Emergency preparedness
The safety of students and staff is a top priority for VSB. Planning and practice happens regularly in VSB schools so that students and staff know how to respond calmly and safely if an emergency occurs.
This practice may include fire, earthquake or other safety related‑related drills. We follow provincial best practices for maintaining school safety and work closely with police and other emergency responders to optimize our safety procedures.
Safety drills are planned, age appropriate and followed by staff check-ins with students. Schools always consider the needs of students when drills are planned. We balance safety awareness with designing plans that are trauma-informed.
The District’s emergency procedures are outlined in AP 165 of our Administrative Procedures manual.
How we prepare for safety
Schools regularly practice emergency drills throughout the year. In the event of an emergency concern, the following actions may be implemented.
Drop – cover – hold on
Used in the event of an earthquake or another event.
During drop, cover and hold:
- Drop to the ground
- Take cover
- Hold on until shaking stops
Evacuation
Used when there is a hazard (fire, flood, etc.) contained within the school.
During an evacuation:
- Safely leave the school (or site)
- Gather at the designated assembly area
Hold and secure
Used when there is a safety concern outside the school, such as police activity or another situation in the surrounding area.
During a hold and secure:
- Exterior doors are locked
- No one enters or leaves the school
- Classes and activities continue as usual in the school, with limited movement inside
This measure is precautionary and helps keep students safely inside the building.
Lockdown
Used when there is a serious safety concern inside the school or directly related to the school.
During a lockdown, students and staff move to secure locations inside the building:
- Exterior and interior doors and windows are closed and locked
- Classroom activities pause and everyone remains together in their room
- Lights are turned off and window coverings are drawn to reduce visibility from outside
- Students and staff stay inside and out of sight, moving only if directed by staff or emergency responders
- No one enters or leaves the school until the lockdown is lifted
- Mobile devices are silenced/turned off
- Police take the lead in assessing and resolving the situation
Staff remain focused on keeping students calm, supervised and supported. If a lockdown occurs, families are asked not to come to the school unless directed. This helps emergency responders do their work safely and quickly.
Shelter in place
Used when there is an environmental concern (extreme weather, poor air quality, wild animal) near to the school building.
During shelter in place students and staff:
- Stay indoors or return indoors
- Continue with classes and activities as usual inside
How we communicate with families
During an emergency or safety response:
- We share information as soon as it is safe and appropriate
- Messages focus on confirmed information
- Updates are sent through our usual school and District communication channels (email and website)
Reunification
In case of a major emergency such as an earthquake, parents and caregivers are responsible for picking up their children.
Students are only released to adults listed on their emergency contact list with valid photo ID.
We encourage families to have a few authorized emergency contacts.
The check-in area for emergency contacts will be clearly marked.