Rotolo Middle School outlines five emergency actions for students, staff and visitors

Rotolo Middle School staff outlined five emergency actions that students, staff and visitors should know to respond to school emergencies, presenter Adam Lester said. The actions are hold, secure, lockdown, evacuation and shelter.

Adam Lester, a staff member at Rotolo Middle School, said the school and Batavia USD 101 make safety a priority and described the procedures that apply when each action is announced. He said a hold "instructs all persons to clear the hallways, close doors, and remain in their classrooms or current location until the all clear is announced."

Mr. Payton, a staff member at Rotolo Middle School, described secure as a measure used when there may be danger outside the school, such as nearby police activity. Under secure, Mr. Payton said, "all students and staff must quickly get inside the school," outside doors are locked, classes continue as normal when feasible, and "no visitors will be admitted" while the school remains in secure mode.

Ms. Thrun, a staff member at Rotolo Middle School, said a lockdown is used when there is an imminent threat inside the building and that "staff and students must then assess the situation and decide to run, hide, or fight depending on the circumstances and their location." She said known information about the threat will be announced immediately during a lockdown.

Ms. Mendel, a staff member at Rotolo Middle School, said an evacuation is used when occupants must exit the building quickly, most commonly in response to a fire, and that people will go to a designated rally point "in an expedited and orderly manner."

Ms. Hunter Foltos, a staff member at Rotolo Middle School, explained that shelter actions vary by hazard; for example, in a tornado warning people are moved to a designated shelter area and the appropriate strategy is announced when shelter is activated.

The presentation closed with Adam Lester saying, "So that's it. Remember, hold, secure, lock down, evacuate, and shelter to stay safe in any emergency situation." The guidance in the recording is procedural information for school occupants; the transcript does not show any policy decision or vote arising from the presentation.