Lakehead District School Board Emergency Evacuation And School Closure Procedures.pdf

# Lakehead District School Board (LDSB) Emergency Evacuation and School Closure Procedures

## Policy and Definitions:
- LDSB commits to comprehensive emergency response plans for schools, tailored to each institution's unique needs.
- An "emergency" triggers evacuation or school closure due to various factors like fire, flood, inclement weather, bomb threats, chemical spills, etc.
- Key protocols include:
- Lockdown: Major incident or threat of violence within the school.
- Hold and Secure: External danger not immediately threatening the school, e.g., police pursuits or crimes in progress.
- Shelter in Place: Possible environmental danger in the neighborhood, making it safer to remain inside.
- Bomb Threat: Warnings of an impending explosion or fire intended to cause damage or harm.
- Concealed Weapon: Information about a student carrying a weapon.

## Guidelines:
- Senior administration develops System Emergency Response Plans to aid schools in creating their own emergency plans.
- Every principal establishes a School Emergency Response Plan, adhering to the system plan and local legislative requirements (e.g., Ontario Fire Code).
- Regular drills are held to ensure a smooth evacuation process, with three drills required per year.
- Principals notify crossing guard supervisors of early dismissals due to emergencies.
- Parents/guardians receive a letter early in September detailing emergency closure procedures and the school's plan, including transportation arrangements, alternate sites, and special needs support.
- Staff are expected to report for work during bus cancellations unless roads are hazardous, in which case they should go to an alternate school arranged with their principal.

## Types of Emergency Responses:
The document provides detailed outlines for various emergency scenarios, categorized as:
- Type I - Threat Response
- Type II - Fire Safety Plan
- Type III - Situations Requiring Police Consultation
- Type IV - Municipal Level Emergencies
- Type V - Property Emergencies
- Type VI - Weather Practices

## School Emergency Response Plans:
- Principals are responsible for updating and submitting the school's Safety Plan (School Emergency Response Plan) and Fire Safety Plan annually by September 30.
- Each principal ensures their staff is familiar with emergency response plans, stored in an Emergency Response Binder located in the main office.
- The binder includes communication plans, contact information, team member lists, transportation and alternate evacuation site details, relevant school-specific information, and laminated floor plans.