Emergency Notification System

When every second matters, you'll be the first to know. Belding Area Schools has developed protocols to ensure that critical information reaches families, staff, and community partners quickly and reliably during emergency situations.

Our Emergency Notification Protocol

We distinguish between different types of situations that require immediate communication with our school community:

Emergency Situations requiring building-level response include:

• Lockdown situations
• Severe weather conditions requiring shelter procedures
• Building evacuations
• Any situation affecting immediate student or staff safety

District-Wide Notifications determined by the Superintendent include:

• School cancellations due to severe weather or other "Acts of God"
• Late school starts
• Early dismissals
• Emergency closures  

How You'll Be Notified

For Families, Belding Area Schools uses the Skylert Notification System to reach families with emergency information through automated phone calls and email. 

Our Notification Process: When emergencies occur, we follow a coordinated response:

1. Emergency Response Coordination: Buildings are typically first notified by Belding Police, followed by confirmation from Belding Area Schools Central Office
2. Internal Communications: All BAS key personnel receive immediate notification via our emergency radio system
3. Family Notification: Parents receive messages generated by Central Office staff through our Skylert system
4. Ongoing Updates: Additional information is provided as situations develop and more details become available

Ensuring You Receive Critical Information

Your Contact Information Matters. The effectiveness of our emergency notification system depends on having current, accurate contact information for your family. Please ensure that:

• Your primary phone number is updated in your student's registration
• We have both home and mobile numbers when possible
• You notify your child's school office immediately if your contact information changes

During an Emergency

• Answer calls from Belding Area Schools immediately and listen to the complete message
• Follow all instructions provided in the notification
• Avoid calling schools during active emergencies unless specifically instructed—phone lines may be needed for emergency coordination with first responders
• Check our district website for updated information and additional details
• Stay tuned to local media for broader community emergency information

Decision-Making Authority

Superintendent's Role: The Superintendent of Schools has the authority to determine school cancellations, late starts, or early dismissals due to weather or other emergency conditions affecting the entire district.

Building-Level Response: Individual schools work directly with Belding Police and Central Office staff to coordinate responses to building-specific emergency situations.

Questions About Emergency Notifications?

Notification Setup: Contact your child's school office to:

• Verify your contact information is current in our system
• Understand available notification options
• Ensure you're properly enrolled in our Skylert system

Technical Issues: If you believe you should have received an emergency notification but didn't, contact your child's school office immediately to check your enrollment status.

More Information: For questions about our emergency protocols or notification procedures, contact the Belding Area Schools Central Office at 616-794-4700.

Remember: In any emergency situation, your child's safety is our top priority. Our notification system is designed to keep you informed while allowing our staff to focus on student safety and coordination with emergency responders.