Drills are an important first step in keeping Bethlehem schools, students and staff safe in an emergency.

Faculty and staff follow strict, detailed safety protocols in an emergency and during emergency drills. With good training and practice, everyone at school will be better able to react appropriately in the event of an actual emergency. Drills allow administrators, staff and students to mitigate, prepare for and recover from a variety of incidents. 

We want our families to have a better understanding of the drills, safety terms and procedures used at school and practiced throughout the year. You are encouraged to discuss these drills and procedures with your student so they are better prepared in the event of an emergency.

SHELTER/SHELTER-IN-PLACE

Students and staff take shelter inside the building because it is safer to be inside than outside (i.e. during a severe storm, wind event, or downed power lines). If outdoors, students and staff move indoors. Students listen for instructions; staff take attendance.  Students and staff move away from windows, if necessary or move out of the classroom to a designated safe area, if instructed to do so.

HOLD/Hold-in-Place

The movement of students and staff around the building is restricted while school personnel are dealing with a short-term emergency, such as a staff member or student illness or injury.  Classroom doors are closed. Students in the hallways go to the nearest classroom so the hallways can remain clear and calm. All students and staff remain in place until further notice. Classroom instruction continues as usual.

Evacuate

Fire drills are now known as evacuation drills. When an alarm sounds or an announcement is made from the main office, everyone in classrooms and all building areas must evacuate along a designated route to an assigned spot outside the building. Students remain quiet and attendance is taken at the evacuation location. Students return to class once the building leaders have announced it is clear to return to the building. Evacuation drills are practiced at school 8 times a year. 

SECURE Lockout

Students and staff remain inside a locked school building during incidents that pose an imminent concern outside of the school (i.e. a rabid animal on or near the property, a nearby domestic dispute). A secure lockout seals off the outer perimeter of the building. Students who are outdoors are brought inside. All exterior doors are locked and windows are closed and locked. In a secure lockout, instruction continues as usual. Anyone wishing to enter or leave the building must first be cleared by a building administrator and/or police.

LOCKDOWN

A lockdown occurs when there is an immediate threat of violence in or around the school.  When a lockdown is announced, all movement within the school is restricted. All students, staff and visitors must report immediately to the nearest classroom, gym or cafeteria. All doors are locked and secured. and staff move away from doors and windows.  Everyone remains silent. Rooms remain locked until unlocked by the police. Lockdown drills are practiced 4 times a year. 

If you have any questions about the terms listed above or the drills practiced in the Bethlehem Central School District, please contact your child’s principal.