ADAMS TWP — A new component of the Mars School District emergency operations plan is meant to ensure students are safe in any situation.

Superintendent Wesley Shipley announced at Tuesday night’s school board meeting that safety flip charts have been placed near the doors in classrooms and other areas of all five schools.

The flip charts provide quick reference for teachers and other adults who need instructions on what to do in an emergency, Shipley said.

He said the Adams and Middlesex police departments know about the charts, and that teachers have been trained on their contents.

The teachers and staff underwent intruder training last spring, Shipley said, and the flip charts are another tool in the district’s efforts to ensure the highest level of safety for students and staff.

Josh Schwoebel, the district director of communications, said the flip charts also have been placed in work spaces and storage closets in all buildings.

Chris Petrini, who teaches fourth grade at the elementary school, said she hopes the charts are never needed.

“We are trained in (emergency) procedures, but to have (the flip charts) right there as a reference in the case of something unforeseen happening is really helpful,” Petrini said.

She said parents, paraprofessionals, and even students could use the easy-to-understand information on the charts in an emergency.

“They’re very visible, they’re all in same spot, and you don’t have to search the classroom to find instructions,” Petrini said.

Shipley said the charts cover all emergencies, including the evacuation of students.

He said for safety reasons, the emergency operations plan will not be made public.

“The plan is held in the strictest confidence and is highly sensitive,” Shipley said.