At times, to keep ALCDSB schools safe, we need to practice emergency response procedures.
By having a clear process in place, school administrators can navigate possible threats to school safety in a calm and organized manner.
To better serve parents, guardians, and community members, we thought it may be helpful to provide a glossary of terms used in school communications to identify the various types of emergency procedures.
Emergency Response Procedures: Shelter in Place A “Shelter in Place” procedure is put into place in response to an environmental or weather-related situation where school safety is threatened. Ie. extreme weather, wildlife on school premise, chemical spill, or an electrical blackout. During a Shelter in Place procedure students, staff and visitors must be inside the building, building occupants are not permitted to leave the building for the duration of the Shelter in Place status.
In the case a Shelter in Place procedure is put into effect, parents/guardians will be notified by their school principal with additional information and next steps, once safe to do so.
Hold & Secure A “Hold and Secure” measure is put into place when there is an ongoing/potential threat to school safety (ie. an emergency nearby that is not related to the school). During a Hold & Secure, students, staff and visitors must be inside the building, building occupants are not permitted to leave the building for the duration of the Hold and Secure status. Exterior/interior doors may be locked, signs indicating a Hold and Secure status will be posted on exterior doors.
In the case a Hold and Secure procedure is put into effect, parents/guardians will be notified by their school principal with additional information and next steps, once safe to do so.
Lockdown A “Lockdown” is instituted in response to a major incident or threat of school. During a Lockdown, building occupants remain inside the building, and in secured locations. Exterior/interior doors must remain locked for the duration of the Lockdown status.
In the case a Lockdown procedure is put into effect, parents/guardians will be notified by their school principal with additional information and next steps, once safe to do so.
Fire Alarm/Evacuation Staff and students are evacuated from a school in response to an emergency. (i.e. Fire or natural gas leak). In the case of an evacuation, building occupants will be led outdoors to a safe meeting place.
In the case of an evacuation, parents/guardians will be notified by their school principal with additional information and next steps, once safe to do so.
