Safety drills serve as more than just a frustration for students. These codes exist in schools to govern and protect students in times of need. When students hear the familiar sound of a fire alarm, students should act accordingly and exit the building in a calm and orderly fashion. During these procedures, it is of the upmost importance that students follow instructions directed by a staff or teacher and immediately seek safety. This also includes riding the bus to and from school. Like you would a teacher, follow the rules and procedures as directed by the bus driver to ensure the health and safety of your classmates and yourself. 

Such proceedings include a fire evacuation, shelter in place, lockdown, and tornado/severe weather.

Fire Evacuation-The practice of evacuating students from the school building/campus in the event of a fire and or other emergencies. This also extends to bus riders in the event of a fire, follow the necessary guidelines instructed by the bus driver and safety disembark the vehicle.

Shelter in place-Teachers continue to teach. Doors and windows must remain locked until the end of the procedure. No student may leave the room, but they are allowed to remain seated at their desk.

Lockdown-The practice of securing one’s safety in the event that there is an unknown intruder/ criminal on the premises. During this drill, all doors and windows should remain shut and students should gather in one area, preferable away from any doors or windows.

Tornado/Severe Weather-The practice of seeking cover in a specific location in the event of a tornado and further severe weather conditions.

“It’s a waste of time since we’ve been doing this our entire academic career,” admits senior Dylan White. This comes after the number of drills, practiced over the course of the school year. “If there is a cause for alarm we’ll know what to do.” Drills have been a part of students’ lives since they entered the educational system. Their response to a drill is immediate as if they were truly in danger.

Senior Desiree Denis speaks with an open heart, “I feel like drills are very important when it comes to the safety of the students. But I feel like drills could be improved.” While it is true that not all schools practice as much as they should and some of the drills should be modified to fit the course of an immediate danger to the campus environment. However, with the cooperation of both staff and students, drills can greatly reduce the chance of a fatality.

If the need should ever arise to enforce the drills, students are expected to act within the rights of school and listen for directions. If someone says or does something suspicious, make sure to report these findings to an adult. Minimize the threat before it grows into something powerful.