The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We have emergency plans in place, developed with local law enforcement and first responders. While the instinct to come to school during an emergency is natural, doing so may put you and others at risk and disrupt response efforts. Please support our safety plans by staying informed and following the steps outlined below.
Family Safety
Parent's Role in an Emergency
Stay Home
Do not come to the school or call during emergencies. This disrupts response efforts and risks safety. Wait for instructions and check our website, texts, or email for updates.
Stay Informed
Keep your contact information up to date so we can reach you with emergency alerts. Download ParentSquare to receive real-time updates and important school communications.
Be Ready
Visit our website for the latest emergency information, including when and where to safely pick up your child. Check texts and email regularly for updates and instructions.
To report an emergency at one of our schools or facilities, first call 911, then report it to our safety and security office at 206-631-7600.
How We Respond to Emergencies
We use the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). The SRP is used nationwide. There are five clear actions to help everyone—students, staff, families, and first responders—know exactly what to do in a variety of situations:
- HOLD – Stay in classrooms to keep hallways clear.
- SECURE – Lock outside doors; continue normal activities inside.
- LOCKDOWN – Lock doors, turn off lights, stay quiet and out of sight.
- EVACUATE – Leave the building safely to a designated location.
- SHELTER – Take protective action for environmental hazards.
Family Safety & Emergency Best Practices
Have a Family Plan
Each family should have a plan for what to do if your child arrives home early due to an emergency, including the following:
- What is the best route home if your child cannot be delivered to the normal bus stop?
- Where could they go if they needed help?
- Who would care for them until you arrive?
- If you are not available, is there someone your child knows to call?
See a Safety Concern on Social Media? Report, Don’t Repost.
Avoid spreading unverified information on social media. Instead, report any concerns directly to law enforcement and our Safety and Security department. Reposting or sharing a threat in an attempt to warn others spreads the threat farther from its original source and causes unnecessary alarm and fear.
What Happens in a School Emergency?
Each school has a plan with specified roles and responsibilities for handling various types of emergencies. Specific safety procedures are followed, depending on the type of emergency. Every situation is unique, so school staff may adjust their response to address student safety first.