Mehlville School District

Schools are among the safest places to be due to the strong commitment of educators and staff, families and our community. Mehlville School District is committed to being proactive rather than reactive. As always, we encourage members of our community to follow this simple rule: If you see something, say something. Safety concerns can be reported at any time using these resources.

Mehlville School District has adopted the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol. Students and staff will be training and practicing the response protocols throughout the school year. 

The Standard Response Protocol is based on an all-hazards approach to incidents that can happen in schools. This protocol provides common, easy-to-understand language while allowing for flexibility in how school administrators and first responders respond. The premise is simple; there are five specific actions that can be performed during an incident or emergency: HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE and SHELTER. 

What is a HOLD?
HOLD “In Your Classroom or Area”: HOLD is called when the hallways need to be kept clear even during class changes.

• Students are trained to clear the hallways and remain in their room or area until the “All Clear” is announced and, to do business as usual.
• Adults and staff are trained to close and lock the door, account for all students and adults, and do business as usual.

What is a SECURE?
SECURE “Get inside. Lock outside doors”: SECURE is called when there is a threat or hazard outside the building.

• Students are trained to return to inside the building and do business as usual.
• Adults and staff are trained to bring everyone indoors, lock the outside doors, increase situational awareness, account for students and adults, and do business as usual.

What is a LOCKDOWN?
LOCKDOWN “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight”: LOCKDOWN is called when there is a threat or hazard inside the building.

• Students are trained to move away from sight, maintain silence, and do not open the door.
• Adults and staff are trained to recover students from hallways if possible, lock the classroom door, turn out the lights, move away from sight, maintain silence, do not open the door, and prepare to evade or defend.

What is an EVACUATE?
EVACUATE “To a Location”: EVACUATE is called to move students and staff from one location to another.

• Students are trained to leave stuff behind if required, bring their phone (if possible) and follow instructions.
• Adults and staff are trained to bring roll sheet if possible, take Go Bag (unless instructed not to take anything), lead students to evacuation location, account for students and adults, and report injuries or problems.
  

What is a SHELTER?
SHELTER “State the Hazard and Safety Strategy”: SHELTER is called when the need for personal protection is necessary.

• Hazards and their safety strategies might include Tornado (Evacuate to a shelter area), Hazmat (Seal the room), Earthquake (Drop, cover and hold).
• Students are trained in the appropriate safety strategies for the hazard.
• Adults and staff are trained in leading the appropriate safety strategies for the hazard, account for students and adults, and report injuries or problems.