National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergency situations that could happen at any time. Throughout the month, we will share information on how the district prepares for and responds to emergencies, as well as some important tips and resources for families. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to the Operational Excellence Safety Team via Let's Talk.
- Week 1: How Does District 97 Prepare for Emergencies?
- Week 2: How Can You Prepare for Emergencies and Support School Safety?
- Week 3: How Does District 97 Communicate about Emergencies?
District 97 utilizes different protocols depending on the type of emergency that occurs. As we previously shared, we are now utilizing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation, a national organization dedicated to school safety. Here are a few things to know about this shift:
- The SRP is based on five actions that we take during an incident or an emergency: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
- The protocols were developed with extensive collaboration between experts, such as first responders, public safety, school districts, and communities.
- These actions are not new—they are in line with the district’s existing emergency response protocols. The district chose to utilize the SRP because it provides simple language and visuals that can be shared between staff, parents, students and first responders. By standardizing the vocabulary, all stakeholders can understand the response and status of the event.
Students practice these protocols during their schools’ annual safety drills (fire, severe weather, bus evacuation and lockdown). Our staff shares information in an age-appropriate manner so that students understand what to do in an emergency.
Below are some examples of how the district responds to emergencies. In all situations, the school or district will communicate with staff and families as soon as possible once information has been coordinated with Oak Park emergency responders.
Medical Emergencies - “Hold”
If a medical situation occurs during the school day, an administrator will likely call for a “Hold” for either the whole school or a designated area while emergency personnel are on site. Students and staff will clear the hallways and remain in their assigned classrooms until given the “all clear.” Instruction will continue as usual.
Nearby Police Activity or Safety Threats - “Secure”
Sometimes, there are situations outside the school that require all individuals to remain inside. This could include nearby police activity, a hazardous waste spill, or anything else that poses a safety risk outside of the building. During these situations, everyone will return inside, outside doors will remain locked and business will continue as usual. In most cases, no one will be let in or out. However, depending on the situation, there could be a controlled release or monitored entry.
Active Threat - “Lockdown”
“Lockdown” is initiated if there is an active threat to the school, such as a dangerous intruder to the building. Students and staff will move quickly to locked classrooms, turn out the lights, move out of sigh and maintain silence.
Schools conduct one lockdown drill per year, as required by state law. Students are briefed by school staff members in an age-appropriate manner before any lockdown drill so that they know what to do if a lockdown is called. Details and notifications about these drills are provided by schools.
Fire/Indoor Hazard - “Evacuate”
If there is a hazard inside the building, such as a fire or gas leak, that requires relocating outside, the school will initiate evacuation protocols. Students and staff participate in three fire drills every year to learn the expectations and designated evacuation areas.
Severe Weather - “Shelter”
In the event of a tornado warning, regular activities will cease and students and staff will move to a designated area until the warning is lifted (“Shelter”).
Information about winter weather and emergency closings.
Series adapted from Downers Grove School District 58.