Hold and Secure

A hold and secure response is initiated when the threat is proximate to, but not inside the building. It poses no immediate danger to students/staff/faculty unless they leave the building. Examples could include a crime in progress in the neighbourhood, or police searching for an offender in the neighbourhood.

In most instances, the school will be contacted by Emergency Response Portal (ERP) or other agencies that have jurisdiction over the incident such as Toronto Fire Services. They are responsible for managing the crisis and will recommend that the school initiate a hold and secure response.

Procedures:

Daytime (weekdays):

The Executive Team will initiate the following announcement:
1. “Our school is initiating a hold and secure response due to a possible danger in the neighbourhood. Staff and students are to respond accordingly”
  1. All students report to their home form for attendance
  2. All faculty and staff should notify their managers/supervisors of their whereabouts
  3. Adults should remain calm and reassure their students that the situation is under control. Students should be aware that the hold and secure response may be in effect for an extensive period of time.
  4. Assistant Heads and appointed staff will monitor exits and entrances
  5. Please remember that all communications should be directed to MarComm, and only MarComm should initiate all external communications

Evenings/Weekends/Holidays:

The Executive Team will notify Facilities (416-999-1211)
Facilities will notify all occupants (i.e., renters, students, staff, etc.) in the school that a hold and secure response has been initiated

Securing the school building:

Windows and window coverings should be closed.
Lights may be left on unless otherwise advised.
Anyone outside school buildings should proceed indoors promptly (not in the field house).
All exterior doors are secured. All students will be prohibited from leaving the property and staff and faculty will be encouraged to do the same.
Hold and secure signs will be posted on the interior side of all exterior doors.
Recorded Telephone Message – A pre-recorded phone message announcing the school hold and secure procedure will be activated.

Securing persons:

Students/Staff should move as far as possible from doors and windows.
Attendance should be taken in each room, noting those who are absent.
Anyone outside school buildings should proceed indoors promptly (not in the field house).
All exterior doors are secured. All students will be prohibited from leaving the property and staff and faculty will be encouraged to do the same.
Hold and secure signs will be posted on the interior side of all exterior doors.
Normal operations may continue inside the school, however all outdoor activities are cancelled.
Cell phones and electronic devices can be used unless otherwise directed.

Lifting the hold and secure response:

When the executive team receives information from by Emergency Response Portal (ERP), or other agencies that have jurisdiction over the incident, that the hold and secure response may be lifted (i.e., the danger has passed), these procedures should be followed:
1. Make a PA announcement stating “The hold and secure response has been lifted.”
2. Normal operations resume

School Buses in Transit

If the bus has already left the school

Notify the staff about the hold and secure situation
Let them know that they do not return to the school until the hold and secure is lifted
If the excursion is completed before dismissal then an alternate pick-up location will be arranged, and parents will be notified

If the bus has not already left the school