Laramie County School District #1 explains hold, secure, lockdown, evacuation and shelter procedures for parents

Laramie County School District #1 outlined five standard emergency classifications and what parents should expect and do during each, saying its schools use the I Love You Guys Foundation Standard Response Protocol to coordinate with emergency responders and keep students safe.

A district spokesperson for Laramie County School District #1 said the protocol gives students, staff, parents and emergency personnel a common plan and language to improve response during incidents at school facilities.

Under the protocol, a "hold" directs students to clear hallways and remain in their classroom or assigned area while doors are locked and students continue normal classroom activities until an "all clear" is announced. The district said holds are typically used for behavioral or medical situations and that parents do not need to act unless they are contacted directly by the school.

A "secure" means students should return inside the building and outside doors are kept locked while activities inside continue as normal. The district said secure protocols are often used when law enforcement or other emergency activity is occurring in the surrounding area; again, parents should remain where they are unless contacted by the school.

During a "lockdown," students move out of sight, preferably into a classroom, remain silent and do not open doors. The district advised parents not to go to the school during a lockdown because arriving parents can endanger themselves, impede emergency vehicles and complicate response. The district said it might send text updates but asked parents not to call the school during a lockdown to avoid interfering with response communications.

In an "evacuation," students leave belongings behind and follow staff instructions to designated evacuation locations. Staff and adults will perform roll call to account for students; parents are asked to keep roads clear and to wait for official notification before coming to a reunification site.

"Shelter" protocols apply to hazards such as tornadoes, hazardous-material incidents or earthquakes. Depending on the hazard, students may be moved away from windows, instructed to drop, cover and hold, or relocated to the nearest shelter area. The district warned that messages via the Remind app or other systems may be delayed during hazardous events while officials verify updates with first responders.

The district emphasized that verified information may take time because officials must confirm details with law enforcement or other first responders before sending updates to families. The presentation named the Cheyenne Police Department and the Laramie County Sheriff's Office as partners in protecting students during crises.

The district did not specify any changes to policy or new funding tied to these descriptions; the material presented was explanatory about existing procedures and parent expectations during different emergency classifications.