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Safe School Terminology

Terminology is very important. Plans should clearly identify when the term ‘lockdown’ is used. The term used to order a lockdown should be plain language, clear and leave no misunderstanding as to what is expected. The following terms are used in Grand Erie District School Board and in schools across the province:

Shelter in Place

Shelter in Place is used for an environmental, or weather related situation, where it is necessary to keep all occupants within the school to protect them. Examples may include chemical spills, blackouts, explosions or extreme weather conditions.

What happens in the school?

  • People must enter and remain in the building with the doors and windows closed.
  • Fans including heating and air conditioning units should be turned off to prevent air from outside entering the building.
  • Normal operations may continue within the building.

Hold and Secure

Hold and Secure is used when the school is secured due to an ongoing situation outside and not related to the school.

An example may include a bank robbery near a school and police are on pursuit to find the assailant. Most incidents that use this terminology are prompted by local police detachments.

What happens in the school?

  • Staff members are posted at each entrance.
  • All movement in and out of the school is restricted.
  • Exterior facing windows should be covered or blinds drawn, lights dimmed, where possible.
  • The school continues to function normally with the exterior doors locked until the situation is resolved.

Lockdown

Lockdown is used when there is a major incident or a threat of school violence within the school or in relation to the school. The threat in a lockdown situation is directly inside the school or is on school property and poses an immediate threat to the safety of students and staff. An example of a lockdown is when there is someone in the school who is in possession of a weapon with the intent to threaten or harm.

What happens in the school?

  • All schools must follow lockdown procedures.
  • All movement in and out of the school and within the school is restricted.
  • Doors remain open to permit police immediate entry.

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