ABSS Safety Protocol graphics with I Love You Guys Standard Protocol logos

Alamance-Burlington Schools will begin implementing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) in the 2023-2024 school year. The SRP will provide Alamance-Burlington Schools with standardized, effective emergency practices to keep students learning in the safest environment possible.

What is the Standard Response Protocol?

  • A set of research-based actions/drills to provide consistent emergency response language and procedures for students, staff, and first responders.

  • Developed by The "I Love U Guys" Foundation.

  • Has 5 main actions - Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter - with specific steps for each.

Goals of Implementing the SRP:

  • Create clear, consistent emergency responses to keep students and staff as safe as possible.

  • Coordinate joint responses between schools and first responders.

  • Use common language and actions during crises like natural disasters, medical emergencies, or violent threats.

Partners in Launching the SRP:

  • School system

  • Law enforcement agencies

  • First responders

Loretta Pfister
Environmental Health and Safety
336-438-4000 ext. 37819

SRP Parent Handout (English)
SRP Parent Handout (Spanish)

HOLD

White door overlayed in a purple circle

In Your Classroom or Area

Students will:

  • Clear the hallways and remain in their classroom or designated area until the “All Clear” is announced.

  • Within the classroom or area, go about the class day as usual.

Adults will:

  • Close and lock the classroom door(s)

  • Take attendance of students and adults present

  • Go about the class day as usual

SECURE

White hands on top of a blue circle

Get Inside, Lock Outside Doors

Students will:

  • Return to the inside of the building

  • Within the building, go about the class day as usual.

Adults and staff will:

  • Bring everyone indoors

  • Lock the outside doors

  • Increase situational awareness

  • Take attendance of students and adults

  • Go about the class day as usual

LOCKDOWN

White lock on top of red circle

Locks, Lights, Out of Sight

Students will:

  • Move away from sight of windows and doors

  • Maintain silence

  • Not open the classroom or exterior doors

Adults and staff will:

  • Recover students from the hallway if possible

  • Lock the classroom door

  • Turn out the lights

  • Move away from sight of windows and doors.

  • Maintain silence

  • Not open the classroom or exterior doors

  • Prepare to evade or defend

EVACUATE

Three white silhouettes of people on top of green circle

To a Location

Students will:

  • Leave all belongings behind except for what is on your person. 

  • If possible, bring their cell phone

  • Follow instructions given by adults and staff.

Adults and staff will:

  • Bring an attendance roll sheet and Go Bag (unless instructed not to bring anything with them, dependent on reason for evacuation.)

  • Lead students to evacuation location

  • Take attendance of students and adults

  • Report any injuries or problems using the Red Card/Green Card method.

SHELTER

White silhouette of person under a roof graphic on top of orange circle

State the Hazard and the Safety Strategy

Hazards might include:

  • Tornado

  • Hazmat

  • Earthquake

  • Tsunami

Safety Strategies might include:

  • Evacuate to shelter area

  • Seal the room

  • Drop, cover and hold

  • Get to high ground

Students will:

  • Use Appropriate Hazards and Safety Strategies

Adults and staff will:

  • Use Appropriate Hazards and Safety Strategies

  • Take attendance of students and adults

  • Report any injuries or problems using the Red Card/Green Card method.

REUNIFICATION

White silhouette of adult and child on top of pink circle

A critical aspect of crisis response is accountable reunification of students with their parents or guardians in the event of a school crisis or emergency. The Standard Reunification Method provides school and district safety teams with proven methods for planning, practicing and achieving a successful reunification.

Reunification Parent Handout (PDF)

Lockdown Communication

During a school lockdown, official communication to families may be delayed to ensure safety. This timeline explains why immediate updates aren't possible and why unofficial sources might report the lockdown before the school district can. Families will receive accurate information as soon as it's safe to share.

Lockdown Communication Timeline LOCKDOWN ISSUED This can be a directive from law enforcement or school administration, following information needing further investigation. “Locks, lights, out of sight” Discussion with law enforcement occurs to gather information and establish a plan, based on what we know. STUDENTS SECURED LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNICATION Protocol is followed and necessary information is prepared for staff and families. COMMUNICATION CREATED Communication is made to campus staff, as they are the ones providing order and care to children. CAMPUS STAFF IS NOTIFIED CALL SENT TO CONTACTS Information is distributed via phone call, as it is the fastest communication method.