Emergency Evacuation and Lock Down Procedures.

I would love to be a fly on the wall when the children in Year 4/5 go home and tell their parents that today we sat UNDER our desks and got to tell each other stories and jokes in whisper quiet voices while the teacher locked all the windows and doors and turned off all the lights!

Hopefully, in the very next breath the child will announce to their parents that this was because it was a practice for a LOCK-DOWN safety procedure.

It was later in the day I learnt that teachers had been forwarned this drill would be practised sometime during this final week of term. Many teachers had had an opportunity to speak with their class about the school practice proir to this time. This is where our professionalism as supply teachers has to be impeccable. Administration staff do notice how well you understand these essential practices and how you manage the class in this situation.

When entering a new classroom environment, I always scan for the Emergency Procedure Statement. It is a priority along with locating the class roll book! It should be on display in every classroom or perhaps it is in the school handbook you may have been supplied with. It would even be worthwhile looking online for the individual school policy. I would definitely ask about these procedures as school are regularly practising the whole school response to these emergencies. This link gives a good overview of the expectations of the two different procedures.... http//www.gaps.qld.edu.au/2009/WH&S/Emergency%20Evac%20and%20Lock%20Down%20General%20Guidancefor%20Teachers.pdf

Thankfully, all went smoothly with this Lock Down Practice. I was aware of what the siren meant as it sounded and I could reassure the children quite confidently about what needed to be done and why. Knowing where the Emergency Response Chart is to double check you are on task is very reassuring. It is tricky as the children can be very easily unsettled with a procedure that is quite different to the everyday routine.

Generally, I find that (1) gaining every one's attention , (2) making sure all the class is together and no-one is at the toilet, (3) putting down all equipment and (4) asking the whole class to repeat a short instruction "mantra" twice . I find this has a positive affect towards calming and focusing behaviour. (It is hard to do the opposite of what you are saying aloud!)

Here is an example of the flow and brevity of the statements:

I will listen and do ..... straight away.

I feel safe in the lock down practice.

I belong to a safe and happy class.

Now that this procedure can be ticked off the list, I guess I can look forward to that surprise Fire Drill next term. Fingers crossed I don't land the class whose job it is to be fire warden for the block and you have to wear the funny yellow hard hat and blow a whistle!

Have you had to manage this situation recently? Any tips you would like to share? Funny things to remember for next time? When you are familiar with the class, the school environment and staff such safety drills are not too daunting; however, in a supply role one must be extra vigiliant to ensure all expectations are met.

Live, laugh and learn!

Blessings for the journey.....

Carmel