Emergency Preparedness & Response

The safety of our students and staff is always a top priority. That's why we have extensive emergency plans to prepare for and respond to any emergency we may face. Schools practice a number of drills annually in preparation for unexpected situations. 

Many of you have heard the terms 'lockdown' or 'hold and secure'. But what do they mean?

Drop-Cover-Hold

We use this when there is potential danger from structural damage or flying debris.

Shelter-in-Place

Shelter-in-Place is used when it is safer to be inside the school than outside and there is no threat of violence. This could be used in instances of severe weather, a bear or cougar on the school grounds or a dangerous goods spill nearby. During a shelter-in-place, students and staff who are outdoors come back into the school, and everyone stays within safe zones inside the building. Students will not be released or dismissed until the situation has been resolved.

Hold and Secure

Hold and secure is used when there is a threat or possible threat of violence usually outside the school. This could be called because police are responding to a situation near the school and want to ensure public safety or because there may be a medical incident taking place within the school. Depending on the needs of the situation, exterior doors and windows are locked, there is no outside access to the building and movement may be limited to certain areas inside the school. Again, for personal safety students will not be released or dismissed until the situation has been resolved.

Lockdown

Lockdown is used when there is a threat of violence inside the school, such as an armed intruder. When a lockdown is called everyone retreats to their closest lockdown zone. Doors and windows are secured, and lights are turned off. Everyone stays quiet, silences their phones and stays out of sight. No one is allowed in or out of a lockdown zone until the doors are unlocked by emergency responders.

If your child's school is ever in a lockdown, please do not text or call your child. Using a phone during a lockdown can increase the risk for students and staff because the noise from notifications and even the light of the phone screen can let the intruder know where people are.

Evacuation

Sometimes it may be necessary for all students and staff to leave the school and go to an alternate location. In some cases, this may mean only going outside and away from the building until it is safe to re-enter. In other cases, students and staff may need to go to an evacuation centre. If students are evacuated to another location parents will be told about the evacuation and where the evacuation centre is as soon as possible.

Early Dismissal

Under some circumstances it may be best to dismiss students to their homes and families as quickly as possible. Every attempt will be made to alert the emergency contact for each student and students will not be released unless contact has been made.

If you have any questions or concerns about emergency procedures, please get in contact with your child's teacher or school principal.