NY State Emergency Response Terms

Shelter-in-Place / Shelter
Shelter students and staff inside the building because it is safer inside the building than outside.

Recommended Actions:
-Listen for instructions.
-Students in hallways should return to the assigned classroom, if possible.
-Take attendance.
-Staff assist students as needed.
-Move away from windows if the situation warrants.
-If instructed, move out of the classroom to a designated safe area; take attendance upon arrival at the new location.
-Stay together at all times.
-Listen for updates.

Hold-in-Place / Hold
Restrict movement of students and staff within the building while dealing with short-term emergencies.

Recommended Actions:
-Listen for instructions.
-Students in hallways should return to the assigned classroom, if possible.
-Take attendance.
-Staff assist students as needed.
-Listen for updates.



Evacuate
Evacuate students and staff from the building.

Recommended Actions:
-Listen for instructions.
-Lead students to the designated assembly area. Use a secondary route, if necessary.
-Students in hallways should evacuate through the nearest exit.
-Bring an attendance list and class roster.
-Close the classroom door after exiting.
-Take attendance when safe to do so.
-If evacuating off site, take attendance before moving from and upon arrival at the off-site location.
-Listen for updates.

Secure Lockout
Students and staff remain inside locked school buildings during incidents that pose an imminent concern outside of the school.

Recommended Actions:
-Listen for instructions.
-Lock all exterior doors and windows.
-Follow school procedure for blinds/lights.
-Take attendance.
-Classroom instruction continues as normal.
-All outdoor activities are terminated.
-Listen for updates.


Lockdown
Secure students and staff inside locked classrooms during incidents that pose an immediate threat of violence in or around the school.

Recommended Actions:
-Lockdown announced - move quickly.
-If safe, gather students from hallways and common areas near your classroom.
-Lock the door. Barricade if necessary.
-Move students to a safe area in the classroom out of sight of the door.
-Follow school procedure for windows/blinds/lights.
-Keep everyone quiet. Silence cell phones.
-Take attendance, if possible.
-Do not communicate through the door or answer the room phone.
-Only respond to P.A. or alarms when there is an immediate life safety hazard based on observed conditions (smoke, fire, heat).
-Stay hidden until physically released by law enforcement personnel.