Keeping students and staff safe is always our top priority. This year, MCPASD has started using the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). This is a simple, nationally recognized safety plan that helps schools respond quickly and consistently during an emergency.
By using SRP, most Dane County school districts now follow the same clear language and steps during safety situations. This consistency is also helpful for local law enforcement and emergency responders because everyone across the county is using the same terms and procedures. It allows police, fire, and emergency teams to communicate and coordinate more effectively during any school emergency.
The SRP includes five easy-to-understand actions that help everyone know what to do and why:
Hold: Stay in your classroom or area and keep the hallways clear. This is often used for less serious situations, such as a medical issue, a spill in the hallway, or when staff need to manage something quickly in the building.
Secure: Move inside the building and lock the outside doors. This is a precautionary measure when there is something happening outside the school. For example, nearby police activity or a safety concern in the neighborhood. There is no direct threat to the school, and classes continue as normal inside.
Lockdown: Locks, lights, and out of sight. This action is used when there could be a threat inside or very close to the building. Students and staff move out of view and remain quiet until given the “All Clear.”
Evacuate: Move to a safe location when told to do so. This could happen for a fire drill, gas leak, or other situation where leaving the building is the safest option.
Shelter: Follow safety directions for severe weather or other hazards. For example, students and staff may move to safe areas during a tornado warning.
It’s important to know that safety situations can change quickly as more information becomes available. For example, a situation might begin with a Hold or Secure while staff and police assess what is happening. If additional information shows that there could be a direct threat, the response could then change to a Lockdown. These steps are designed to keep everyone safe while allowing schools and emergency responders to act based on the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
For more information, please visit our Safety and Security webpage or contact Asher Torbeck, MCPASD Safety and Security Coordinator.