Standard Response Protocol

A critical ingredient in the safe school recipe is the uniform response to an incident at school. Weather events, fires, accidents, intruders and other threats to student safety are scenarios that are planned and trained for by school and district administration and staff. The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is based not on individual scenarios but on the response to any given situation.

Standard Response Protocol Parent Handout (Accessible Text Version)

Durango School District uses the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP). This approach focuses on five actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Students and staff are trained and drilled on these actions to ensure safety during a variety of emergencies.

Common Language & Training Approach

SRP uses clear, standardized language for emergency actions.
It’s based on an all-hazards approach rather than specific events.
Each action includes a “Term of Art” and a “Directive.”
Participants include students, staff, teachers, and first responders.

The 5 SRP Actions

1. Hold – “In your classroom or area”

Students:

Stay in place.
Do business as usual.

Staff:

Close and lock doors.
Account for everyone.
Continue usual activities.

2. Secure – “Get inside. Lock outside doors”

Students:

Return inside.
Do business as usual.

Staff:

Bring everyone indoors.
Lock exterior doors.
Increase awareness.
Account for everyone.

3. Lockdown – “Locks, lights, out of sight”

Students:

Stay out of view.
Remain silent.
Do not open doors.

Staff:

Secure students from hallways if possible.
Lock doors and turn off lights.
Stay out of sight.
Remain silent and prepare to evade or defend if necessary.

4. Evacuate – “To a location”

Students:

Leave belongings behind.
Bring phones if possible.
Follow instructions.

Staff:

Bring roll sheet and Go Bag (unless directed otherwise).
Lead evacuation.
Use Red/Green Cards to report injuries or issues.

5. Shelter – “State hazard and safety strategy”

Hazards may include:

Tornado
Earthquake
Hazardous materials
Tsunami

Safety strategies include:

Evacuate to shelter
Seal the room
Drop, cover, and hold
Move to high ground

All staff and students are trained in the appropriate response.

Parent Guidance

During a Secure Event

What is it?

There is a potential threat outside the building.
Students and staff are brought inside, and exterior doors are locked.

What should parents do?

Avoid coming to school unless instructed.
Pickup may not be allowed until it’s safe.
You may or may not receive a notification, depending on the situation.

During a Lockdown

What is it?

There is a potential threat inside or very close to the building.

What should parents do?

Do not come to the school.
Law enforcement will be managing the situation.
If already inside, parents must follow lockdown procedures.
Avoid texting your child during the initial moments. Students will be asked to contact parents when it’s safe.
Reunification may occur at another location.

Drills and Parent Involvement

Are there unannounced drills?

Sometimes, but schools try to inform students it is a drill during the initial announcement.

What’s the difference between a drill and an exercise?

Drill: Builds “muscle memory” by practicing a specific response.
Exercise: Simulates a real event to test people and systems.

Can parents observe drills?

Yes, parent participation and observation are welcome.

Notices

Common signs you may see:

SCHOOL IS SECURED: MONITORED ENTRY AND CONTROLLED RELEASE
DRILL IN PROGRESS: NO ONE IN OR OUT

Standard Response Protocol Video

Learn more about the SRP and the Standard Reunification Method (SRM) by visiting the I Love U Guys Foundation website.