When emergencies happen in the classroom, it’s important for students to know how they should react.
Because of that, Orange County Public Schools has released a list of actions that both students and faculty should take if an emergency arises.
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Each of the five actions breaks down as follows:
HOLD!
For this action, students are urged to clear hallways and remain in whatever room or area they’re at until an “All Clear” message is announced.
Meanwhile, adults should lock doors and account for others near them. While the hold is in effect, both students and adults should otherwise continue as normal.
SECURE!
Students must return inside the school building, and faculty must likewise bring everyone else indoors.
In addition, adults are asked to lock outside building doors, account for others near them, and increase situational awareness.
Otherwise, both students and adults may continue their day as normal.
LOCKDOWN!
Under this action, students and faculty should move out of sight, stay silent, and avoid opening doors.
Additionally, adults should gather students from the hallway and lock classroom doors. Faculty must also take attendance and prepare to either evade or defend their position.
EVACUATE!
For this action, faculty must lead students away from the building to a safe evacuation location. Then, they must account for others around them to determine whether there are any missing, extra, or injured students or adults.
As for students, they’re prompted to leave their belongings behind if necessary, though students should try to bring a phone if they’re able. And as might be obvious, students are tasked with following faculty members’ instructions.
SHELTER!
Lastly, this action tasks faculty with leading a safety strategy for students based on the threat at hand. Like with prior actions on this list, adults are urged to account for students and other adults in the general vicinity, as well as determine whether there are any missing, extra, or injured people around.
Students should execute respective safety strategies for the following hazards:
| Hazard | Safety Strategy |
|---|---|
| Tornado | Evacuate to shelter area |
| Hazmat | Seal the room |
| Earthquake | Drop, cover and hold |
| Tsunami | Get to high ground |
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