ETF Rushes To Lock Down School After Overheard Gun Threat

It was a day the young students at Our Lady of Victory Elementary School at 70 Guestville Ave won’t soon forget. They were locked down in their classrooms for about an hour, after a bizarre incident that seems to have been a very unfunny prank.

Police were called to the Weston Road and Eglinton Ave. campus after 1pm Wednesday, when an apparent threat was issued over a walkie talkie. Schools use the devices to communicate over wide distances on the campus. But this time, someone overheard a far more disturbing message on the squawk box.

“Everyone started running to the door, and there was this guy talking and saying all this stuff like, ‘I’m going to shoot at your school, I can see you,’ ” one frightened student recalled.

In keeping with Toronto Board policy, an immediate lockdown was ordered, keeping kids and staff inside the classrooms while heavily armed Emergency Task Force members scoured the building for any signs of trouble. After a thorough exam, nothing was found and authorities allowed the measures to be removed.

“The individual somehow got a hold of the walkie talkies. The threat, as we discovered, was not internal, they did go into an internal lockdown right away,” reveals the Board’s Mary Jo Deighan.

The lockdown ended just before 3pm – a great relief to worried parents.

“I was terrified,” admits Peter Mullet. “A lot of things go through your mind at that time, you don’t want to think the worst. You just pray that everything will work out and it did.”

No one was hurt and nothing sinister was found. But the day still ended with a frightening image that says a lot about the world we live in now – the sight of students being lead out of their own elementary school under police escort.

What Happens During A School Lockdown?

A lockdown is a procedure implemented when there’s an emergency or imminent threat at a school, whether real or perceived. It can also be called if there’s police activity in the area (such as a robbery or a shooting nearby) that doesn’t actually take place at a campus. They’ve been put into place and practiced by students and staff to allow them to be ready for anything – even as everyone hopes the plans are never used. Immediate communication is established with police, security and the Board to allow officials to stay updated on the situation.

Internal Lockdown

Called when there’s a perceived threat inside the school. Students are isolated to keep them away from any danger that may be taking place outside their classrooms. No one can enter or leave while it’s going on. Lights are left on and curtains are left open to ensure visibility but students are asked to keep away from the windows.

External Lockdown

Called if there’s a perceived life threatening event outside the school or if evacuating would be dangerous. Similar to the internal method, but school officials man locked doors to ensure no unauthorized intruders get in. Lights are shut off and curtains are closed so no one can see where the kids are.

Partial Lockdown

Called if there’s a problem in the vicinity that poses no immediate danger to staff or students. Doors are locked, but classes continue as normal.

Other Measures

Here’s some of what the Toronto Catholic District School Board instructs teachers to do when a lockdown is called:

Lock all classroom doors.

Lock all exterior doors.

Keep one telephone line open so that Police, Board office can contact the school.

Take attendance in each room. Note those who are absent and notify the office immediately.

Keep everyone facing away from the glass and doors where possible.

Do not release students or staff for restrooms or lockers.

Do not use radio, TV, or cell phones in classrooms.

Everyone should lie on the floor if gunshots are heard.

Call the school office with vital information. (e.g. I see a person in the NW Hallway etc.)

Only open the doors when an “all clear” or “Release code” is given.

Have a consistent message for parents who are calling the school during the lockdown.

Call other schools in immediate vicinity, which may be affected by the circumstances that created the need for the lockdown.

Sources: Toronto District & Catholic District School Boards