Article: Columbia revamps school emergency plan; Detailed instructions anticipate responses 'that could save lives'

Ten years ago, most educators didn't have to worry about guns in the classroom. Bomb threats usually turned out to be pranks, and occasional fire drills were a minor disruption for faculty and students.

Times, however, have changed, and Columbia School District is changing with them.

The district released its new School Emergency Operations Plan this month that deals with everything from blackouts to shootings to gas leaks and crashing airplanes.

"This plan details the steps and procedures that administration and staff would take in the event of an emergency," Diane Frey, assistant superintendent, said June 14. "These are precise, all- encompassing instructions that could help save lives."

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