At Mahnomen Public School, keeping our students and staff safe is a responsibility we take seriously. An important part of school safety is making sure everyone knows what to do and understands the language being used when a situation occurs.
Mahnomen Public School has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. Students and staff will train, practice, and participate in drills using this protocol.
The Standard Response Protocol uses clear, consistent language that can be used for many different situations. Instead of creating a separate response for every possible emergency, SRP focuses on five actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
HOLD – “In Your Classroom or Area”
A Hold is used when hallways need to remain clear. Students stay in their classroom or area until an “All Clear” is announced, while activities can generally continue as usual inside the classroom.
SECURE – “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors”
Secure is used when there is a potential danger outside the school. Students and staff are brought inside, exterior doors are locked, and normal activities generally continue inside the building.
LOCKDOWN – “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight”
A Lockdown is used when there is an active threat inside or very close to the building. Students and staff move out of sight, classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off, and everyone remains quiet.
EVACUATE – “To a Location”
An Evacuation is used when students and staff need to move from their current location to another designated area. Students are expected to follow instructions while staff lead them to the evacuation location and account for everyone.
SHELTER – “State Hazard and Safety Strategy”
Shelter is used when a specific hazard requires a specific safety response. Depending on the situation, this could include moving to a shelter area, sealing a room, or taking another appropriate protective action.
What Families Should Know
One of the most important distinctions for families is the difference between Secure and Lockdown.
A Secure means there is something potentially dangerous outside the building. During a Secure, exterior doors are locked and people are brought inside, but school activities may continue normally inside. Depending on the circumstances, student pickup may also be restricted.
A Lockdown means there is an active threat inside or very close to the building. During a Lockdown, parents should not come to the school, as law enforcement may be responding and access to the building or campus may be restricted.
Practicing Helps Us Be Prepared
Drills are an important part of helping students and staff become familiar with these procedures. The SRP guidance emphasizes that students should be informed when an action is a drill so that it is not confused with an actual emergency.
By using common language and regularly practicing these procedures, our goal is for students and staff to know what is expected of them should an emergency occur.
We encourage families to review the Standard Response Protocol Parent Handout and become familiar with the five actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
To view the Parent Handout and Student Poster, click on the name of the PDF you would like to view.