In an emergency , such as an earthquake , a student ’ s time on campus may be extensive and result in an abrupt or prolonged interruption to a medication routine . Should this impact be significant ( consultation with the family physician is advised ), parents / guardians are responsible for providing a 72-hour supply of medication for emergency use only .
Emergency Communication
Crofton House School has specific emergency procedures in place . All urgent information ( e . g . an emergency-related school closure ) is provided to parents / guardians by automated phone message or email , and , if possible , added to the website and communicated to CBC ( 690 AM / 88.1 FM ), CKNW ( AM 980 ) and News 1130 ( AM 1130 ).
Emergency Preparedness
An Emergency Procedures booklet with a description of each emergency procedure is posted in a visible location in each room on campus to assist staff , students and visitors in the case of emergency situations such as fire , earthquake , criminal activity , and / or weatherrelated threats . Further , each classroom is equipped with an emergency kit .
Emergency Evacuation ( Fire , Earthquake , Gas Leak )
In the event of fire , earthquake or environmental contamination such as a gas leak , expedient evacuation from school buildings is essential . To be prepared , evacuation drills are held throughout the school year ( three in the fall and three in the spring ) in accordance with the British Columbia Fire Services Act . The signal to evacuate is a repetitive sounding of the bell . All individuals on campus must leave the school building immediately by the nearest exit and assemble in identified areas . Attendance for students and staff will be recorded .
Containment Responses ( Lockdown , Hold and Secure , Shelter in Place )
Three situations require those at school to be safely contained within the school buildings .
Lockdown is used in a serious emergency where the threat is inside the school or on / very near school property , and steps are required to isolate students and staff members from danger .
Hold and Secure is a response to a threat and / or incident in the general vicinity of the school , but not on or very near school property . School life continues as usual inside the school ; however , as a precautionary measure , outer doors are locked , and no one enters or leaves the buildings .
Shelter in Place is used when the immediate environment is hazardous . Everyone remains inside buildings , and protective measures are taken . This is primarily used for environmental or weather-related events .
To respond to a situation that requires containment in a calm manner , it is important to practice the procedure , specifically in a lockdown situation . Following the recommendation of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ( RCMP ), Crofton House School students and staff have at least two lockdown drills each year . Crofton House School rehearses both lockdown and Hold and Secure situations . The one message of vital importance to parents / guardians and students is to refrain from contacting each other or the School by phone or text in the event of a lockdown . Communication will be centralized through one source .
28 Crofton House School