Emergency Protocols
Throughout the year, schools conduct training and drills to help prepare students and staff for possible emergency situations. These drills give students and staff the chance to practise emergency procedures, respond quickly, and feel more confident if a real emergency occurs.
When a school is faced with an emergency, administration will assess the situation and decide on the safest response and emergency protocol to best protect staff and students.
In addition to the emergency procedures described below, schools also practice In addition to the protocols below, schools also practice procedures such as Drop-Cover-Hold and fire drills. Drop-Cover-Hold may be used during events such as earthquakes, tornados, or other situations where there is a risk of falling or flying debris to protect vital body parts. All staff and students are required to participate in these drills.
| Lock Down | A Lock Down is used when there is a threat of violence inside the school or building. During a Lock Down all doors to and within the school are locked. No one is permitted in or out of any area once it has been locked. Students and staff must respond very quickly to a Lock Down command to get to a safe location before doors are locked. No one, other than law enforcement, is permitted access to the building until the Lock Down is lifted. |
| Hold and Secure | Hold and Secure is used in response to security threats or police activity outside the school. During a Hold and Secure, all exterior doors are locked, and no one permitted to enter or exit the building. Classes and activities inside the school may continue, depending on the situation |
| Shelter-in-Place | A Shelter-in-Place is used when it is safer to remain inside the building than to go outside, and there is no threat of violence inside the school. This may happen during severe weather, poor air quality, a chemical spill, or another environmental or safety concern. During a Shelter-in-Place, students and staff retreat to safe zones to seek shelter. This includes having students or staff who are outdoors come back into the school. Each school’s emergency response plan identifies the safest location for its occupants and how to seal a room from hazardous conditions. Students will not be released or dismissed until the situation has been resolved. |
| Evacuation | An Evacuation is used when it is not safe to remain inside the building. Students and staff leave the school and move to a safe location. In some situations, this may mean moving outside and away from the building. In other cases, students and staff may be taken to another location or evacuation centre. Parents will be informed of the alternate location through regular communication channels. |
| Controlled Student Release | A Controlled Student Release is used when students need to be released to their parents/guardians or another authorized adult following an emergency. This is a structured process to help ensure every student is accounted for and released safely..If a controlled student release is required, families will receive instructions about where to go and what to bring. Do not come to the school to pick up your child unless you are asked to do so. |