Talk to Your Scholar About School Safety Drills

Dear Mandela Families:

I wanted to take a moment to inform you about the emergency drills that will be conducted at our school over the coming weeks. These drills are a crucial part of our safety procedures to ensure that all scholars and staff are prepared in case of an emergency.

Fire Drills:

  • Fire drills will be conducted monthly. 
  • Scholars will practice evacuating the building quickly and safely.
  • Teachers will review the evacuation routes with scholars, and all drills will be conducted in a calm and orderly manner.

Lockdown Drills:

  • Lockdown drills will also be held periodically.
  • These drills help prepare scholars and staff to respond to situations where it may be safer to remain inside their classroom.
  • During lockdown drills, scholars will remain out of sight from windows and teachers will ensure that doors are locked and the lights are turned off.

Hold Drills:

  • The purpose of a hold drill is to keep hallways clear in case of a situation such as a medical emergency or an incident in the building.
  • Scholars remain in their classrooms and continue with their learning activities as usual until the situation is resolved. 

Talking to Your Child About Drills: We understand that these drills can sometimes be upsetting for scholars, and it's normal for some children to feel scared or anxious. Here are a few tips on how you can talk to your child about the drills:

  • Reassure: Explain that the drills are just practice to keep everyone safe, much like wearing a seatbelt in a car. Emphasize that there is no real danger during the drills.

  • Talk them through it: Use calm and positive language when discussing the drills. Make sure they know that the fire alarm is very loud, but they will only hear it briefly as they exit. 

  • Encourage questions: Allow your child to ask questions and express their feelings. Answer their questions honestly and reassure them that it's okay to feel nervous, but that the adults at school are there to protect them.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school safe.

Mrs. Mardock, School Counselor