Emergency Measures Protocol

Dear Parents:

Should an emergency or disaster situation ever arise in our area while school is in session, we want you to be aware that the schools have made preparations to respond effectively to such situations. Should we have a major disaster during school hours, your child will be cared for at our school. Prairie Spirit School Division has a detailed emergency plan which has been formulated to respond to a major catastrophe.

1. Your cooperation is necessary in any emergency, and you can assist us by observing the following guidelines: In the event of a serious emergency, students will be kept at their schools until they are picked up by an identified, responsible adult who has been identified as such on the student registration form which is required to be filled out by parents at the beginning of every school year. Please be sure you consider the following criteria when you authorize another person to pick up your child at school:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Usually home during the day
  • Is known to your child
  • Is both aware and able to assume this responsibility

2. Tune your radio for emergency announcements. If students are to be kept at school, local radio stations will be notified. In addition, information regarding school operations will be available by calling the Division Office at 306-683-2800 or checking the school division website: www.spiritsd.ca .

3. Impress upon your children the need for them to follow the directions of any school personnel in times of an emergency.

4. As part of the school’s preparation for an emergency, we practice drills and procedures that would assist us to ensure the safety of our students. Some of the drills we practice include fire drills, reverse evacuation (getting the students safely into the school), and school lockdown. A school lockdown could occur if our school encounters an emergency which prevents a safe evacuation and requires steps to isolate students and staff from danger. In a school lockdown situation, all students are kept in classrooms or other designated locations that are away from danger. Teachers are responsible for accounting for students and ensuring that no one leaves the safe area. School personnel will also secure building entrances, ensuring that no unauthorized individuals leave or enter the building.
Understandably, the emergency drills can be upsetting for our students. We are asking for your assistance to discuss the need for drills at the school and to reassure your children of their safety.

The Red Cross has developed some excellent materials on safety that are particularly relevant to the school and the home. The Expect the Unexpected™ program includes a brochure for parents. This reference tool and check list is designated to help the whole family learn about the main natural disasters and emergency situations that could occur and how to prepare for them. It also helps parents better assist their children in understanding and applying the material learned in class. The material can be accessed by going to www.redcross.ca .

If you have any questions about our plans for emergencies, please feel free to contact the administrations at Warman High School. If you wish, you may also contact Diane Kendall, Coordinator of Schools and Learning at 306-683-2829 for further information or discussion.