School Safety Notification System

DROP, COVER, AND HOLD

Used in the event of an earthquake, explosion, or any event that shakes the school.

• Quickly move away from obvious hazards
• DROP low to the ground
• COVER – take cover under a sturdy table, desks, furniture, or other large sturdy items
• HOLD ON – to the furniture you are under and stay there until the shaking stops
• Once shaking stops, wait 60 seconds and then evacuate via the shortest safe route
• Assemble outside at the designated assembly site

HOLD AND SECURE

Used when there is a security concern, such as a police incident, in the neighbourhood of the school.

• Principal/designate to announce “hold and secure,” repeating several times
• Principal/designate to call District Education Office (604.463.4200) to inform of Hold and Secure
• Lock exterior doors and exterior window blinds, minimize activity in hallway
• Put sign on front door advising visitors that school is in a Hold and Secure
• Normal duties may continue within the school
• Hold and secure will be lifted by an announcement from the principal/designate under direction of RCMP

LOCKDOWN

Used to prevent intruders from entering occupied areas of the school, or in times when it is necessary to isolate students and staff from a danger outside or within the building.

• Principal/designate will announce “lockdown now,” repeating several times
• Principal/designate will call 911 and the District Education Office (604.463.4200) – only when/if it is safe to do so
• Students and staff gather in the nearest secure room
• Close and secure doors
• Turn off lights, close windows and blinds, get down behind heavy furniture or out of sight, stay quiet
• All students must turn off cellphones
• Do not respond to anyone at the door, and ignore dismissal bells
• Remain in lockdown until the room is cleared by authorities

SHELTER IN PLACE

Used as a short-term measure to protect students and staff from potential dangers outside the school (e.g. environmental weather-related emergencies, dangerous wild animals on school grounds, or a missing child).

• Bring everyone into school and remain indoors
• Secure exterior doors and windows
• Close exterior window blinds (if available)
• Turn off all ventilation systems (if available/appropriate)
• Staff designates will monitor access to school via main entrance
• Access may be denied if a risk exists that jeopardizes safety of occupants

EVACUATE

Used to move people out of the school when a hazard exists inside. May include floods, potential fire, or a bomb threat.

• Students and staff directed to exit school using the safest route
• Students and staff to assemble outside at a designated assembly site

ROOM CLEAR

Used to move people away from a hazard contained in one room/area.

• Students directed to leave the room/area and report to designated area
• Principal/designate to call for assistance as needed (e.g. principal/vp, custodian, 911, first aid attendant)