Staff, students, and visitors in Limestone District School Board have the right to learn, work, and attend a safe and secure environment. However, the possibility that a major incident of violence or a severe environmental concern may occur is a reality that cannot be overlooked.
To help ensure the safety and security of our school communities, the Board has comprehensive procedures in preparation for and response to emergency situations, which includes specific plans to keep students, staff and others safe in the event of a serious accident or potentially violent incident. Protocols have been developed in collaboration with local emergency services to proactively communicate, plan and train in an effort to prevent, where possible, violence from occurring in schools and where violence does occur, prepare for a quick, coordinated and effective response. More information is available in Administrative Procedure 141: Threats to School Safety.
It is of paramount importance that consistent terminology is used throughout our district and therefore there are four consistent terms and protocols that are used in emergency situations: emergency evacuation, shelter in place, hold and secure and lockdown. Each of these terms and situations are different. Definitions are provided below.
Each emergency protocol includes specific plans to keep students, teachers and other school personnel safe in the event of a threat in the vicinity of a school, a potentially violent incident, or an extreme environmental/weather event. Each potential crisis will be unique to the particular site and its inherent characteristics.
Emergency evacuation
- Emergency incident.
- Quietly and safely leave the building.
- Proceed to emergency evacuation site.
Shelter in place
- Weather or environmental concern.
- Everyone moved inside.
- Doors and windows are closed.
- Instruction continues inside.
Hold and secure
- Threat is outside.
- Everyone moved inside.
- All exterior doors are locked.
- No one in or out.
- Instruction continues inside.
Lockdown
- Threat is inside.
- All interior doors are locked.
- No one in or out.
- Everyone is hidden out of sight.
- Turn off lights and mobile phones.
Communication during emergency protocols
During emergency situations when protocols are initiated, school administration and staff are responsible for keeping students and staff safe and secure. It is not possible for schools to respond to inquiries or send out information during the incident. Their focus - and that of police (where required) and Board staff - is to support the school in maintaining the safety and security of students and staff.
The Board will attempt to keep parents/guardians and the media informed via its official communication channels such as its website and social media accounts. The Board may also use local media to help share information more broadly with the school community. The Board will work as quickly as possible to share information in real time. It is important to note, however, that not all information can be released as it might jeopardize the safety of those involved or impede an ongoing investigation. Schools, with assistance from the Board, will send out additional information and next steps as required after the incident has ended.