- “All Clear”
- Ensure the building is safe for the return of staff and students after an
evacuation.
- Provide for alternative teaching space if a portion of the building is under
repair after fire, vandalism, flooding, etc. If the school has been seriously
damaged or destroyed, seek assistance from your supervisory officer, board
staff and community organizations to find temporary space and learning
materials.
- Debriefing
- Assemble the school’s emergency response team and review their actions. Seek
their advice and suggestions.
- Meet with all staff and brief them.
- Seek the assistance of the board’s Tragic Events Response Team and staff from
other schools.
- Communication
- Prepare a statement for staff members to use when answering phone enquires.
- Meet with students in small groups to provide follow-up information and
answer questions. In some instances, an assembly may be appropriate.
- Follow board procedures for the reporting of student accidents to OSBIE and
staff accidents to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
- With the guidance of the board information officer, prepare a letter for parents,
trustee, media, etc. to offer additional information about the incident and what
students can expect.
- In Case of Death
- The Tragic Events Response Team will have a specific process developed for
the schools in the board.
- Consult with a funeral director, community or religious leader about
appropriate funeral etiquette.
- Follow board protocol for the lowering the school’s flag if there has been a
death.
- Provide rooms where students can meet with peer and staff counsellors.
- Student suicide will require special steps to minimize the possibility that other
students may imitate the behaviour. Seek guidance from relevant personnel.
- Call the family of the victim(s); indicate your concern and offer the support
services of the board. Open a book of condolence in the main office or other
suitable location.
- Determine whether the school will hold a memorial service for the deceased
and help students and staff with the planning.
- Arrange for class coverage for staff who wish to attend the funeral.
- Consult with the emergency/crisis response team about how staff and students
are coping during the aftermath; identify issues and concerns.
- In the case of a death, close student or staff records (OSR, electronic data)
according to board procedures. Deal with the victim’s personal effects.
Training Opportunities
Take advantage of all training offered by your board in the area of emergency preparedness.
Control Your Reactions and Take Responsibility
Always remember that your response sets the tone for everyone else’s.
You may not be able to control circumstances, but
you can control the way you react to them.
When you make a mistake (and that will happen) take full responsibility and apologize.