School fires are rare and today’s school buildings are equipped with modern features to prevent fires and minimize damage should one occur, from sprinklers in the ceilings to automated doors that act as fire breaks. But that doesn’t alleviate the need to perform regular fire drills.

In January, as students return from Winter Recess, all Canyons District schools will take part in legally required fire drills to orient students and staff to their school building’s escape plan.

Fires aren’t the only emergency for which an evacuation is the recommended response, but a fire drill is a great way to commit evacuation protocols to memory, says Ryan Jakeman, CSD’s Assistant Director of Facility Services. “Students learn to calmly exit the building and assemble at predetermined meeting points where teachers take role to account for everyone. We practice these drills frequently throughout a student’s educational career, because the exit routes can vary from one classroom to the next.”

Jakeman said the No. 1 priority in a fire is to move everyone to safety. Anyone who sees fire or smells smoke should immediately tell a teacher or administrator and call or text 911. “We want people to get out, get to safety. The fire extinguishers we have at the schools are for the firemen as they come in. Let them take care of it,” Jakeman says.

Jakeman also suggests closing doors as you evacuate. “As you’re evacuating, clearing your classroom, just close the door behind you,” says Jakeman. “It doesn’t need to be locked, but it can help contain the fire and prevent smoke damage.”

To learn more about the various safety measures the District has in place, click here.

On Thursday, Jan. 18, Canyons Superintendent will host Canyoneering Academy, a parent night at the District Office. Part of the evening will include an opportunity for parents to learn more about the new Standard Response Protocols being used across the District. Canyoneering Academy will run from 6-8:30 p.m. with the final parent night of the year taking place on March 21.