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Facilities

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection in the district, facilities operations will be geared toward meeting social distancing requirements and cleaning frequently touched spaces regularly. In carrying out projects or tasks supporting infection control, requirements will be met for changes associated with building spaces. Plans for changes or additions to facilities that require review by the Office of Facilities Planning (OFP), will be submitted to comply with the requirements of the 2020 New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (BC) and the State Energy Conservation Code.

The function, position and operation of stairs and corridor doors, which have closers with automatic hold opens and are automatically released by the fire alarm system, will remain unchanged.

The Northport-East Northport UFSD plans to meet the deadline for submission of Building Condition Survey or Visual Inspections on time. In addition, lead in water sampling will be carried out upon the reopening of school under conditions consistent with when the building is “normally occupied.”

Upon reopening, the district plans to increase ventilation, to the greatest extent possible. Water systems will be flushed in buildings that have been unoccupied.

The following actions will be taken as needed:

  • Drinking Water Facilities: Will maintain a minimum of 1 working water fountain per 100 occupants.
  • Alterations to the configuration of existing classrooms or spaces or the introduction of temporary and/or movable partitions, the change will be submitted to OFP, the local municipality and/or code enforcement officials for review.
  • For offsite facilities, communication with the project manager at NYSED Office of Facilities Planning (OFP) and a Temporary Quarters (TQ) Project submission.
  • Tents, both temporary and permanent are regulated by code and must be submitted for a building permit.
  • Minimum number of toilet fixtures that must be available for use in a building is established in the building code.
  • Maintain adequate, Code required ventilation (natural or mechanical) as designed.
  • If other air cleaning equipment (e.g. new technology) is proposed, submit to OFP for review and approval.

Emergency Response Protocols & Drills

The 2020-2021 school year may include hybrid models of the traditional school day. Emergency response drills, including evacuation and lockdown drills, may be spread across the different student populations. 

Emergency Response Protocols & Drills

  • Shelter-In-Place
  • Hold-In-Place
  • Evacuation
  • Lockout
  • Lockdown

Shelter-In-Place

Areas will be identified in each school that will be used for the Shelter-in-Place Drills (used to drill for scenarios such as high winds, tornado, etc.) Shelter-In-Place protocols will remain the same as in past years, except for the following recommendations:

  • Provide 6 feet of space between students and staff during the Shelter-In-Place
  • Use of face coverings throughout the event may be considered
  • If 6 feet between staff and students cannot be achieved, face coverings must be worn at all times during the event
  • Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one
  • Remind students and staff to listen for updates and respond accordingly

Hold-In-Place

Hold-In-Place protocols (used to keep students in the same classrooms if there is an emergency in the building) will be the same with the exception of the following:

  • Provide 6 feet of space between students and staff during the Hold-In-Place
  • Use of face coverings throughout the event may be considered
  • If 6 feet between people cannot be achieved, face coverings must be worn at all times during the event
  • Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one
  • Remind students and staff to listen for updates and respond accordingly

Evacuate

Evacuation protocols will be routinely the same with some minor adjustments:

  • Identify areas outside of the building in advance that will allow 6 feet of separation of students and staff. Verify that students and staff will not impede emergency responders.
  • In an effort to get all staff and students out of the building as quickly and efficiently as possible, face coverings should be worn at all times.
  • Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one.
  • Identify, in advance, who will be holding the door to get out of the building, therefore reducing the amount of people touching the door hardware when leaving the building. Personnel that will be conducting this task may be assigned to hold the door for one or more classrooms of students or until confirmation that everyone has vacated the building.
  • As written in the established protocols for evacuation drills, bring all necessary items needed and consider adding the following items: extra face coverings and hand sanitizer.
  • If no extra face coverings are available, instruct anyone that does not have a face covering to use their shirt to cover their nose and mouth during the event.

Lockout

Lockout protocols (used if there is a dangerous situation in the neighboring area outside the building) will be the same, however, maintaining six (6) feet of space between students and staff in all areas is required.

Lockdown

During a Lockdown (used when there is an intruder in the building), there is likely to be a violation of the six (6) foot recommendation between people. In order to protect lives, lockdown protocols will follow mostly the same process as they have been conducted in the past, with the following recommendations:

  • Evaluate, in advance, if there is room for students and staff to social distance without being in the line of sight.
  • Face coverings should be worn during the event at all times.
  • Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one.
  • Instruct anyone that does not have a face covering to use their shirt to cover their nose and mouth during the event.
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