Hold and Secure Procedure

Hold and Secure is a precautionary measure typically used when there is a security concern outside a school building, and no immediate threat to those inside. This procedure allows the school to continue with regular activities while taking steps to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

Hold and Secure may also be used when a situation needs to be managed within a school and it’s best to limit students’ movement for a period of time. This could include a medical emergency, or another situation that requires privacy.

Actions Taken During Hold and Secure

During a Hold and Secure, the following steps are taken:

• All exterior doors are locked. No one is allowed to enter or exit the building.
• Students and staff remain inside the building, but regular classroom activities continue. In some cases, movement from class to class is suspended at the direction of the administration.
• If the Hold and Secure occurs, school administration remains in contact with HRCE staff.
• The Hold and Secure is lifted once the situation is resolved.

Hold and Secure ensures the safety of students and staff while minimizing disruption to the school day.

Lockdown Procedure

Lockdown is a procedure used when there is an immediate threat to a school. The purpose of a Lockdown is to protect students and staff from potential harm by securing them in safe locations within the building.

Actions Taken During Lockdown

During a Lockdown, the following steps are taken:

• Staff and students are made aware of the Lockdown.
• Police and HRCE staff are contacted for support.
• All classroom doors are locked and secured. Windows are covered, and lights are turned off.
• Students and staff move to a pre-designated safe area within their classroom or other secure location. Everyone remains silent and out of sight, staying away from doors and windows. This is called positioned for safety.
• No one is allowed to leave their secure location until the Lockdown is officially lifted by school administration at the advice of police.

The Lockdown procedure is designed to keep students and staff safe from any immediate danger until the threat is resolved. In the event of an incident involving a Lockdown, parents and guardians are reminded to wait for communication from the school or HRCE before going to the site.

Practice Drills

Both Hold and Secure and Lockdown procedures require regular practice. HRCE schools conduct drills to ensure that students and staff are familiar with the procedures and can respond appropriately in an emergency.

Regular drills are conducted to practice both Hold and Secure and Lockdown procedures. These drills help to:

• Familiarize students and staff with the steps they need to take
• Identify any areas for improvement in the procedures
• Ensure that everyone can react quickly and effectively in a real emergency

Feedback from these drills is used to refine and enhance the safety protocols, ensuring they are as effective as possible.

Parent and Guardian Communication

Each year, schools will communicate with families about Hold and Secure and Lockdown procedures, scheduled practice drills and emergency responses.

In the event of an incident, schools, working together with HRCE, will ensure that families are informed in a timely manner.