicable code of conduct, with potential disciplinary action, and will be referred to law enforcement for potential criminal prosecution.
Any such false threat or alarm will be regarded as a serious matter and will be treated accordingly. In the event a violent threat is made or alarm activated, the Building Principal/supervisor shall follow the pertinent procedures set forth in the District Crisis Prevention and Response Plan EBCA, and the school specific Emergency Operations Plan. At a minimum:
1. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall make a determination as to whether an immediate evacuation of school buildings is required in accordance with the District Crisis Prevention and Response Plan.
2. Simultaneously, local law enforcement authorities shall be notified.
3. An investigation of the threat should be made by local law enforcement authorities or applicable state department.
4. Any decision to re-enter the school or buildings after an evacuation will be made by the Superintendent, or designee, and only after such clearance has been given by the appropriate law enforcement agency.
5. The Superintendent or her/his designee will communicate the occurrence of any threat under this policy to the parents of any students in the affected building, whether or not a full evacuation occurred EITHER in accordance with the District Crisis Prevention and Response Plan OR the District Communication Plan OR as soon as deemed appropriate under the circumstances.
District Policy History:
First reading: November 20, 2023
Second reading/adopted: December 4, 2023
District revision history: Approved October 7, 2019
Legal References:
RSA 158:9, Possession of Explosives
RSA 644-a, False Fire Alarms
RSA 644:3, False Public Alarms
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