September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, serving as a timely reminder that safety planning remains a priority throughout the year, especially in our schools. During an emergency at school, every second and every word matters. That’s why public schools across Southwest Washington are implementing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP): a set of clear, consistent actions designed to keep students, staff, families and first responders coordinated when it counts most.

ESD 112’s Regional School Safety Center (RSSC) has led a collaborative effort to improve emergency preparedness and response across the region, using SRP, developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation, to simplify emergency response into five standard actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Each action is designed to match different situations, from a medical incident in the hallway to a threat inside the school building and provides clear guidance on what to do.

“The key to SRP is its shared vocabulary,” said Corina McEntire, Comprehensive School Safety and Public Health Coordinator at ESD 112. “It reduces confusion in the moment and ensures everyone, students, staff, and emergency responders, understands what’s happening and how to respond.”

What Makes SRP Different

During an emergency, traditional instructions can be confusing or unclear. SRP simplifies the language used in crises, so instead of vague directives, schools communicate specific actions like “Lockdown. Locks, lights, out of sight.” or “Evacuate to the gym.”

This clarity helps students follow instructions more easily, enables staff to act quickly, and assists families in understanding what’s happening when they get notifications. Consistent terminology is now used not only by schools but also by first responders throughout the region.

Supporting Safety at Every Level

The Regional School Safety Center (RSSC) at ESD 112 plays a critical role in helping schools adopt and implement SRP. From training staff and administrators to coordinating with local emergency responders, the RSSC offers expert guidance and hands-on support.

In addition to SRP, the Safety Center provides training and resources on reunification procedures, crisis communications, threat assessments, and other related topics. It demonstrates a broader commitment to keeping Southwest Washington schools safe, prepared, and responsive—before, during, and after an incident.

Now Available: SRP Video Series

To help schools, families, and communities better understand the five SRP actions, ESD 112 has produced a short video series, each one focused on a different emergency response.

Check out the new SRP video series produced by ESD 112: View Training Playlist >

These videos are available free of charge for all schools to use as part of their safety communications and training efforts.

Let’s Talk Safety

If you have questions about SRP or need support implementing safety training in your school or district, the ESD 112 team is here to assist. Please reach out to Corina McEntire, ESD 112’s Comprehensive School Safety & Public Health Coordinator, at corina.mcentire@esd112.org.

By working together and speaking the same language, we can build safer school communities, one action and one clear message at a time.