... it is now the principal’s responsibility to plan for the unexpected, prepare for the unthinkable, and ensure that everything that can be done, is done, in case of an emergency
An Administrative Handbook: A View from the Elementary Principal’s Desk,
L.J. Stevens. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Education p. 54
- Review your board's policy and procedures regarding school safety and emergency preparedness. Procedures may include: fire alarm, bomb threat, violent incidents, armed intruders, severe weather, etc.
Because each school building, location, community and student body is different, principals need to assess their school’s ability to respond to a variety of emergencies; for example, response plans will be different in rural and urban areas.
- Review the school’s crisis response plan and team. Meet with the team for a briefing.
- Study the school crisis response plan. Some questions for your consideration are noted in the two sections below.
- Make sure you have met with neighbouring schools to discuss your plan and how you can work together in the event of a crisis (such as using another school as your education site).
1. Staff/Student Preparedness
- Will the staff know what to do if the principal is not in the building?
- Is there a written emergency plan that includes a fire plan evacuation, lockdown and communication plan?
- Is there a binder or other type of organized information system to provide critical information during an emergency?
- Do regular and occasional staff understand the plan, have assigned duties and training?
- Are code words for emergencies such as bomb threats or lockdown situations clearly understood by all staff?
- Is there an emergency/crisis response team with each member having clearly defined responsibilities?
- Are drills for various emergencies conducted and evaluated regularly?
- Are staff familiar with the Police/School Board Protocol?
- What is the procedure for reporting staff or student accidents or injuries?
- Are safety procedures and behavioural expectations described in the student handbook and are consequences stipulated in the Code of Conduct?
- Is the school council aware of the school's crisis response planning/preparation?
- Is there a board policy or local protocols that address specific local emergency situations (i.e. nuclear, shared campus, airport, military)?
2. Safety Equipment
- Is equipment readily available in good working condition (e.g. flashlights and bullhorns)?
- Are school surveillance cameras working and in appropriate locations?
- Are first aid kits maintained, distributed throughout the building and available for field trips?
- What type of communication systems are there between classrooms, and other areas of the school, and the main office? Does the public address system have emergency power backup?
- Do the principal, vice-principal and staff supervisor(s) carry walkie-talkies, beepers and/or cell phones when supervising the building or grounds?
- How are exterior doors positioned in relationship to the school grounds and surrounding community? Are they locked during school hours?
- Is there an off-site evacuation location for students and staff? Does the school serve as an evacuation centre for another school or community agency?
- Are there regular inspections of the building and school grounds to ensure proper maintenance, functionality of mechanical systems, and appropriate storage and disposal of hazardous materials?