We will be practising a Lockdown and Hold & Secure drill at 10am on July 5, 2023. As a result, a large police presence may be seen at the school. These drills provide valuable training in active threat response for everyone involved. We wanted to give you advance notice so that the drill does not create any concern for families.
Please find below what the procedures mean and the expected response actions. While the incidents of threatening behaviours in our schools are extremely low, we hope that you find this knowledge of our procedures reassuring.
Actions and expectations at the school
What is a Lockdown?
A Lockdown will be activated if there is a potential threat INSIDE the school building.
If the school is placed into a Lockdown, the following procedures will apply:
- All school activities immediately cease.
- Students and staff will secure in the nearest classroom or office.
- All doors to classrooms and offices will be locked and/or barricaded by the supervising adult.
- Students will be kept away from windows and doors and will be instructed to remain silent.
- No one will be permitted to leave their room until the Lockdown is over.
- Use of phones, computers and laptops will not be permitted.
What is a Hold & Secure?
Once the threat of the Lockdown is over, the school will then transition into a Hold & Secure before the “All Clear” is given.
A Hold & Secure can also be activated if there is a potential threat OUTSIDE the school building.
If the school is placed into a Hold & Secure, the following procedures will apply:
- School activities will be conducted in a quiet and calm manner.
- Movement within the school will be limited, students and staff are to remain in their classroom or offices.
- All exterior doors will be locked.
- NO ENTRY signs will be placed on entrance doors.
- No one will be permitted to leave the school until the school administration announces the Hold & Secure is over as directed by Delta Police.
- Use of phones, computers and laptops MAY BE permitted.
Actions and expectations of parents and guardians:
Where can I go for more information?
If you hear about a serious emergency at your child’s school through the news, social media or other means, DO NOT PROCEED TO THE SCHOOL. Instead, the District will update the school website as information is released by the Delta Police Department, including off site evacuation and parent information locations.
Why shouldn’t I go to the school?
There are several reasons we ask parents/guardians not to show up at the school:
- Extra traffic near the school may impede police, fire and EMS personnel that are responding to the situation.
- Schools on lockdown will not let parents in as they don’t have the resources to determine who is a parent/guardian and who might be a threat.
- In the event of an actual threat, a parent/guardian could become a victim.
The safety of students is our highest priority. You can help most by checking the school website for further information and instructions.
Can I call the school directly for more information?
We request that you do not call the school for more information. Recognizing that telephone reception could quickly become overwhelmed by a sudden increase in high call volume, communication both in and out of a school under lockdown will be restricted to law enforcement personnel.
May I communicate with my child during a lockdown?
It’s expected that many parents will feel an urgent need to contact their child in a lockdown situation. Please DO NOT CALL or TEXT your child’s cell phone during an emergency as it is critical for them to remain silent and not draw attention to themselves or others in their group. If there is a real threat within the school, any sound could indicate where the students are hiding.
We ask all parents for their cooperation in respecting law enforcement directives prohibiting the use of cellphones by staff and students during a lockdown.
Please be assured that staff will spend time discussing the importance of these drills and procedures prior to the running of the drill, but we kindly ask that you take the time to speak with your child about these safety procedures and to reinforce there importance.
If you have any questions about the procedures described above, please feel free to contact me at vheal@deltaschools.ca.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Heal
Emergency Preparedness Officer