Safety Notices: About Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate & Shelter

All Marana USD schools use specific language and actions during emergencies, including bad weather, nearby police activity, medical incidents, and other campus safety concerns.

This language is also used by law enforcement, the Marana Police Department and the Pima County Sheriff's Department, helping ensure actions can be made quickly during emergencies and that responders will better know what to expect when entering campus. Depending on the emergency, schools or law enforcement may order schools to respond with the following actions:

• Hold
• Secure
• Lockdown
• Evacuate
• Shelter

The emergency actions provide a common language and clear actions for students, staff, first responders, and families during emergency situations. By using the same terminology, everyone knows what to do when an emergency occurs, helping us respond quickly and effectively.

Emergency Response Actions & What Happens at Schools

HOLD — "In Your Room or Area. Clear the Halls."

A Hold is used when the hallways need to remain clear while an issue is addressed elsewhere on campus.

Students will:

• Remain in their classroom or current location.
• Stay out of the hallways.
• Continue learning as directed by staff.

Staff will:

• Close and lock classroom doors.
• Account for all students and adults.
• Continue normal classroom activities until an "All Clear" is announced.

SECURE — "Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors."

A Secure action is used when there is a potential concern outside the school building. Learning continues inside the school while exterior doors remain locked.

Students will:

• Return inside the building if they are outdoors.
• Continue normal school activities.

Staff will:

• Bring everyone indoors.
• Lock all exterior doors.
• Increase situational awareness.
• Take attendance and continue instruction.

LOCKDOWN — "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight."

A Lockdown is initiated when there is a potential threat inside or immediately around the school requiring everyone to remain secured in classrooms.

Students will:

• Move out of sight.
• Remain quiet.
• Follow all staff directions.
• Never open the classroom door.

Staff will:

• Lock classroom doors.
• Turn off lights.
• Move everyone out of sight.
• Maintain silence.
• Prepare to respond as necessary until law enforcement provides further direction.

EVACUATE — "A Location May Be Specified."

An Evacuate action moves students and staff to a designated safe location when it is necessary to leave a building.

Students will:

• Follow staff directions.
• Leave belongings behind if instructed.
• Bring a cell phone only if possible and safe to do so.

Staff will:

• Lead students to the designated evacuation location.
• Account for all students and staff.
• Report anyone who is missing or injured.

SHELTER — "Hazard and Safety Strategy."

A Shelter action is used when environmental hazards require students and staff to take specific protective measures.

Examples include:

• Severe Weather: Move to designated shelter areas. Follow the specific safety strategy announced by school officials.
• Hazardous Materials (HazMat): Secure the room as directed.

Preparing Students Before an Emergency

Throughout the school year, students and staff will practice safety procedures through scheduled drills. These drills help ensure everyone understands what to do and can respond calmly and confidently if an actual emergency occurs.

Posters with these Emergency Action Responses are also posted throughout schools as reminders of actions to take during emergencies.

Communication During Emergencies

Please do not share rumors in person or online. Misinformation impedes the District's ability to respond quickly and accurately. In the event of an emergency, here is what the District can and cannot share:

What We Can Share

• The general nature of the incident without specific details, for example, "We are aware of a threat made against the school."
• The safety measures being implemented, such as a Secure, Lockdown, Hold, or increased police presence.
• Confirmation that the District is working with law enforcement to investigate and ensure student and staff safety.
• Other general information, resources, who to contact, and helpful reminders.
• We will communicate as much as we can, as soon as possible, and let you know when an emergency is resolved.

What We Cannot Share

• Specific details of the incident.
• Names or disciplinary information about any students involved, which is protected under federal law (FERPA).
• Details of school security plans that could compromise their effectiveness.

Partnering with the community, families, and parents is a proven strategy that also improves our communication response and management during emergencies. We thank you for your continued support.