Security increased at schools countywide

School districts countywide are ratcheting up their emergency plans, sending letters to anxious parents, conducting lockdown drills and devising response instructions for security officers. Representatives from the San Diego County schools office, the FBI and other agencies briefed district officials yesterday on how to protect students from terrorist attacks. County Superintendent Rudy Castruita, who hosted the meeting, referred district leaders to a federal Web site that guides schools on how to cope with the conflict as the focus shifts to war. The guidelines suggest that while the government’s color-coded terrorism alert is at orange – high risk of an attack – schools should keep entrances and exits to a minimum and inspect all deliveries. If the alert is raised to code red – severe risk – campuses should prepare for evacuation if ordered and consider shutting the school if necessary. Full Story