Safety & Security

Standard Response Protocol (SRP)

KNOW THE PROTOCOL. KNOW WHAT TO DO.

At Anchor Bay Schools, student and staff safety is our highest priority. Our schools use nationally recognized emergency response protocols to help our staff respond quickly and appropriately when something unexpected happens.

You may hear terms like HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE, or SHELTER.

They each have a different purpose—and knowing what they mean helps our entire school community respond calmly and effectively.

Over the next few weeks, we'll break down each protocol so our families and staff know what it means, why it's used, and what to expect.

Safety starts with being prepared.

HOLD

What does HOLD mean?

A HOLD is used when we need everyone to remain in their current location.

• Hallways are cleared
• Students remain in classrooms or designated areas
• Normal classroom activities may continue
• Staff await further instructions

A HOLD may be used for situations such as a medical emergency, an issue in the hallway, or another situation that requires us to temporarily limit movement.

Remember: HOLD = Stay where you are.

SECURE

What does SECURE mean?

A SECURE is used when there is a potential concern outside of the school building.

• Exterior doors are secured
• Students and staff remain inside
• Outdoor activities and movement outside may be paused
• School activities can continue inside as appropriate

A SECURE allows the school to continue operating while taking additional precautions because of something happening in the surrounding community.

Remember: SECURE = Get inside. Stay inside.

LOCKDOWN

What does LOCKDOWN mean?

A LOCKDOWN is used when there is a serious and immediate threat inside or on school grounds.

• Doors may be locked and secured
• Lights may be turned off and areas kept quiet 
• Students and staff move away from danger 
• ️Staff follow ALICE protocols and may secure in place, relocate, or evacuate when it is safe to do so

During a lockdown, staff will use the information available to make the safest decision for students based on their location and the threat.

Remember: LOCKDOWN = Take immediate protective action and follow ALICE protocols.

EVACUATE

What does EVACUATE mean?

An EVACUATE means students and staff need to leave the building and move to a designated safe location.

• Leave calmly and quickly
• Follow staff directions
• Move to the designated evacuation location
• Stay with your class/group
• Staff account for students

An evacuation may be used for situations such as a fire, gas leak, or other building emergency.

Remember: EVACUATE = Leave the building.

SHELTER

What does SHELTER mean?

A SHELTER is used when students and staff need to take specific protective actions because of an environmental or community hazard.

• Remain inside
• Follow staff directions
• Move away from windows when directed
• Use protective measures appropriate to the situation

The specific sheltering action depends on the hazard—for example, severe weather, hazardous materials, or another environmental threat.

Remember: SHELTER = Protect yourself from the hazard.