Standard Response Protocol

We use Standard Response Protocol terms and instructions when responding to situations that may arise in our schools, including emergencies. This helps to ensure everyone has a shared understanding of the steps we are taking to respond.  This helps students, staff and first responders immediately know what is happening and what to do.

It’s important that we are all familiar with these terms so we know what they mean when we use them at our schools and buildings.

This Standard Response Protocol was developed by the I Love U Guys foundation and many of our neighboring school districts are using these same terms as well. All of us using the same terms and responses helps us better support students, families, first responders, and our community.

How the SRP works

The Standard Response Protocol is simple: there are five different actions we may take to respond to an incident.

When people who are responding to the situation communicate the specific action, they will also offer a directive that provides clear instructions. The communications are shared with active participants, including students, staff, teachers and first responders.

School Safety

Student health and safety

Emergency response terms

Emergency dos and dont’s

Internet safety resources

Safety incident responses and communications

Incident Reporting

Inclement weather

Air quality

Hold

Hold is followed by the Directive: “In Your Room or Area” and is the protocol used when hallways need to be kept clear of occupants.

We may sometimes also call this a “Hold and Teach” because classes and activities inside the classroom continue as normal. 

Examples:

  • A maintenance issue in the hallways.
  • A student or staff member is having a medical emergency and the area should be kept clear for privacy and space for first responders.
  • A student is escalated and the hallway is needed as a safe space for de-escalating behaviors.

Secure

Secure is followed by the Directive: “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors” and is the protocol used to safeguard people within the building.

We may sometimes also call this a “Secure and Teach” because classes and activities inside the building continue as normal. 

Examples:

  • An unknown person or animal is outside and we need to confirm it is safe before unlocking the doors.
  • Police activity in the area near the school.

Lockdown

Lockdown is followed by “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight” and is the protocol used to secure individual rooms and keep occupants quiet and in place.

Example: Dangerous person inside the building.

Evacuate

Evacuate may be followed by a location, and is used to move people from one location to a different location in or out of the building.

Examples: Fire or gas leak.

Shelter

Shelter is called when specific protective actions are needed based on a threat or hazard.

Example: Weather events such as a tornado.