10-13 Threats to School Safety - Definitions

Question 1

Exigent Circumstances means:

Answer 1

urgent, pressing and/or emergency circumstances. In reference to an emergency or hazardous incident, exigent circumstances may include a bomb threat, a person possessing or using a weapon, or a fire on school property.
[Source: Police / School Board Protocol]

Question 2

Hold and Secure means:

Answer 2

that all movement in and out of the school is restricted and external doors locked, however, movement within the school is not restricted as the external danger near the school poses no immediate threat to the students or staff unless they leave the building.

Question 3

Immediate Rapid Response means:

Answer 3

that if there is an immediate threat to life in a school, officers shall enter the school to stop the threat in accordance with training.

Question 4

Lockdown means:

Answer 4

that all movement in and out of the school and within the school is restricted as the danger is inside the school or is on school property and poses an immediate threat to the students or staff.

Question 5

Parent Staging Area means:

Answer 5

a location where parents can initially report to and await details. Usually positioned off-site from the immediate emergency or threat. Ideally separate and exclusive from the emergency responders, equipment and media.

Question 6

Shelter in Place:

Answer 6

requires that people enter and remain in a building with the doors and windows closed due to an external environmental threat. Fans, including heating and air conditioning units, should be turned off to prevent air from outside entering the building. Normal operations may continue within the building.