Crisis Communication Procedures
In an emergency or crisis situation, Lynchburg City Schools will primarily communicate with parents, guardians, students, and staff members at the affected school(s) via phone call, text, and/or email. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial notification: Parents and guardians will receive an automated notification from LCS about the nature of the situation (e.g. whether it’s a lockdown, restricted entry and exit, or something else). It won’t contain detailed information—the goal of this message is to loop everyone in as quickly as possible.
- Crisis updates: LCS will send periodic updates. Even if there’s no new information available, LCS will still send updates to confirm school and emergency personnel are continuing to monitor the situation and institute safety measures.
- Crisis resolution notification: When the crisis situation has been resolved, parents and guardians will receive an update.
- Follow-up: The school principal or LCS administrators will send information about the crisis event, the response by LCS staff, and any relevant resources, as needed.
Notifications
LCS uses a mass notification system to send emails, phone calls, and text messages to families during emergency situations. Make sure your contact information is updated in Infinite Campus.
Parents can choose to receive text messages from schools and the division. To opt in, ensure that your cell phone number is listed in your contact information in Infinite Campus. If you haven’t already done so, you will then need to text “Y” to 67587. You can opt-out at any time by texting “N” to 67587.
If you are not receiving school or emergency notifications, or if you would like to update your contact preferences, contact the LCS HelpDesk at (434) 515-5090. The HelpDesk is available from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Raptor Emergency Management
LCS uses the Raptor Emergency Management platform to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. The platform expedites and streamlines emergency response by allowing staff members to initiate an alert directly through 911 and provide critical information to first responders, law enforcement, and school personnel.