Emergencies or situations that can happen at or around schools could compromise the safety of our children and action must be taken quickly. Do you know the difference between some of the terms commonly used like lockout and lockdown?

The information below is from a document that's produced in conjunction with BOCES and the Department of Homeland Security. By law, each every school must have a District Safety Plan in place.

Shelter In Place

Used to shelter students and staff inside the building.

Response by school staff and administration include:

  • Listen for instructions about the situation and your actions.
  • Students in hallways should return to assigned classrooms, if possible.
  • Classroom teachers, take attendance.
  • All other staff assist students, as needed.
  • Move away from windows, if situation warrants.
  • If instructed, move out of the classroom to designated safe areas. Stay together at all times.
  • Take attendance.
  • Listen for updates.

Hold In Place

Used to limit movement of students and staff while dealing with short-term emergencies.

Response by school staff and administration include:

  • Listen for instructions about the situation and your actions.
  • Students in hallways should return to assigned classrooms, if possible.
  • Classroom teachers, take attendance.
  • All other staff assist students, as needed.
  • Listen for updates.

Evacuate

Used to evacuate students and staff from building.

Response by school staff and administration include:

  • Listen for instructions about the situation and your actions.
  • Lead students to designated assembly or announced assembly area. Use secondary route, if necessary.
  • Bring attendance list and class roster.
  • Close the classroom door after exiting.
  • Take attendance when safe to do so.
  • If evacuating off-site, take attendance before moving from and upon arrival at off-site locations.
  • Listen for updates.

Lockout

Used to secure school and grounds during incidents that pose an imminent concern outside of the school.

Response by school staff and administration include:

  • Listen for instructions about the situation and your actions.
  • Lock all exterior windows.
  • Leave blinds/lights as they are.
  • Take attendance.
  • After initial instructions listen for updates.
  • Classroom instruction continues as normal.
  • All outdoor activities are terminated.
  • Listen for updates.

Lockdown

Used to secure school buildings and grounds during incidents that pose an immediate threat of violence in or around the school.

Response by school staff and administration include:

  • When you hear lockdown announced, you should move quickly to execute the following actions.
  • If safe, gather students from hallways and common areas near your classroom.
  • Lock your door. Barricade if necessary.
  • Move students to a safe area in the classroom out of site of the door.
  • Leave windows, blinds/lights as they are.
  • Keep everyone quiet, silence all cell phones.
  • Take attendance id possible.
  • Do not communicate through door or answer room phone.
  • Do not respond to PA announcements or fire alarm.
  • Stay hidden until physically released by law enforcement personnel.

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