The South Washington County School District has implemented the Standard Response Protocol to enhance school safety and emergency preparedness across its facilities.

The protocol, created by the I Love U Guys Foundation, is currently used in more than 45,000 schools, agencies and organizations worldwide. The system was developed through research-based best practices involving school administrators, psychologists, public safety experts, families and first responders.

The Standard Response Protocol establishes five specific emergency response actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter. Each action carries specific instructions for students and staff during different types of emergencies. Hold procedures keep students in classrooms when incidents occur in hallways or building areas. Secure protocols activate when external threats exist in the neighborhood, requiring all exterior doors to be locked while interior activities continue normally.

Lockdown represents the most urgent action, implemented when threats exist inside the school building. During lockdowns, all students and staff remain in locked classrooms or offices with lights off until law enforcement or school administration provides clearance. Evacuation procedures guide safe exit from buildings during power outages, fires or gas leaks, while Shelter protocols respond to severe weather affecting school facilities.

Local law enforcement and emergency response teams also utilize the Standard Response Protocol, ensuring coordinated responses during school emergencies. The district encourages community members to visit the district website for additional safety information.