At our school, the safety of students and staff is our top priority. To keep everyone protected, we’ve adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) from the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. This system uses common language and clear actions to handle different types of emergencies. Below are the five levels of safety protocol we use: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Each is designed to address specific situations, ensuring that we respond swiftly and appropriately.
HOLD – A Hold is used when we need to keep the hallways clear, such as if there is a medical emergency or other minor disruption in the building.
Scenario 1: A student experiences a medical issue in a hallway, and the nurse needs to attend to them. A Hold is called to allow the medical team to work without distractions or disruptions.
Scenario 2: A spill of chemicals in a science lab makes a section of the hallway unsafe. A Hold ensures no students or staff enter the area until it is cleared.
What students and staff should do:
Students stay in their classrooms and continue their normal activities.
Teachers close and lock classroom doors and account for all students. Everyone stays in place until the “All Clear” is given.
SECURE – Secure is called when there is a potential danger outside of the building, such as suspicious activity or a nearby law enforcement event.
Scenario 1: A wild animal, such as a coyote, is seen near the playground. A Secure is called to bring all students inside and lock the doors.
Scenario 2: Police are pursuing a suspect near the school. A Secure is called to prevent the individual from entering the building.
What students and staff should do:
Students return inside the building and continue normal classroom activities.
Teachers and staff bring everyone indoors, lock all exterior doors, and increase situational awareness.
LOCKDOWN – A Lockdown is called when there is an immediate threat inside or very close to the school, such as an intruder.
Scenario 1: An unauthorized individual gains entry into the school and poses a threat. A Lockdown ensures all students and staff are hidden and safe.
Scenario 2: Reports of a nearby armed threat lead to a Lockdown to prevent anyone from being exposed to potential danger.
What students and staff should do:
Students should move away from sight, remain silent, and not open the door.
Teachers lock classroom doors, turn off lights, and ensure students are out of sight.
EVACUATE – An Evacuate protocol is used when students and staff need to leave the building due to a specific threat, such as a fire or hazardous material spill.
Scenario 1: A fire alarm sounds, and the building must be evacuated quickly to a safe location outside.
Scenario 2: A chemical spill in a classroom necessitates evacuation to a different part of the building or an outdoor location.
What students and staff should do:
Students leave their belongings, follow their teacher’s instructions, and proceed calmly to the designated evacuation area.
Teachers bring attendance sheets, lead students to safety, and account for everyone.
SHELTER – Shelter is called when there is an environmental hazard, such as severe weather or a hazardous material incident.
Scenario 1: A tornado warning is issued, and students must shelter in place in designated safe areas, such as interior hallways.
Scenario 2: A hazardous material spill outside the school requires sealing windows and doors to prevent exposure.
What students and staff should do:
Students follow specific safety instructions, like moving to shelter areas or taking cover under desks.
Teachers help guide students to safe areas and ensure windows and doors are sealed if necessary.
Working Together for Safety
Each of these protocols is practiced regularly in drills, so students and staff are prepared to act calmly and confidently in case of an emergency. We encourage parents to stay informed and know how to respond during these events. By working together, we can ensure that our school remains a safe place for everyone.
