When you are teaching, you may hear an announcement that says “lockdown, ” “hold and secure,” “shelter in place,” or “internal hold and secure.” It is important that you know what each of these terms mean to keep yourself and your students safe. Below are the definitions that can be found on the Board website:
Lockdown: In order to ensure the ongoing safety and security of students and staff, Rainbow Schools are required to practice lockdown procedures much like fire drills. Lockdown is the term used when there is a major incident or threat of school violence within the school, or in relation to the school. Doors are locked, blinds are closed, and lights are turned off. Everyone moves to the location in the room where it is most difficult to be seen from the classroom door window. Students outside of the building at the time of the lockdown are escorted to a predetermined gathering point at the school.
Hold and secure is the term used when it is desirable to secure the school due to an ongoing situation outside and not related to the school. In this situation, the school continues to function normally, with the exterior doors being locked until such time as the situation near the school is resolved.
Shelter in Place is the term used for an environmental or weather related situation where it is necessary to keep all occupants within the school to protect them from an external situation. Examples may include chemical spills, blackouts, explosions or extreme weather conditions.
The above terms are consistent for schools across Ontario.
Internal Hold and Secure is a term specific to Rainbow District School Board. Rainbow schools may implement an internal hold and secure when something is occurring inside the school and minimal movement is required. Students remain in classrooms. Teaching and learning continues.