District safety director outlines emergency guide, drills and parent communications

Byron McCram, identified in the meeting as the district’s Director of Safety, presented a new District Emergency Information Guide to the Brentwood Union Free School District Board of Education on Sept. 26 and described steps families should follow in emergencies.

McCram said the guide explains commonly used terms (lockdown, lockout) so parents better understand notices from schools and will be posted on the district website in English and Spanish. He listed district communications channels — ParentSquare, email and text — and said the district recently installed additional antennas in nine buildings to maintain communications during power outages. He reiterated that parents should update emergency contacts through the eSchool portal and keep medical and medication information current with the school nurse.

McCram reviewed drill and reunification procedures required by the state, saying New York State requires 12 drills, including four emergency evacuations and four lockdown/lockout drills; the district will notify parents a week before drills take place. He said parents cannot opt out of routine drills unless props or police are involved in a drill scenario. He also described a parent staging area for reunification and said parents picking up children during an incident must present photo identification (driver’s license, non‑driver ID, military ID, passport or immigration card). McCram urged parents not to come to school sites during an emergency because doing so can impede first responders.

McCram provided an anonymous tip line, (631) 972-1555, which he said is checked daily, and a security desk number, (631) 434-2500, which he said is staffed 24/7. He asked community members to rely on official district or law‑enforcement communications and avoid rumors or unofficial sources.

The board thanked McCram and said the guide will be shared with parents in English and Spanish.