School Safety and Emergency Preparedness

At Eastern York School District, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors is a priority in everything we do. We work to maintain safe, supportive learning environments through prevention, emergency planning, staff and student preparedness, and collaboration with families, first responders, and community partners.

School safety requires preparation before an emergency, coordinated action when an incident occurs, and continued support afterward. Our approach includes identifying and addressing concerns, preparing for a variety of emergencies, communicating with families, and supporting students' physical and emotional well-being.

This page provides information about emergency response procedures, prevention efforts, drills, family responsibilities, and resources to help our community stay informed and prepared.

Understanding the Standard Response Protocol

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) provides common language and actions to help students, staff, and first responders understand how to respond during an emergency. The five actions are HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE, and SHELTER.

When an action is announced, students and staff are expected to follow directions provided by school personnel and emergency responders. Families can help by discussing these actions with their children and reinforcing the importance of listening carefully and following directions during drills and emergencies.

HOLD — In Your Room or Area. Clear the Halls.

Hallways are kept clear while students and staff remain in their designated areas.

SECURE — Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors.

Protects people inside the building from a potential threat outside.

LOCKDOWN — Locks, Lights, Out of Sight.

Provides direction for securing individual rooms during a potential threat inside the building.

EVACUATE — To the Announced Location.

Moves students and staff from one location to another as directed.

SHELTER — State the Hazard and Safety Strategy.

Communicates the hazard and the appropriate safety strategy.

Families can learn more about the Standard Response Protocol through the “I Love U Guys” Foundation.

SRP Parent/Family FAQ

Eastern York School District works to prepare students and staff to respond appropriately during emergencies. Emergency planning, training, drills, and coordination with appropriate agencies help reinforce established procedures and support a coordinated response.

Our approach to emergency management includes five key areas:

Prevention: Recognizing and addressing concerns, promoting positive school climates, and supporting students before concerns escalate.

Mitigation: Identifying potential risks and taking appropriate steps to reduce their likelihood or impact.

Preparedness: Developing emergency plans, providing appropriate training, practicing procedures, and helping students understand how to respond to directions.

Response: Following established procedures, coordinating with appropriate emergency responders, and taking action to protect students and staff during an emergency.

Recovery: Supporting students, staff, and families following an incident, including communication, reunification when necessary, and a return to normal school operations when appropriate.

In some emergencies, the district may need to change normal dismissal procedures or arrange for students to be reunited with parents and guardians at a designated location.

If reunification is necessary, the district will communicate instructions as information becomes available. Families should follow the designated pickup process, bring any required identification, and ensure that authorized pickup information is current.

The location, timing, and procedures will depend on the circumstances of the incident. Families should wait for official instructions rather than traveling to an unannounced location.

Families play an important role in helping schools respond effectively during an emergency. Following official instructions and using established communication channels helps reduce confusion and allows school personnel and emergency responders to focus on student and staff safety.

Families are encouraged to:

• Stay informed. Monitor official district communications and follow instructions from school officials and emergency responders.

• Keep contact information current. Ensure the district has accurate phone numbers, email addresses, emergency contacts, and authorized pickup information.

• Avoid going to the school unless directed. Arriving during an emergency may interfere with response activities. Wait for official instructions before traveling to a school or designated pickup location.

• Follow reunification instructions. If students must be picked up at a designated location, follow the district's directions regarding location, timing, identification, and student release.

• Share verified information. Rely on official district updates and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.

• Talk with your child. Encourage children to listen to trusted adults, follow directions, and ask for help when needed.