Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103  336.727.2816  Fax 336.727.8404

The safety and security of students and staff is of the utmost concern to Winston- Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Along with local law enforcement agencies, we work hard to make sure that parents and community members know that we are prepared to handle any emergencies that may occur at our schools.

All of our schools and work locations have copies of the school system’s Emergency Manual. This manual explains the procedures and contingency plans for emergency situations. For safety reasons, it is not available to the public.

Schools practice monthly fire drills, tornado drills and other emergency-preparation drills. Many schools also have interior and exterior camera systems to monitor their grounds. All guests are required to sign in and out of school buildings. Middle and high schools have dedicated school-resource officers. A safety manager is available to travel to all emergency situations.

In the event of an emergency situation, we ask that parents take the following steps:

1. Make sure your child knows to follow their teachers’ instructions. In emergency situations, teachers and staff need cooperation from their students to keep them safe.

2. Please do not call your child’s school. Schools need to keep phone lines open for emergency communications with other public agencies, such as law enforcement.

3. Make sure your child’s school has your correct phone number and email address. In the event of an emergency, you may need to be contacted immediately. We also send automated calls and emails to parents to inform them of situations.

4. Please do not drive to your child’s school. Emergency vehicles may need access to the school, and an influx of parents may slow their progress. Oftentimes schools are in lockdown during emergency situations, so no one is allowed in or out of a building.

5. Check the school’s Web site (wsfcs.k12.nc.us), Cable 2 and other local media for updates.

Ron Pannell, Safety Manager Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools 336.727.2527 [email protected]