Emergency Situation Lockdown Procedures
1. Shelter in Place — Low-level response
This will be initiated when a potential threat exists outside of the building. Teachers, support, staff, administration, and students must remain inside the locked dance studio for safety reasons. Students who are outside will be brought inside immediately.
Possible causes
Extreme weather (hailstorms, or severe lightning)
Environmental issues (wildlife near the school, forest fire, gas leak)
Incident involving emergency response close to the studio (traffic accident with serious injuries)
A possible threatening situation which has not yet been investigated or confirmed
Any other circumstance where Arise needs to ensure student safety
What happens in the studio
Teachers reassure students that there is no imminent threat and that they are safe while they remain inside the studio
Exterior studio doors are locked and all windows are closed
Lights stay on and the doors to Studio A and Studio B are kept open
Regular dance instruction continues
Students may access washrooms with teacher permission
Communication with parents
Students are not allowed to leave the building. Parents, students, or outside visitors will not be allowed to enter the studio. Parents will receive an email and/or phone call message indicating that a Shelter in Place has been initiated. Another message will be sent out once it has ended.
2. Secure Studio — Moderate level response
This will be initiated when a potential threat exists inside or outside of the building. Teachers and students must remain inside their respective studio with the doors closed and locked. All exterior studio doors and windows will also be locked. Students who are outside the building will be immediately brought inside and will be directed to the closest safe area of the building, or be taken into police protection.
Possible causes
Emergency situation inside the studio where people moving around might prevent authorities from doing their job (police, fire, or medical authorities have been called)
Incident involving emergency response close to the studio (traffic accident with serious injuries)
Investigation of a bomb threat where immediate evacuation is not required
An intruder is suspected to be a possible threat to staff or student safety
Possible life-threatening situation which has not yet been investigated or confirmed
Any other circumstance where Arise needs to ensure student safety
What happens in the studio
Teachers reassure students that there is no imminent threat inside and that they are safe while they remain inside the studio
Exterior studio doors and windows are locked
Lights stay on and the studio doors are closed
Students are not allowed to leave their respective studio (Studio A or Studio B)
Medical or washroom emergencies are addressed individually by teachers
If a student has an urgent medical or biological need, teachers will contact the admin or support staff to ask for help. This staff member will bring food to the studio if needed, or escort students to the washroom
Communication with parents
Students are not allowed to leave the building. Parents, students, or outside visitors will not be allowed to enter the studio. Parents will receive an email and/or phone call indicating that a Secure Studio has been initiated. Another message will be sent out once it has ended. If the situation changes to an active threat where serious injury or death is imminent or occurring, lockdown procedures will be initiated.
3. Lockdown — Highest level Response
This is the highest level of response to a threat. Administration or Support Staff will call 911 and everyone must remain silent, behind doors, and out of sight with the lights off. If the administration or support staff are not able to call, a teacher should call 911. Once the police arrive, they will take command of the studio and direct the response. The teachers must follow all police directions.
Possible causes
An intruder is suspected to be a serious threat to staff and student life or safety
Imminent danger is present at the studio and the safety of all is threatened
Any other circumstance where Arise needs to ensure student safety
What happens in the studio
A judgment call will be required in this situation. If a dangerous intruder is in the building and it is safe to do so, teachers should take students out of the building using the nearest exit and lead them to the safety of another nearby location.
If there is danger outside:
Exterior doors and windows are locked
If possible, students and staff should immediately go into the bathroom(s), turn off the light, and lock the door
If it is not possible to leave Studio A and Studio B, turn off the lights and close each studio door
Students are not permitted to leave
Staff and students must stay silent and hide in the safest area of the room
Communication with parents
Parents, students, or outside visitors will not be allowed to enter the studio while it is in lockdown or under the direction of the police. Since all areas of the studio will be in lockdown, the studio will not be able to receive phone calls. When possible, parents will receive an email and/or phone call indicating that a lockdown has been initiated. Another message will be sent out once it has ended.
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Adapted from https://www.ocsb.ca/our-board/policies/lockdowns/ which was written in cooperation with the Ottawa Public Police and is based on the Guidelines for Developing and Maintaining Lockdown Procedures for Schools in Ontario