Refresher: General Response Protocol

General Response Protocol Has been designed to provide all schools with the direction they will take when an emergency incident occurs At its core is the use of common language to identify the initial measures all school communities will take until first responders arrive

What are some reasons for evacuation? Fire, gas leak, not safe to be inside the school building

Students are trained to: Leave belongings behind Line up quietly In cold weather students should be reminded to take their coats when leaving the classroom (if it is their classroom/homeroom). Students without proper outdoor attire will be secured in a warm location as immediately as possible

Teachers should: Grab evacuation folder with emergency instructions, class roster, attendance, allergies, and special needs. Lead students to evacuation location as identified on Fire Drill Posters Take attendance and account for students Report injuries, problems, or missing students to school staff and first responders using assembly cards.

What are some reasons for a lockdown? Intruder in the building (can be a stranger or even a parent)

Soft vs Hard Lockdown Soft lockdown implies that there is no identified imminent danger to the sweep teams. Administrators, Building Response Teams, and School Safety Agents will mobilize to the designated command post for further directions. Hard Lockdown implies that imminent danger is known and no one will engage in any building sweep activity. All individuals including the school safety agent will take appropriate lockdown action and await the arrival of first responders.

Students are trained to: Move out of sight and maintain silence

Counselors should: Check the hallway outside of the classroom for students, lock classroom doors, and turn the lights off. Move away from sight and maintain silence. Wait for first responders to open door, or until hearing the “All Clear” message: “The lockdown has been lifted,” followed by specific directions. Take attendance and account for missing students. “Think SLT: out of Sight, turn off the Light, and shut the door Tight!”

What are some reasons that would require us to shelter-in? Danger is outside the building.

Students are trained to: Remain inside of the building. Conduct business as usual Respond to specific staff directions

Teachers are trained to: Increase situational awareness. Conduct Business as usual. The shelter-in directive will remain in effect until hearing the “All Clear” message: “The Shelter-In has been lifted,” followed by specific directions.