December is the month when Canyons District elementary schools conduct “hold” drills to ensure students and staff alike understand an innovative emergency protocol used to temporarily restrict movement in the school building.    

A Hold is called when there are situations requiring a school to clear a common area so that staff and faculty can, for example, attend to a medical issue in the cafeteria or spill in the hallway that poses a fall hazard.

“The idea is for students and employees to remain for a short period of time in their classrooms, even if the bell rings signaling the start of another class period,” says Ryan Jakeman, CSD’s Associate Director of Facilities and Risk Management. “It’s really a precautionary measure to minimize any disruption caused by an issue in the hall, cafeteria, or other common area in a school.”

During Hold drills, students and staff will hear the announcement “Hold in your room or area. Clear the Halls.” If students are in the hallway or a main area such as a cafeteria, teachers may have them enter another classroom or move to an adjoining area such as a locker room.

If students are outside the building when a Hold is called, they should stay there unless a teacher or other administration says otherwise.

Once the situation is resolved, students and staff will hear “Students and staff, the Hold is released. All clear,” twice and are then able to go about their day as usual.

For more on how Canyons District implements Holds, you can watch this video and view other safety measures in place here.