1. Purpose and Scope
This Emergency Operations Plan provides a comprehensive framework for responding to flooding incidents across New York City Public Schools. The plan addresses flooding from multiple potential sources including severe weather events, plumbing system failures, and external water intrusion. Designed to protect life safety while maintaining critical school operations, it establishes clear protocols for incident response, communication, and recovery. The scope encompasses all phases of flood emergencies - from early detection and warning through response and full restoration of normal operations. Particular attention is given to maintaining educational continuity while ensuring the physical and emotional safety of students and staff during disruptive flood events.
2. Key Objectives
The plan's primary objectives focus on protecting life safety while minimizing disruption to the educational mission. First and foremost is ensuring safe and secure school environments through proper flood mitigation and evacuation procedures when necessary. The second objective establishes reliable communication systems to keep all stakeholders informed during emergencies. Maintaining instructional continuity forms the third key objective, whether through in-person, relocated, or remote learning solutions. Additional critical objectives include sustaining student support services, ensuring uninterrupted nutrition services for students, preserving essential technology infrastructure, maintaining payroll and HR functions, and managing core administrative operations. Together, these objectives create a holistic approach to flood emergency management that prioritizes both safety and educational continuity.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
The Chancellor or Superintendent retains ultimate decision-making authority for all significant operational changes during flood events, including school closures, relocations, and transitions to alternative instructional models. The Incident Commander, typically the Chief of Operations or designated emergency response leader, oversees the comprehensive response effort through activation and management of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Facility teams assume responsibility for conducting damage assessments, implementing protective measures, and coordinating with utility providers. Operations staff manage evacuation procedures and relocation logistics when required. The logistics team ensures continuity of essential services including food provision and technology support, while the Public Information Officer coordinates all internal and external communications using standardized messaging protocols approved in advance.
4. Response Procedures
The initial response phase begins with activation of emergency teams upon flood detection or warning. Facility personnel immediately assess the source and severity of flooding while implementing protective measures such as water shutoff and equipment safeguarding. Building Response Teams evaluate evacuation needs based on real-time conditions, following pre-established protocols for student and staff safety. During ongoing operations, schools implement appropriate measures ranging from establishing safe zones within the building (e.g., during high rain events moving students and staff within the same building when necessary to higher floors—particularly from below-grade basement spaces that are used for activities or staff workspaces) to full relocation when necessary. The plan includes specific provisions for maintaining meal service through alternative means and transitioning to an alternate site, or remote learning, if physical facilities become unavailable. The recovery phase involves comprehensive damage assessment, coordinated cleanup efforts, and thorough safety verification before reopening affected facilities.
5. Communication Plan
A multi-layered communication strategy ensures timely and accurate information reaches all stakeholders throughout flood incidents. Immediate alerts to staff utilize PA systems and group messaging platforms, while families receive notifications through robocalls, NYCSA emails, and social media updates. The Public Information Office serves as the central hub for coordinating messages with external partners including NYC Emergency Management and other government agencies. The plan mandates quarterly verification of all contact information and maintains pre-approved messaging templates for various scenarios to ensure consistent, reliable communication during emergencies. Regular updates continue throughout the incident lifecycle until full resolution and return to normal operations.
6. Relocation and Resources
Each district maintains an updated inventory of pre-identified relocation sites capable of accommodating displaced students and staff. Transportation coordination could occur through the Office of Pupil Transportation, with special accommodation made for students with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Relocation sites are equipped to maintain educational programming and support services, with particular attention to technology needs for continued learning. The plan includes specific protocols for tracking attendance and ensuring student safety during relocation periods, with designated staff responsible for maintaining accurate records throughout the transition process.
7. Training and Preparedness
Training by districts ensures designated school-based staff understand their roles and responsibilities during flood emergencies. Annual training should cover response protocols for all relevant personnel, supplemented by drills that simulate various flood scenarios. Preparedness activities should include regular review and practice of evacuation routes and verification of emergency contact information. Facility teams will conduct periodic assessments of building vulnerabilities and implement preventive measures where possible. These proactive measures combine to create a state of readiness that enables effective response when actual flooding occurs.
8. After-Action Review
Following any significant flood incident, the Office of Emergency Planning and Response will help convene a debrief session within 72 hours involving all response teams to evaluate effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities. The review examines communication timelines, facility system performance, decision-making processes, and community response. Findings inform annual plan updates conducted in collaboration with the Division of Operations, ensuring continuous improvement of outage response capabilities.