Technolandy

Day 26 (of 2026/27): School Safety Drills #ShakeOutBC Day

Earthquakes. Fires. Lockdowns.

We practice for emergencies because we hope we never have to experience the real thing. But how often do we stop to consider whether our drills are actually preparing everyone for the unexpected?

.

Of course the night before I watched the first episode of Stephen Kings Carrie – an Amazon mini series… and they showed a school shooter drill that … well, as the mom said: practice getting traumatized by practice so the trauma of the real thing is normal? (Something like that… definitely not a style of drill I would do…) 

.

But, today is ShakeOutBC Day, which seems like a good opportunity to revisit school safety drills. I’ve been thinking about how we communicate these procedures to students and staff — and whether we can make that communication clearer, more accessible, and more useful.

.

Our school building hosts many partner groups… and as an online school, even our in-person opportunities are invitations rather than “have-tos”. 

.

My starting point is a simple idea: 

.

Safety procedures should be easy to understand, easy to remember, and flexible enough to account for the unexpected.

.

For example, I’ve been working on a PA script that introduces three important scenarios:

• Hold and Secure / Lockdown: Understanding the difference between an external threat and an immediate threat requiring a lockdown.
• Earthquake: Practising Drop, Cover, and Hold On, then considering what happens if the building needs to be evacuated — particularly if the PA system isn’t working.
• Fire: Knowing the evacuation route, leaving belongings behind, and gathering at the designated location.

.

I’m also thinking about the little details that matter. Does every classroom have an evacuation map? (I provide one with a folder that can be customized by each user group). 

Is there a simple way for the supervising adult to identify anyone who should be with the group but is missing? Have we considered students and staff who might need additional support during an evacuation?

And perhaps most importantly, are we practising the procedures we actually expect people to follow, rather than simply going through the motions?

I’d love your feedback.

What works well in your school? What have you learned from emergency drills? Are there procedures or details that you think schools routinely overlook?

I’m particularly interested in practical suggestions that help make safety procedures clearer and more inclusive for everyone.

Because the goal isn’t to make students afraid of emergencies. It’s to help them feel prepared to respond..

.

After all, as Mike Tyson once wisely said – everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.

.

Also – as much as we often prefer to hold the drills during good weather… the actual times my friends have had to evacuate the school… the weather has been less than desirable – thus the reminder that if you can, grab your outside items if they are on the way… speed isn’t the only factor to consider…

.

🎙️ PA Script: School Safety Drill Trio

“Good morning everyone! This is your friendly reminder that safety is everyone’s superpower!

Today we’re going to practice three important drills — so that if something unexpected ever happens, we all know exactly what to do. Think of this as our Safety Superhero Training!” 

First things first – every room should have a folder with a map showing the exit route on it – and inside should be some paper so that the teacher or education assistant can fill in anybody who is supposed to be outside with them but is not. We do not need a list of who is here, just who is missing

⸻

🛑 Drill #1: Hold and Secure vs Lockdown

First up — a Hold and Secure or Lockdown – we kind of treat them the same

This is when there’s something happening outside the school, but not inside. Maybe there’s a police situation in the neighbourhood or something else that means we stay safely inside.

If you ever hear: ‘the bell ringing three times with Hold and Secure being said 3x  — all students and staff inside,’ here’s what to do:

• Stay in your classroom.

• Keep learning as usual.

• The outside doors will be locked — but inside, it’s business as usual!

Easy, right? Now you know: during a Hold and Secure — stay inside and stay safe

If it’s a lockdown, we stay in the rooms we are in. We do not go into hallways – and we do not open the doors to our rooms until the all clear is given. So stay where you are and listen to instructions. 

If we have to evacuate the building, we will follow the fire drill procedures but we will meet down at Westview Elementary rather than outside the building

⸻

🌎 Drill #2: Earthquake

“Next up — the Earthquake Drill!

If you ever feel shaking, remember: Drop, Cover, and Hold On!”

Let’s practice together:

• Drop to your hands and knees,

• Cover your head and neck (get under a desk or table if you can),

• and Hold On until the shaking stops.

Then it gets complicated, when it’s safe you may hear a signal to either stay inside or leave the building – but the PA may not work, so your adults will decide if there are reasons to evacuate the building – but if we leave the building, we do not re-enter until the building has been declared safe!

Simple and strong — you’re ready to shake, rattle, and roll safely!”

⸻

🔥 Drill #3: Fire Alarm

“And finally — the one that makes the most noise — the Fire Drill!

If you hear the fire alarm — the loud ringing sound you’ll hear in just a moment — here’s what we do:**

• Stop what you’re doing, line up quietly, and follow your teacher out the nearest exit.

• Leave your stuff behind — with the exception of your shoes and coats IF THEY ARE ON THE WAY – you don’t go to another room (or back) to get them!

• Once outside, we gather with our class and stay together until we get the all clear.

Okay, get ready — we’re going to ring the fire alarm now so everyone knows what it sounds like. PIE students will practice leaving the building and gathering at the front of the school towards Nootka Street Don’t worry, this is just a test!