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All-Hazard Responses to Emergencies

Updated: April 2024

​Emergencies happen without warning. The onset of an emergency requires time-sensitive actions that both staff and students are familiar with. These actions may result in saving lives, preventing injuries, and helping to stabilize the situation.

In the event of an emergency, North Vancouver School District uses an All-Hazard approach. This draws from five key responses that are activated as needed, based on the context of the emergency. The five responses are as follows:

​All-Hazard Response​DescriptionExample scenarios where response may be activated​
​DROP, COVER, HOLD ON
​At the first indication of the ground shaking, students and staff go into a DROP, COVER, HOLD ON position to reduce the risk of injury:
  • DROP under a sturdy desk or table
  • COVER head, neck, face
  • HOLD ON to legs of furniture
  • ​Earthquake
  • Explosion
​Evacuation​After receiving direction to do so, students and staff leave the building in a calm and orderly manner and proceed to previously identified locations outside the building. Await further instruction.
Any scenario where the building may be deemed to be unsafe, including:
  • Fire
  • Post-earthquake
  • Chemical accident
  • Explosion or threat of explosion
  • Bomb threat​
​Shelter-in-placeStay inside until the danger has passes. Shelter-inn-place is activated when there is a hazard or risk in the surrounding area. Restrict movement of students and staff due to personal safety considered to be in danger if anyone leaves the school.​Heightened risk due to:
  • Dangerous animal near school premises
  • Downed power line
  • Nearby chemical spill
  • Severe weather​
​Hold and secure
External danger; an emergency situation is occurring outside but in close proximity to the school. Exterior doors are locked; restrict movement of students and staff from the building.​
  • Police incident taking place in the vicinity of the school.​
​LockdownThreat of violence within, or in relation to the school. RCMP are engaged immediately. All exterior and internal doors are locked; no internal movement of students or staff.​
  • ​Dangerous intruder
  • Active shooter
  • Barricaded suspect