Throughout the school year, you’ll hear us refer to the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). The SRP is a nationally recognized school safety system that provides a clear and consistent way to communicate what actions students, staff, and visitors should take during a threat, hazard, or emergency situation in or around the school.

The premise of the SRP is simple: when an incident occurs, a specific action is announced along with a brief directive that tells everyone exactly what to do. By using common language and consistent procedures, schools, students, staff, and first responders can respond quickly, calmly, and effectively. We regularly practice these protocols through drills and may occasionally need to use them in real situations. This guide will help you better understand the SRP and how it helps keep our school community safe.

What is SRP?

The Standard Response Protocol is an action-based safety system designed specifically for schools. Instead of having a separate plan for every possible situation, the SRP uses five simple, consistent actions that apply to many types of emergencies. These actions are easy to remember, help everyone respond calmly, and improve coordination between students, staff, and first responders.

The following information comes from the I Love U Guys Foundation, the originator and developer of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).

The Five SRP Actions

HOLD – “In your room or area. Clear the halls.”
Used when something is happening inside the building (like a medical situation or hallway issue). Everyone stays in their current room and hallway traffic is stopped.

SECURE – “Get inside. Lock outside doors.”
Used when there is a threat outside the school (such as police activity nearby or a wild animal). All exterior doors are locked, but learning continues inside as normal.

LOCKDOWN – “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight.”
Used when there is a threat inside the school. Doors are locked, lights are turned off, and students stay quiet and out of sight.

EVACUATE – “Evacuate to [location].”
Used when it is safer to leave the building—such as during a fire or other indoor hazard. Everyone moves calmly to a designated safe location.

SHELTER – “Shelter for [hazard].”
Used to protect against environmental threats, such as severe weather. Staff will provide specific instructions based on the situation.

What is an SRP Drill?

As part of our commitment to safety and preparedness, our schools conduct SRP drills throughout the year. These drills help students and staff practice how to respond quickly, calmly, and confidently in different emergency scenarios. We typically hold one SRP drill each semester as a precaution.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep our school safe. If you have any questions about the SRP or our safety procedures, please don’t hesitate to reach out!