As previously released by your Garrett County Public Schools Safety & Security Department, our standard response protocols have been updated for the 2023-24 school year. Directives may include one of the following actions in our facilities: HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE, or SHELTER. As drills are being conducted in our schools, many of which have already taken place since the start of school, we will examine each protocol closer. This week’s focus is on the LOCKDOWN protocol.

LOCKDOWN, locks, lights, out of sight! The Lockdown Action demands locking individual classroom doors, offices, and other securable areas, moving occupants out of the line of sight of corridor windows, turning off lights to make the room seem unoccupied, and having occupants maintain silence.

Depending on the situation, SchoolMessenger may be used to alert parent(s)/guardian(s) of the LOCKDOWN status. This may happen during the current time or after the LOCKDOWN has been lifted, perhaps receiving notification after the school day has ended.

A LOCKDOWN drill will be conducted in each school no less than twice per year. While A.L.I.C.E. training has occurred previously, this training will still be implemented if warranted. These protocols will be used as “another tool in the box.”

If you have questions about a drill happening at your local school, please contact your school office or the Office of Safety & Security at 301-334-8900 ext. 1361. As a reminder, in the event of an emergency, please contact 9-1-1 immediately. To report a tip anonymously, contact MD Safe Schools at 833-MD-B-SAFE (833-632-7233).