Policy Manual

C-680-AR: Emergency Closure of Facilities

References:

• Education Act, Section 62(1)(a),(2), 33(1)(j)
• Emergency Preparedness Plan

Background

1. Mechanical systems failure, or real or threatened disaster, may necessitate the emergency closure of a school or division facility.
2. Decisions regarding emergency school and facility closures should be made with the goal of maintaining or enhancing student and staff safety.
3. The emergency situation causing the building closure should be attended to promptly.

Specific Guidance

1. The principal or division administrator will notify the superintendent or designate immediately upon the identification of an occurrence that may necessitate the emergency closure of a school or division facility. 
2. Emergency responders such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the fire department, utility companies, the City of St. Albert etc., will be notified as or if required.
3. Should the circumstance dictate, the school administration team (principal and assistant principal) will split the task of calling 911 and the superintendent or designate, so they occur simultaneously.
4. One administration team member will contact facilities services for applicable facilities emergencies including but not limited to fires, power outages or floods. The administration team member should be prepared to provide details for any specific questions facilities services may ask.
5. The superintendent or designate will determine whether an emergency closure of the facility is to take place.  Where a closure is necessary, the superintendent or designate will first inform the principal or division administrator and then inform the trustees.
6. If the superintendent or designate is unavailable, the principal or division administrator having responsibility for the site is authorized to make a decision about the closure of the facility.
7. The superintendent or designate will inform appropriate division (i.e. transportation services) and community resources of the emergency closure.
8. Depending on the nature and length of the closure of the facility, the superintendent or designate will notify Alberta Education.
9. The principal or division administrator is responsible for making every reasonable effort to notify all parents/guardians, students and staff who are affected by their facility’s closure.
10. The principal or division administrator will refer to the Emergency Preparedness Plan for clarification of procedures to be followed when facility closures involve unusual circumstances.