An emergency situation can be stressful. Understanding key terms can help families better understand what is happening at their student’s building. The following are terms families may hear before and during an emergency situation:
A.L.I.C.E. Lockdown - A.L.I.C.E. stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate and is the response method utilized by the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools to counter an active threat in our school buildings. Students and staff are trained on this response method, with practice drills three times a year, as required by the State of Ohio. All hallways are cleared, doors are locked, students and staff are taught to barricade the doors and hide quietly. If the threat arrives, they are taught to counter - throw objects, make noise, etc. When safe, students and staff are evacuated to a designated location.
Shelter-in-Place - A shelter-in-place is used to limit movement of students throughout the building in order to keep the hallways clear. It is used in situations such as a medical emergency so emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can quickly and easily move through the building to access the person in need of assistance. There is no immediate threat and learning and teaching can continue throughout the shelter-in-place.
Secure the Perimeter - When a “secure the perimeter” is called, all students and staff outside are brought into the building and no one enters or exits the building until given the all clear. This is used when there is an incident occurring outside of the building or in the area. There is no immediate threat to those inside.
Reunification - In the unlikely event of an evacuation, students and staff will be taken to a reunification site. This site is pre-planned and prepared to receive students and staff. Families will receive specific instructions for pick up.
Be prepared for an emergency!
Ensure all emergency contact information is updated in Infinite Campus and have at least one additional trusted adult listed as an approved emergency contact who can pick up your child.
Discuss in advance with your child the trusted adults you have approved to pick them up in the event of an emergency.
Ensure you are receiving automated communications from the district. Contact your child’s school if you are not receiving communication.
In the event of an emergency:
Do NOT call or rush to your child’s school! Telephone lines and staff are needed for emergency response efforts and the area around the school may need to be closed off for safety measures.
Do NOT call or text your child’s cell phone. Staff and students are discouraged from using cell phones during an emergency for safety reasons. They will be able to use their cell phones and contact you as soon as it is safe to do so.
Check sel.k12.oh.us/Emergency.aspx for official updates from the district.
Rely on official communications from the school or public safety officials. If it did not come from one of those two channels, it may not be true!
Listen for official information regarding reuniting with your child. This will be provided as soon as it is available and will require careful cooperation to ensure the fastest reunification possible.