What Surrey Schools safety alert notifications mean

Surrey Schools has outlined the safety and security measures in place to protect students, staff and families at its schools. The district says all schools in Surrey and White Rock have safety and security plans and practise safety drills regularly throughout the school year.

The district says it works closely with the Surrey Police Service and maintains open communication with appropriate authorities during every critical incident. Its School Safety Plan sets out protocols and procedures for a range of situations and includes a school safety alert system for potential or actual threats.

School administrators are authorized to activate a safety alert at their school. They also take part regularly in provincially mandated drills so that everyone on site understands the protocols and the actions to take in different situations.

A lockdown is used when there is a perceived safety risk inside or close to a school building. Hold and Secure is used when the safety risk is outside the building or in the surrounding community. All Clear is issued after the situation has been resolved and there is no longer a threat to students, staff or visitors.

Evacuate is used for threats including a fire, bomb threat or gas leak. Drop-Cover-Hold On is used during events such as an earthquake or explosion. Shelter in Place is used when there are concerns such as extreme weather, poor air quality or a wild animal on school grounds.

Surrey Schools says safety alerts are most often precautionary, but parents and guardians should familiarize themselves and their students with the terms. Detailed Emergency Response Guidelines are available on the Surrey Schools website.