Communicating in an Emergency
Schools are considered one of the safest places in our communities. However, emergencies can and do happen. An emergency can be an internal threat, external threat, or a weather-related concern.
The safety of all students and staff is the priority in an emergency. Each school has an on-site emergency response team. All staff are trained on emergency protocols and drills are regularly practiced at each school. This team is supported by the Board-based emergency response team.
In an emergency, staff follow guidance in Niagara Catholic’s Emergency Response Plan. This plan aligns with other local emergency plans. Schools also have emergency response plans. Plans are reviewed annually, and after an emergency, to ensure all processes were followed and to identify any challenges to support ongoing improvement.
Board and school plans set out a framework for responding to an emergency, but every response will be unique.
All emergency responses include collaboration with emergency services. Niagara Catholic also follows our Police Protocol, created in collaboration with the Niagara Regional Police Service. In an emergency, police or fire services are the lead and we take direction from them, including when we can share information with families and how much we are permitted to share.
For security reasons, some parts of the emergency response plans are not made public. This guide for families answers parents’ frequently asked questions about their child’s safety at school.