What are the different safety protocols in Utah schools?

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — In the event of an emergency or a safety threat, educational institutions can take a number of actions to protect students and teachers. Depending on the severity of the potential threat, the actions taken by the schools may vary.

In Utah, there are five protocols that schools may enact as part of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). Here’s a quick explanation of the difference between the different protocols, according to school districts in Utah:

• Hold
  • Students and staff remain in classrooms; keep hallways clear
• Secure (potential threat from off-campus)
  • Students and staff brought inside; all exterior doors locked
• Lockdown (direct, on-campus threat to students)
  • Students and staff lock the door of the nearest room; take cover out of sight
• Evacuate (school building is compromised)
  • Everyone must leave the building; may be an on-site evacuation or an off-site evacuation
• Shelter (Outside hazard)
  • Students and staff remain inside the school building

“Protocols are initiated by police or school administration in the event of a potential or direct threat to student safety,” the Granite School District explains.

What to do during a “Hold” protocol

When a “Hold” is in effect, the doors should be closed and locked, and everyone should remain in their room or area until given the “all clear.”

The Canyons School District advises that students and adults clear the halls and “do business as usual.” It is advised to keep hallways clear when a “Hold” is in place, in the event that medical personnel need to enter the building, according to the Ogden School District.

What to do during a “Secure” protocol

“A secure alert is called when there is a threat or hazard outside of the building,” the Salt Lake City School District explains.

During a “secure” protocol, school is expected to continue as usual inside the building, but everyone is brought inside, and the outside doors are locked.

What to do during a “Lockdown” protocol

During a lockdown, everyone must remain inside classrooms or offices with the lights off, and remain as quiet as possible.

“A lockdown is called when there is a threat or hazard inside the building,” SLC School District said.

This protocol should be initiated as quickly as possible when officials “perceive a direct threat to students and staff,” Granite explains.

What to do during an evacuation

In the event of an evacuation, students and staff will vacate the school building. There may be an on-site or off-site location for students and staff to meet at. Students are encouraged to leave their things behind, but bring their phones, if possibe.

“Most often, evacuations will be necessary when there’s a heating/ventilation system failure, nearby gas leak, or other potential danger,” Ogden School District says. “An evacuation drill is very similar to a fire drill.”

On-site evacuations may be initiated if weather permits people to be outside for extended periods of time. The Granite School District says each school has a designated off-site evacuation area that can be used if students are unable to remain on school property.

What to do during a shelter-in-place

A shelter-in-place may be initiated in the event of an outside hazard, such as a severe weather event or “hazardous materials situation.” School activities are allowed to continue as normal, but parents and visitors are not allowed on campus until the protocol is lifted.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to make sure their contact information is up-to-date with the appropriate schools.