Updated: April 2024
North Vancouver School District has built a comprehensive emergency management plan that places the safety of students and staff as the highest priority. The Plan includes the District Critical Incidents Team and broader community planning, in partnership with North Shore Emergency Management and local police, fire, rescue, health and ambulance services.
Emergency Drills
Each year our schools practice a series of emergency drills. This ensures staff and students understand the processes and would therefore be better able to respond during a real emergency. Rehearsing emergency procedures builds confidence and helps to give staff, students, and families a level of familiarity with each of these important drills.
The district’s emergency drills incorporate the principles of the All-Hazard approach to emergency management. Learn more about the 5 all-hazard responses on the All-Hazard Responses to Emergencies web page.
Principals annually schedule the following drills and exercise:
- 6 Fire/Evacuation drills
- 3 Earthquake drills
- 2 Lockdown drills
- Student Release Drill (every other year, elementary only)
For more information on the Student Release Drill, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit the Student Release Drill and FAQ web page.
How can families help with Emergency Preparedness?
Families play a valuable role in the success of a school's ability to respond to an emergency. Please familiarize yourself with the following information.
Before An Emergency:
- Return your child's updated student release forms at the beginning of each school year.
- Inform the school office of changes to your contact information.
- Talk to your children; reassure them that the school has an emergency plan and staff will care for them until you (or your alternate) can come to the school. Encourage them to take part in the school’s emergency drills.
- Participate in emergency drills or exercises when invited to do so by the principal.
- Make emergency preparedness a priority at home. Build an emergency supplies kit, and plan how your family will respond during a disaster. Learn more about household emergency preparedness on the Emergency Preparedness at Home web page.
During an Emergency:
In the event of an emergency or disaster, parents will be kept informed via one or more of the following platforms:
Please follow the instructions provided to you through the above communication channels.
Do NOT- Phone the school following a disaster: phone lines must be kept open for emergency communications.
|
Do- Check the North Vancouver School District website (www.sd44.ca) and/or school website
for information and updates.
- If
possible, travel by foot to the school when retrieving your children.
Streets may be cluttered with debris, and school access routes must
remain clear for emergency vehicles.
- Stay calm. Wait for official direction regarding the Student Release.
- Bring
photo identification to the school to collect your children (Student
Release). Note that guardian alternates picking up your children must be 19+
years old.
- Respect the protocols in progress at the school site during an emergency.
- Check your home first to ensure there is no danger there, ensuring it is safe to return
with children.
|
Thank you to all parents and guardians for your continued support with helping our schools be prepared.
