Safety Protocols
Standard Response Protocol
Readington Schools uses Standard Response Protocol. Since its introduction in 2009, the Standard Response Protocol has been adopted by districts, departments and agencies across the US and Canada. The conformance to FEMA guidance about plain language and the simplicity of implementation has resulted in thousands of schools and law enforcement agencies implementing the program.
Below is an introduction to the basic procedures for students and staff.
STANDARD RESPONSE PROTOCOL
Readington Township Public Schools follow the nationally recognized Standard Response Protocol for incident response in our schools and buildings. A critical part of a safe school is a uniform classroom response to any incident. Weather events, fires, intruders, and other threats to student and staff safety are scenarios that are planned and trained for by school and district administration and staff.
The Standard Response Protocol follows a specific but straightforward vocabulary that allows students and staff to act quickly in the event of a situation. This adopted protocol from the I Love You Guys Foundation is also used at Hunterdon Central.
Hold
This is a procedure when the hallways need to be kept clear of people.
Secure
This is a precaution used to isolate students and staff inside the school from potential dangers outside the school, such as criminal activity in the community. Campus staff will bring all children inside, secure the exterior doors, and monitor the situation, preventing unauthorized visitors into the school.
Lockdown
This is a procedure used when there is a threat to the school. Lockdown minimizes access to the school and secures staff and students in rooms. As part of this procedure, everyone must remain in the room until the situation has been declared safe by an authorized person such as a Police Officer. Only persons with proper identification may be allowed to enter and exit the building, depending on the circumstances.
Shelter
This is a precaution aimed to keep students and staff safe while remaining indoors. Situations that may require the campus to shelter in place include natural disasters, severe weather, accidental or intentional release of chemical, biological or radiological material, or an emergency safety situation in the community. Depending on the circumstances, persons with proper identification may be allowed to enter and exit the building. Students may be kept beyond normal school hours, with or without air conditioning. Food and drinks will be made available if students are kept over an extended time.
Evacuate
Evacuation is called when there is a need to move students from one location to another. A typical example of the need to evacuate is in the event of a fire.
