Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
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Irving ISD constantly seeks to provide a circle of protection that generates safety and security in all schools and facilities. Controlled access to buildings, our volunteer registration program, crisis communication, employees and first responders are all essential to that cause.
Our district uses the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), created by the Colorado-based I Love You Guys Foundation, to simplify the district’s emergency response procedures. We believe this protocol helps foster a safe learning and working environment for all students and staff.
SRP actions
The SRP refers to five specific actions in the event of an emergency or crisis. Hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate or shelter are the actions students and employees are trained to perform during an emergency. A brief synopsis of each action is below.
Hold
Hold occurs when the hallways need to be kept clear, even during class changes. Students will remain in their classrooms and do business as usual. Teachers will recover students and staff from hallways, close and lock the classroom door and account for students and other adults. Everyone will remain in the room until the "all clear" is announced.
Secure
Secure occurs when a threat or hazard is outside of the school building. Students will remain or return inside the building. Staff will help recover and account for students and colleagues outside the building. Adults will then lock outside doors, increase their situational awareness and do business as usual.
Lockdown
Lockdown occurs when a threat or hazard is inside the building. Students will stay quiet and out-of-sight. Adults will recover students from the hallway if possible. Staff will lock the classroom door, turn off lights, maintain silence and obscured visibility, and prepare to evade or defend. Only first responders may open closed doors.
Evacuate
Evacuate occurs when students and staff must move to another location. Students will leave all but cell phones behind if required, follow instructions and be prepared for changes. Staff will lead students to the evacuation location. Adults will account for students and staff and notify if anyone is missing, extra or injured.
Shelter
Shelter occurs when the need for personal protection is necessary, such as during a tornado or biohazard situation. Students and staff will employ appropriate safety strategies. Adults will account for students and staff and notify if anyone is missing, extra or injured.
FAQ
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Is the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) used by other school districts?
The SRP has been developed for implementation in K-12 and university environments by the “I Love You Guys” Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to student safety. In addition to receiving an endorsement by the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC), the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the office of the Governor for the State of Texas, the SRP is currently being used by thousands of school districts across the nation. Other north central Texas school districts utilizing SRP include: McKinney ISD, Plano ISD, Allen ISD, Lewisville ISD, Dallas ISD, Frisco ISD, Coppell ISD, Mesquite ISD and others.
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Why is Irving ISD using the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) system?
Standardization of emergency response actions from campus to campus reduces the amount of time required for protective measures to be implemented, and therefore can prevent or mitigate the potential negative effects of an incident. Irving ISD has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a proven methodology that ensures a uniform response to school-based emergencies.
The SRP is not based on individual scenarios, but rather on the response to any given scenario. One large benefit of the SRP is the standard language used by all responders; this includes students, parents, staff and first responders. The protocol also allows for all involved to use a predictable series of actions. This standardization in response ensures that all incidents are handled in the same manner district-wide and everyone knows what is happening or what to do as an event unfolds. -
How will parents receive information when there is an emergency incident resulting in the use of SRP-based actions?
During an emergency, Irving ISD will utilize the same methodologies used for day-to-day communications with parents.
This may include phone calls, emails or text messages from the district Communications Department or your campus administrator.
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It is near dismissal time, and the school is in a SRP-based action phase where my student is remaining inside the school for protective reasons. How will I know when and where I can pick up my child?
Irving ISD will contact you using the same tools used for day-to-day communications with parents. This may include phone calls, emails or text messages from the district Communications Department or your campus administrator.
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Should I come to the school during a Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter or Hold action that is in-progress?
Parents are urged to stay home and await instructions from the district anytime SRP-based protective measures are being utilized to ensure the safety and security of students and staff.
During a Secure or Lockdown, traffic routes around the school must remain clear to allow for arriving first responder agencies. Both SRP-based actions will result in an increase in police presence as the circumstances are investigated. In addition, no-one is allowed in or out of a Irving ISD facility during a Secure or Lockdown. Parents congregating near the front entrance of a Irving ISD facility during a Secure or Lockdown may create additional perceived risks for responding police agencies while the credibility of a threat or hazard is being evaluated.
Evacuate, Shelter and Hold actions are typically resolved in a very short amount of time once a hazard has passed or has been determined to be a non-issue.