4 Levels of Safety Procedures and Protocols

We would like to update you about revisions to our Safety Procedures and Protocols. There are four (4) levels:

Level 1: Lock-Out
Level 2: Shelter in Place
Level 3: Lockdown
Level 4: Evacuation

Differences Between Shelter in Place, Lock-Out, Lockdown, and Evacuation Protocols:

Understanding the differences between Lock-Out, Shelter in Place, Lockdown, and Evacuation protocols are critical for effective emergency management in schools:

Level 1: Lock-Out

Lock-Outs would occur when we are aware of a potentially dangerous situation in the neighborhood or on our campus. Lock-Outs may be used for severe weather, police activity or other situations during which no one will be permitted to enter or leave the school. Teachers will continue to teach. Students may be in the hallways, and the schedule will continue as usual. Students in the auxiliary services unit must remain in the unit.

Level 2: Shelter in Place

These protocols are implemented when there is a hazard or threat outside the school, or when a situation is occurring inside the school for which halls need to remain cleared.

Shelter in Place may be used for hazardous materials spills, for domestic situations inside and outside of the school, for medical emergencies for which halls need to be cleared, or for other situations for which staff members and students are asked to remain in classrooms. Staff members and students are prohibited from being in the hallways. The building is secured, and individuals are directed to safe areas within the school.

Teachers will continue to teach. Students in the auxiliary services unit must remain in the unit.

Level 3: Lockdown

A Lockdown is implemented when there is an immediate threat inside the school, such as an intruder or active shooter. Everyone is directed to lock doors, turn off lights, and remain silent and out of sight until the situation is resolved.

Additionally, as we learned in our training with the Parma Heights Police Department, students and staff members are asked to either barricade classroom doors or to evacuate the school if doing so is in their best interests, based upon the information shared on the public address system.

Level 4: Evacuation

Evacuation involves the orderly exit of all building occupants in the event of fires, bomb threats, or other incidents that make staying inside the building unsafe.

Students and staff members follow predetermined routes to safety zones or assembly points outside the school.

Holy Name High School’s reunification site is St. Bridget of Kildaire on Hauserman Road.

— ALSO —

Rapid Dismissal

Rapid Dismissal refers to an emergency evacuation drill in schools, as mandated by law in Ohio, teaching students and staff members to exit quickly and calmly during emergencies like fires.

Rapid Dismissals are used infrequently. A Rapid Dismissal would be used in place of a monthly fire drill when inclement weather prohibits a normally scheduled fire drill.

Rapid Dismissals would generally occur at the end of a school day. Students and staff members would take personal belongings from lockers and classrooms and leave the building. They would not be expected to return to class that day.

All students were introduced to these procedures during Discipline Assemblies this week.

If you have any questions, please contact Principal Kathi Powers (kpowers@holynamehs.com) or Assistant Principal Mike Sullivan (michaelsullivan@holynamehs.com)