Standard Response Protocol

Gateway School District is committed to the safety and well-being of all students and staff. To strengthen our emergency preparedness, we are implementing both the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and the ALICE Protocol in a complementary manner. This document outlines how these protocols will be integrated and communicated to minimize confusion and maximize clarity during emergencies.

Standard Response Protocol

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is a set of clear, easy-to-understand actions designed to help school staff, students, and first responders effectively manage and respond to emergencies. Developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation, it provides consistent, straightforward guidelines for situations such as lockdowns, evacuations, sheltering in place, etc. The SRP aims to ensure that everyone involved knows what to do and how to respond in a way that enhances safety and reduces confusion during critical incidents. Its simplicity and widespread adoption across schools make it an essential tool in emergency preparedness.

HOLD

There are situations that require students and staff to remain in their classrooms or stay out of access areas. For example, an issue in a hallway may require keeping students out of the halls until it is resolved. A medical issue may require only one area to be cleared, with halls still open in case outside medical assistance is required. During a Hold, there may be a need for students who are not in a classroom to proceed to an area where they can be supervised and remain safe.

SECURE 

The Secure action is called when there is a threat or hazard outside of the school building. Whether it’s due to an issue in the immediate neighborhood, or a dangerous animal on the playground, Secure uses the security of the physical facility to act as protection.

During a Secure Action, the initial directive is to retain students and staff within the building and prevent anyone from entering. A controlled release may be implemented if there is an unresolved situation and if the threat is not directly evident. While buses may continue to run as normal, increased monitoring of the bus area will be enforced, and additional law enforcement may be present. In situations where a perceived threat exists but is not immediate, monitored entry will take place. During this phase, entrances will be attended by security or law enforcement, and anyone entering the building will be closely monitored. Students and staff walking between buildings or heading to the parking lot may be escorted, with heightened awareness maintained throughout.

LOCKDOWN

Lockdown is called when there is a threat or hazard inside the school building. From disputes to intruders to an active assailant, Lockdown uses classroom and school security actions to protect students and staff from the threat. The ALICE protocol is used during this action (alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate)

EVACUATE TO A LOCATION 

Evacuate is called when there is a need to move people from one location to another for safety reasons. An on-site evacuation is conducted usually because of a mechanical failure that would disrupt the school day, such as a power outage. If it can’t be resolved quickly, the school may have to plan for early dismissal depending on the age of the students. An off-site evacuation may be necessary when it’s no longer safe to stay in the building such as a gas leak or bomb threat. In this case, people will be allowed to bring their personal items with them. If there has been a violent event at the school, an offsite evacuation will almost always be necessary since the school will be deemed a crime scene. People may or may not be able to bring their personal items with them.

SHELTER 

STATE THE HAZARD AND SAFETY STRATEGY 

Shelter is called when specific protective actions are needed based on a threat or hazard. Training should include response to threats such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hazardous materials situations or other local threats.