Emergency Preparedness

The safety of the school environment where your children spend much of their day is our top priority. We work in partnership with national, state, and local safety officials - police, fire, emergency medical services, and public health - in order to ensure our schools are well prepared for an emergency.

All schools have comprehensive crisis plans in place to address a wide variety of emergency situations. These plans were developed in conjunction with safety officials and are reviewed annually. In addition, safety drills are held throughout each school year to ensure students and staff know how to respond to different situations.

Access to school facilities may be limited during an emergency as it may be necessary to keep the streets and parking lot clear for emergency vehicles. If it is hazardous for students to be released, everyone will be kept inside the school until notified by the authorities that it is safe outside. Schools will act with the safety of students in mind, and school officials will always follow the directives of emergency personnel.

Parents are asked not to call or come to a school during an emergency. We understand and respect your concern, but it is essential that the telephone system is available for emergency communications and that staff are handling their emergency roles.

Parents will be notified of emergencies through the division’s rapid notification system. Parents are encouraged to remain close to their source of communication, whether it is phone or email, to ensure they are receiving accurate and timely updates on the emergency from school division staff.