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Safety and Security Response Definitions

The Snohomish School District utilizes the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s programs for crisis response and post-crisis reunification.

Our standard response protocol includes:

  • HOLD
  • SECURE
  • LOCKDOWN
  • EVACUATE
  • SHELTER

HOLD

HOLD

Examples of a HOLD situation:

  • An altercation in the hallway
  • A medical issue that needs attention

Action steps during a HOLD:

  • Remain in classrooms. Staff and students in common areas may be asked to relocate to adjoining areas.
  • Sweep hallways for nearby students.
  • Account for students and staff.
  • Classroom activities may continue as usual until the HOLD is released, and the ALL CLEAR is announced.

SECURE

SECURE

Examples of a SECURE situation:

  • Unknown or unauthorized person on the grounds.
  • Dangerous animal on the grounds.
  • Criminal activity in the area.
  • Planned police activity in the neighborhood.

Action steps during a SECURE:

  • Remain in the building.
  • Sweep for students and staff members outside and have them return to the building. SECURE protocol is that no one is to leave the premises until the ALL CLEAR is given.
  • Increase situational awareness.
  • Account for students and staff.
  • Classroom activities may continue as usual until the SECURE is released and the ALL CLEAR is announced.

LOCKDOWN

LOCKDOWN

Examples of a LOCKDOWN situation:

  • Intruder
  • Report of a weapon
  • Active assailant

Action steps during a LOCKDOWN:

  • Recover students from hallways if possible.
  • Lock classrooms, offices, and other securable areas.
  • Move students and staff members out of sight.
  • Turn off lights.
  • Do not open doors once in a LOCKDOWN.
  • Prepare to run or fight.
  • Remain silent and out of sight until law enforcement authorities provide further instructions.

EVACUATION

EVACUATION

Examples of an EVACUATION situation:

  • Fire inside building
  • Heating/ventilation failure
  • Nearby gas leak
  • Weapon or bomb threat

Action steps during an EVACUATION:

Staff

  • Lead EVACUATION in an orderly fashion to the assembly location.
  • Instructions may be provided about retaining or leaving belongings. Bring your cell phone if possible.
  • Account for occupants/students and staff.
  • Notify if there are missing, extra, or injured occupants/students or staff.

Students

  • Follow staff in an orderly fashion.
  • Bring belongings if instructed to do so.
  • Bring your cell phone if possible.
  • Evacuate to the assembly location.

SHELTER

SHELTER

Hazards may include:

  • Earthquake
  • Severe weather
  • Wildfires
  • Flooding
  • Hazmat

Action steps during a SHELTER:

Staff

  • Lead the safety strategy as instructed by administrator.
  • Seal/close doors and windows (if instructed by safety strategy).
  • Account for all students and staff.
  • Notify if there are missing, extra or injured students and staff.

Students

  • Follow staff instruction and use the appropriate safety strategy for the hazard.