Once again I find myself thinking about needing to find the time to blog more. Actually, I realize I need to make the time, so today, I will start with my morning coffee (Thanks Delany’s) and a blog. I have to be quick about it, as people will be coming in soon to see if I’m busy of have a minute.

Today we have a fire drill scheduled in the morning, and an Irish dance group in the afternoon. Another busy day.

We (school staffs) sometimes moan about the need for so many fire drills or other emergency procedures, but we know how important they are. We prepare the students by reminding them about our expectations, and we practice. Teachers will talk to their classes prior to known drills, and then review with them how things went. For me, there are a few key points all students and staff must remember; everyone out of the building quickly (everyone out under two minutes), washrooms checked by designated staff, everyone meet at the assembly area (lower field), classes report in to Mrs. Devlin (“Everyone in division E01 present.”), office staff confirms that everyone (students and adults alike) are accounted for. Students and staff wait silently until the “all clear” is signaled.

A lot of things go in to making a fire drill successful. Prior to the drill, I (or Mrs. McGuire – our VP) communicate with the staff and expect them to be aware of the procedures for a fire drill. We have reviewed these in staff meetings, but reminders are good ideas for all of us. If there is a teacher-on-call in a class, I check in with him/her to see that the plans are clear. I need to call our security company and check in, then call the fire department and let them know we are having a drill. I then select a fire alarm pull station, and at the agreed upon time, I pull the alarm, and turn on my stopwatch.

It is loud in our school when the fire bell goes. We still expect the students to be silent, and to follow the directions of their teachers (or the adults with them). Last one out, please close the door. If students are not with their class, they are to go with another class or another adult to the assembly area and meet up with their teacher.

The classes empty out, someone is carrying the grab’n’go kit (thanks to PAC members, this is always up to date), and head out to their exit doors.

After about 4 minutes, I silence the alarms. The hallways are still. Doors are all closed, and I wait. I am waiting for Mrs. McGuire or Mrs. Devlin to let me know (via two-way radio) when everyone has been accounted for. Once they let me know that we have counted everyone, I ring the school bells (3 times) and everyone starts to come in.

Students are back in class. The office is open again. And I continue with my tasks – calling the Fire Department and the Security company, discussing with staff their thoughts on how well the fire drill went, and checking in on classes.

All of the above should be completed in 25 minutes.

Looking forward to the Eire Born Irish dance group in the afternoon. That will be the more relaxing part of the day.

Take care.