The TDSB has an Emergency Preparedness Plan designed for 5 levels of threat, ranging from an immanent building threat (such as a fire) to a National Emergency. We have detailed evacuation plans to remove students and staff quickly and we have had 2 opportunities to practice this already this term.
There are two levels of Evacuation Plans. For the first level, and the one we practice as a Fire Drill, we evacuate the building and gather the students at the bottom of the school yard, and, In the event that it is necessary, we have a full evacuation plan that would mean taking students to a nearby school to wait out the situation. Our school destinations are John Ross Robertson or Forest Hill Public School.
A Shelter in Place is a response to a threat close to the school such as the gas leak that occurred last week. A Hold and Secure is a response to a threat in the general vicinity of the school, but not on or near school property, such as a police pursuit (especially of a dangerous offender) or a crime in progress. In these cases, staff and students are considered safe in the building, normal classroom programming continues or alternative activities in the school, should it be after school hours, until we are given the go ahead that it is safe to dismiss the students.
A Lockdown is a response to an emergency situation where evacuation is not advisable, and steps are taken to protect students from danger. In these cases, we minimize access and visibility to shelter the students . All classroom doors are locked as are all outside doors except one for emergency personnel if necessary. Classroom door windows are covered, blinds are pulled and students are gathered away from windows. In this case, the school is in contact with police, the TDSB Safe Schools office and the Superintendent. Staff are designated to check washrooms and, if a student were in the washroom they would go to the nearest classroom. We had a Lockdown practice the morning of the gas leak incident. In that case, students had been prepared by staff, and knew the practice was coming.
When communicating with your children about these emergency procedures, it is important that they take these practices very seriously, but also that they know that dangerous incidents are extremely unlikely. Although they may find it a little unsettling, all the practising ensures that we will stay safe in a real emergency.