School Safety & Security

The Hold protocol is used when all hallways must be cleared, but normal classroom operations may continue. This could include scenarios such as a medical emergency or fight between students. The way Hold is implemented is case specific and may be implemented for the entire building or localized to one area.

• An announcement is made over the public address system.
• All hallways and common areas will be cleared.
• All students and staff will be accounted for.
• Outdoor activities (recess, physical education, etc.) may be able to continue depending on the situation.
• Visitors can enter and follow normal check-in procedures.
• Normal activity continues in classrooms.
• Students and staff in relocatable classrooms remain in place and follow the same procedures as those inside the main building unless the school incident commander determines another response is warranted. Students may be escorted to activities inside the main building by at least one adult.

The Secure protocol is used when there is an emergency outside the building. This could include scenarios such as police activity in a nearby neighborhood, an aggressive animal on campus, or a non-specific threat.

• An announcement is made over the public address system
• Staff and students should get inside the building, lock the doors, close windows, and remain inside until the protocol is lifted.
• All students and staff will be accounted for.
• All exterior doors are locked and main doors are monitored with access restricted. Identification is required for anyone entering.
• Normal activities may continue inside the building.
• Students and staff in portable classrooms should remain there until the Secure protocol is lifted or as determined by the incident commander.

The Lockdown protocol is used when there is a perceived or actual threat inside the building and immediate security measures are necessary. This could include scenarios such as an intruder, or a student or staff member within the school who poses an immediate threat to students and staff. This may involve situations of violence and/or weapons. All school activities will stop, and everyone takes immediate safety precautions.

• An announcement is made over the public address system.
• Students and staff who are outside will be moved to a safe location away from the building or into a portable if the threat is not in the portable.
• Students and staff in relocatable classrooms remain in place and follow the same procedures as those inside the main building unless the school incident commander determines another response is warranted.
• Staff will quickly gather students from bathrooms, hallways, and common areas into secure classrooms.
• Staff will lock doors, turn off lights, and move students out of sight.
• If it is safe to do so, blinds and shades are drawn. If the room is without window coverings, lights are turned off.
• Everyone will maintain silence and silence cell phones.
• If the situation warrants, students and staff sit or lay on the floor.
• All students and staff are accounted for.
• Staff and students are to remain in lockdown until emergency responders (police/fire and rescue personnel) or the school incident commander gives the “all clear” notice.

The Evacuation protocol is used anytime students and staff must exit a building or a particular part of the building. This could include scenarios such as floods, fires, hazardous materials incidents, or other situations that may render the school site unsafe.

• A fire alarm or horn signal is sounded. If the situation allows, an announcement regarding the nature of the emergency is made over the public address system.
• During an on-site evacuation, students and staff exit the building via the closest safe exit and assemble in pre-determined locations. The same procedure is used for off-site evacuation except that staff and students are transported or walk to a pre-determined off-site location.
• Leave all belongings behind and evacuate quickly. If possible, bring your phone.
• All students and staff are accounted for.
• Students and staff remain in the evacuation area and await instructions from the school incident commander.

The Shelter protocol is used when there is a specific hazard that requires you to take protective action inside the building. This could include scenarios such as severe weather, a hazardous materials spill, or other air quality emergency. The response in the building may be dependent on the type of hazard.

• An announcement is made over the public address system.
• Staff and students should get inside the building, lock the doors, close windows, and remain inside until the protocol is lifted.
• All students and staff will be accounted for.
• Students and staff in portable classrooms may need to remain there or come into the main building depending on the hazard.
• Additional instructions may be given based on the hazard.