1. Issues
- Availability of board services
- Age and size of the student body
- Availability of off-site evacuation facilities
- Distance from community medical and emergency help
- Location of the school in relation to potential community hazards
- Size and design of the school building and location of entrances and exits
2. Types of Emergencies
- Accident/fire in the community
- Airport incident
- Assault or suspected rape
- Bomb threat
- Building/mechanical malfunction
- Chemical or other hazardous spill
- Death of a student or staff member at school or at home
- Drug overdose, poisoning or allergic reaction
- Field trip incident
- Fire
- Intruder or confrontational person
- Kidnapping, hostage situation, missing child, murder
- Large group disturbance or gang fight
- Military issue
- Nuclear power plant concern
- Power failure
- Severe weather or earthquake
- Shooting, or use of other weapons
- Terrorist attack
Evaluate each crisis individually to determine the appropriate level of response.
3. The Fire Plan
- Ensure that the school has an up-to-date fire plan and keep copies in the main office, fire box, custodian’s office, staff room and other appropriate areas of the school. The Plan must, among other things, identify the number of drills required under the Ontario Fire Code (Ont. Reg. 388/97), which, at the time of publication is three times in each of the fall and spring terms. Such drills must involve every person in the building (O. Reg. 298).
- Annually inspect each room or area of the school to make certain that the fire exits and exit routes are clearly marked.
- Ensure exit routes/doors are inspected frequently to ensure they are unobstructed.