Emergency Preparedness & Response

Schools are among the safest places in our communities. However, emergencies can occur at any time.

During any emergency, our first priority is the safety of students and staff.

Our Division has developed a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan. This plan works in coordination with local emergency services and municipal response plans. School-based plans and the Division plan are reviewed annually and following any emergency event.

Each school has:

  • An on-site Emergency Response Team
  • A Division Emergency Response Team for additional support
  • Regular staff training on emergency procedures
  • Scheduled emergency drills throughout the year

While standardized protocols guide our response, each situation is managed based on its unique circumstances, always with student and staff safety as the top priority.

For security reasons, some elements of our emergency plans are not publicly available. However, the information below outlines our key procedures and answers common parent questions.

Emergency Procedures

Throughout the school year, staff and students participate in drills to ensure preparedness and reduce anxiety in the event of a real emergency.

In addition to the procedures below, schools conduct:

  • Fire drills (6)
  • Lockdown Drills (2)
  • Hold-and-Secure Drill (1)

All students and staff are required to participate in drills.

Terms

  • Lockdown – used when there is a threat of violence inside the school.
  • Hold and Secure – used when there is a security concern or police activity in the area outside of the school.
  • Shelter-in-Place – is typically used during environmental emergencies, such as severe weather or hazardous material incidents.
  • Evacuation – requires students and staff to leave the school building. Parents will be notified of the alternate location through our communication systems.
  • Dismissal – In some situations, it may be determined that students should be dismissed to their families as quickly and safely as possible.

Parents/guardians will be contacted, and young students will not be released unsupervised.

Parent–Child Reunification Procedures

We understand that in an emergency, parents will want to be reunited with their child as quickly as possible. To ensure student safety and accountability, specific procedures must be followed.

If reunification is required:

  1. A Parent–Child Reunion Area will be established.
    This may not be at the school. The location will depend on the situation.
  2. You will complete a Student Release Request Form.
    Students will only be released to individuals listed as a legal guardian or emergency contact on the student’s registration information.
  3. Valid government-issued photo identification is required, even if staff know you.
  4. You must sign out your child.
    This ensures all students are accounted for at all times.
  5. After reunification, please leave the area promptly for your safety and to allow the process to continue smoothly.

If you are unable to pick up your child, they will remain supervised at the Reunion Centre until alternate arrangements are made.

If an Emergency Occurs

Parent instinct may be to come to the school immediately. However, doing so can interfere with emergency responders and school staff.

Please:

  • Do NOT come to the school unless instructed to do so.
  • Do NOT call the school.
  • Do NOT call or text your child’s cell phone.

Why?

  • Phone lines must remain open for emergency communication.
  • Overloaded systems may prevent communication with first responders.
  • Cell phone use during certain emergencies (e.g., lockdowns) could create additional risk.
  • In rare circumstances, electronic devices may pose ignition risks.

Please follow the instructions provided through official communication channels.

Staying Informed During an Emergency

During an emergency, families will receive updates through:

  • Crisis Notification System
    Phone calls, text messages (Opt-In required), or email notifications through SchoolMessenger to the contact information on the student’s file

We may also work with local media to share information when required.

Questions?

If you have questions about emergency preparedness, please contact the school at pn.main@pembinahills.ca or 780.954.3790.


Reference

PHSD Administrative Procedure 20-22 Emergency Response Planning

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