🦺 SAFETY & EMERGENCY
BVUSD SAFETY FRAMEWORK

This public page is designed to provide important safety information for our community.
For the safety of our staff and students, some materials are not publicly accessible.
USE THE LINKS BELOW TO JUMP TO A SECTION OF INTEREST
SAFETY SPOTLIGHT
EVERY OCTOBER
The Great California ShakeOut
This Year’s Drills
October 16 (Yulupa) & October 23 (Strawberry)
DURING THE DRILL Students and staff practice: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” |
BEFORE/AFTER THE DRILL We encourage everyone to explore the earthquake safety resources below. |
FOR CHILDREN
BVUSD’s Earthquake Social Story
Some students feel nervous when there’s a loud sound or a sudden change. We’ve created this short social story to help children understand what to expect during an earthquake drill at school.
Learn with Rocket the Safety Dog
Join Rocket the Safety Dog to learn how to stay safe when the earth starts to move.

FOR FAMILIES
Watch a Video
Earthquake Safety Video Series
(video produced by the Southern California Earthquake Center)

Get the MyShake App (Free)
Early earthquake warnings using the USGS ShakeAlert™ system alerts for M4.5+
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More Great ShakeOut Resources
Our Commitment
BVUSD is deeply committed to the safety of our staff and students.
We train, practice, and prepare for emergency scenarios to ensure an organized and effective response.
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1
General Preparedness
BVUSD plans reflect a comprehensive, research-based approach to supporting early intervention, staff training, and standardized emergency response protocols.
STUDENTS
participate in age-appropriate drills (at least once a month)
STAFF
are assigned specific emergency roles & practice adapting to evolving cirumstances
FAMILIES
help by supporting day-to-day expectations and supporting our process
2
Collaboration
District leadership remains deeply committed to best practices in school safety, including regular consultation with local experts. This commitment led us to the following organizations.
SAN MATEO’S BIG 5 COMMUNITY MATTERS I LOVE U GUYS FOUNDATION In 2023 BVUSD adopted the Big 5 framework developed by the San Mateo County Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities.
Sonoma County has since adapted this into The Essential 5 for a county-aligned plan.
BVUSD is proud to be the first district in Sonoma County to align with this framework.To strengthen climate & culture, BVUSD partnered with Community Matters, a globally recognized, locally based organization.
Their evidence-based programs promote SEL, connectedness, and empowerment through an “inside-out” approach.
BVUSD staff have completed multiple full-day trainings, with expanded access planned for all staff.BVUSD adopted reunification practices from the “I Love U Guys” Foundation, used by over 45,000 schools worldwide.
The Standard Reunification Method provides a tested framework for safely reuniting students with families after critical incidents.
While unlikely, reunification is complex. BVUSD has signage, supplies, staff roles, and parent communication tools prepared.
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Feedback & Review
Each year, BVUSD staff review the safety plan to ensure compliance with current law and alignment with evolving best practices.
Prior to bringing our plans to BVUSD Trustees for formal approval, we include the following additional plan review processes.
COLLABORATIVE FEEDBACK
Internal Staff Review
District Advisory Counsil
COMPLIANCE
School Status Audits
Insurance Partner Review
FIRST RESPONDERS
Local Law Enforcement
Local Fire Department
The Standard Reunification Process
What is Reunification?
Reunification is rare, but a shared understanding is key.
Reunification is a systematic safety protocol that takes place following a school emergency, disaster, or serious incident. Its purpose is to ensure that every student is individually and safely returned to the correct parent or guardian.
It will take time.

PLEASE WAIT FOR GUIDANCE |
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The following may compromise everyone’s safety: |
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RUSHING TO THE SCHOOL
CALLING OUR OFFICES
IGNORING DIRECTIONS
We will share information in the following order: |
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AUTOMATED MESSAGES (via ParentAquare, phone calls, texts)
DISTRICT WEBSITE UPDATES
DESIGNATED AREA (via Staff Greeters – if systems are down)
Family Preparedness
Reunification is complicated, and families play an important role.
Being prepared will help support a safe reunificaiton for all.
3 Ps for Parents |
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WAIT FOR GUIDANCE
Do not rush directly to the school site unless directed.
LIMIT CALLS
We probably won’t be able to answer calls, and individual inquiries slow the process.
IT WILL TAKE TIME
Each student is individually released through a controlled system.
PHOTO ID
Caregivers without ID may have to wait.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Keep these current; students are released to contacts we have on file.
LOCAL ALERTS
We recommend the ones we’ve listed below.
COOPERATION
Supports safety & efficiency.
UNDERSTANDING
Learn about the process using the resources below.
TRUST
We’ve spent a lot of time researching & refining.
Reunification Videos |
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These videos, provided by the I Love U Guys Foundation, offer an overview of the process.
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Learn More About a Reunification Site | |||||||
Click the bars below to learn more about the various stations, forms, and signage at a Reunification site. |
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Stay Informed!

Weather, water & climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support
BVUSD SAFETY PLANS
This section includes exisiting plans. Some access is restricted for everyone’s safety.
When a substantive detail is added or changed, we will note it beneath the applicable plan icon.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES, STUDENTS, & STAFF