This Emergency Preparedness Policy outlines CCLS Houston’s procedures and protocols for responding to emergencies, including natural disasters, medical incidents, fires, security threats, and other unforeseen events.
This policy applies to all students, instructors, staff, and visitors within the school premises.
Response team:
- The President/CEO or Academic Coordinator coordinates emergency actions and communicates with authorities.
- The Academic Coordinator and Administrative Operations Specialist assist in evacuations, student accountability, first aid support, and communication with students.
- The instructors ensure that students follow emergency procedures, provide guidance during an incident, and conduct a head count of all their students before evacuating the building.
1. FIRE AND EVACUATION:
The building is equipped with a fire alarm system and evacuation routes are clearly posted.
Evacuation Procedures
When the emergency alarm sounds or an evacuation announcement is made:
- Immediately stop all activities and prepare to evacuate.
- Remain calm and listen to instructions from staff or emergency personnel.
- DO NOT use elevators – use designated stairwells only.
Immediate Actions
- Leave personal belongings unless necessary (keys, phone, ID).
- Instructors take class rosters to account for students at the assembly area.
- If safe, close windows and doors before leaving.
- Students with Mobility Issues: Designated staff or emergency personnel will assist in evacuating individuals who require help.
- If Trapped or Unable to Evacuate:
Stay near a window and signal for help.
Call 911 and provide your location.
Seal doors with fabric if smoke enters.
Evacuation Routes & Safe Exit
- Follow the posted evacuation routes leading to the nearest stairwell exit.
- Move into a single file line, keeping to the right side of the stairwell.
- Hold handrails while descending and do not run, push, or stop in stairwells.
- Assist those who need help but do not delay evacuation.
Assembly Point & Headcount
- Once outside, proceed to the designated assembly area (parking lot).
- Instructors will take attendance and report any missing students to emergency responders.
- Stay at the assembly point until further instructions are given.
- Re-entering the facility will be allowed only after clearance from the authorities. If the building is unsafe, further instructions will be provided on alternate locations or reunification procedures.
2. INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event of extreme weather emergency conditions (such as hurricane, tornado or flood watch or warning) If weather deteriorates unexpectedly, personnel and students are advised to listen to/watch for official advisories/alerts:
- National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/hgx and local TV.
- Radio stations: Houston NWR KGG-68 (162.400 MHz)/ KHB40 (162.550 MHz)
- CCLS Houston contact information: 832.562.0133/ info@cclshouston.com.
Shelter-in-Place Procedures
- When a Tornado Warning or Severe Weather Alert is issued, a school-wide announcement will be made.
- DO NOT attempt to leave the building or use elevators.
- All staff and students must immediately keep away from exterior windows and proceed- in an orderly and calm manner-to the designated shelter area (school’s reception/ lounge).
- Instructors must take their class rosters and account for students.
- Sit or crouch against an interior wall, facing down, covering your head and neck with your arms.
- Stay in place until the “All Clear” is given by school administration or emergency responders.
Class cancellation / resuming
- CCLS Houston will notify students as soon as the school district confirms class cancellations and instructions will be communicated to personnel and students via SMS and posted on our website, during and after a hurricane or other extreme weather condition.
- Classes and office hours will resume as scheduled on the day following the event, unless otherwise announced, provided the hurricane watch or warning has been lifted and the school remains undamaged. Any canceled classes will be rescheduled, and the session end date will be adjusted accordingly.
- CCLS Houston website will inform on school activities during and after a hurricane or other extreme weather condition: www.cclshouston.com
3. INTRUDER/ ROBBERY SITUATION
If a suspicious person is observed inside or outside the school, immediately notify the closest staff member or call the office.
Once the situation is identified as an active threat, all teachers must calmly inform their students to proceed with the emergency evacuation procedure.
In Charge:
- The staff or faculty in charge is responsible for immediately contacting 911 to report the emergency.
- Clearly state the nature of the emergency (robbery or intruder situation) and provide all relevant details, including the building’s address and the location of the intruder or threat within the school.
- inform emergency responders about the status of students and staff, including that all students are accounted for and in Classroom Mexico.
Stay in Communication:
- The staff or faculty should continue communicating with emergency services and providing updates on the situation.
- Ensure the authorities are aware of the safest route for them to access the building if needed.
Evacuation to Safe Location (Classroom Mexico)
Teachers’ Responsibility:
- All teachers should instruct their students to immediately move to the end of the hallway and proceed to Classroom Mexico, located at the back of the building. This classroom is the largest and offers a secure, concealed space for all individuals.
- Teachers must ensure that students are calm, quiet, and proceed to the classroom in an orderly manner. Keep students away from windows and doors.
Students’ Responsibility:
- Students should follow their teacher’s instructions and move quickly but safely to Classroom Mexico.
- Do not engage with the intruder or anyone who may pose a threat. Avoid using cell phones unless directed to do so by the teacher for safety purposes.
Locking the Classroom
Teachers:
- Upon entering Classroom Mexico, immediately lock the door to prevent the intruder from accessing the room.
- If there is no immediate threat to the classroom, ensure the lights are off and everyone stays quiet and out of sight from any windows.
- Remain Calm and Keep Students Safe: reassure students that they are safe and maintain a calm demeanor. Ensure that no noise or movement draws attention from the intruder.
Awaiting Authorities’ Arrival
Do Not Leave the Classroom:
- Do not allow students to leave Classroom Mexico until you have received official clearance from the authorities or emergency services.
- Keep the door locked and maintain silence while waiting for instructions from law enforcement.
Post-Emergency Protocol
Evacuation:
- Once authorities arrive and give clearance, follow their instructions for evacuating the building or moving to a designated safe area.
- Ensure all students and staff remain calm and orderly during the evacuation process.
Debriefing:
After the incident, all students and staff will participate in a debriefing session. This is to ensure everyone is accounted for and to provide support in the event of trauma or emotional distress.
In the case of a suspicious package or envelope, do not open or move it; instead, call 911 immediately and evacuate.
4. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
- If any person (personnel, student or visitor) suffers a serious medical emergency, call 911 immediately and provide first aid if trained and safe to do so.
- The Academic Coordinator or designated staff will notify emergency contacts as needed.
- A first aid kit is in the Admin Workspace for minor injuries or discomfort.
5. POWER OUTAGES & FACILITY HAZARDS
If a power outage occurs, management will assess the situation and determine if classes should be suspended.
If an AC system malfunctions, gas leaks, water damage, or other hazards occur, report them to Building management immediately.
6. COMMUNICABLE DISEASE AND PANDEMIC RESPONSE:
- In the case of a future pandemic or communicable disease outbreak, CCLS Houston will follow the guidelines of the CDC and state and local authorities to prevent the spread of disease and implement necessary safety measures. These may include remote learning options, social distancing protocols, mask mandates, sanitation procedures, and vaccination recommendations as required.
- Updates will be communicated promptly to students, faculty, and staff via email and the school’s website.
- For IEP non-immigrant students, CCLS Houston will closely monitor guidance from the federal authority and the accreditation agency and will comply with their requirements.
7. CONTINGENCY PLAN
If classes need to be interrupted, the following options apply:
- The course end-date will be postponed until all the missed classes have been made-up.
- Make-up classes will be scheduled based on the students’ and teachers’ availability.
- Class time will extend 15 or 30 minutes – before or after the regular class schedule until the missed hours have been made up.
- CCLS Houston will follow guidelines provided by regulatory and accreditation agencies in any emergency.
IDL Program
If an emergency occurs at the school, IDL classes will continue as scheduled without interruption. CCLS Houston will communicate to IDL students and instructors any necessary changes in the case of inclement weather or blackouts.
School Contact Information:
President/ CEO: Cinthya E. Trueba /cinthya@cclshouston.com /(832) 642-3288
Academic Coordinator: Cristina Flores/ cristina@cclshouston.com / (832) 381-8615
Administrative Operations Specialist: Shams Maallah/ shams@cclshouston.com/(832) 562-0133
This policy, while previously implemented in practice, becomes officially effective as of 2025
This policy is subject to periodic review and may be updated as necessary. Any updates must be approved by the President as specified in CCLS Houston’s Policy for Institutional Policy Development.