HCPSSChanges in School Safety Language and Protocols
September 9th, 2025
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has implemented new school safety protocol to be used when protective actions are required during the school day. The new protocols are based on the I Love U Guys Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol, a nationally recognized school safety framework that provides clear and simple language and actions for schools to follow during emergency situations. The HCPSS Office of Safety & Security led the process for evaluating and adopting this response protocol, which is endorsed by the Maryland Center for School Safety.
The new protocols integrate practices and terminology specifically for school settings and have been analyzed by school safety experts.
The Hold protocol is used when all hallways must be cleared, but normal classroom operations may continue. This could include scenarios such as a medical emergency or fight between students.
The Secure protocol is used when there is an emergency outside the building. This could include scenarios such as police activity in a nearby neighborhood, an aggressive animal on campus, or a non-specific threat.
The Lockdown protocol is used when there is a perceived or actual threat inside the building and immediate security measures are necessary. This could include scenarios such as an intruder, or a student or staff member within the school who poses an immediate threat to students and staff.
The Evacuation protocol is used anytime students and staff must exit a building or a particular part of the building. This could include scenarios such as floods, fires, hazardous materials incidents, or other situations that may render the school site unsafe.
The Shelter protocol is used when there is a specific hazard that requires you to take protective action inside the building. This could include scenarios such as severe weather, a hazardous materials spill, or other air quality emergency.
Schools will use these terms in messages when protective actions are required during the school day. We encourage parents/guardians to speak with their children to help familiarize them with these new terms. More information about these protocols may be found online.