Recognize the Danger. Secure First

During an emergency, the first few moments may be confusing. Staff may hear unusual sounds, see unexpected movement, receive incomplete information, or simply recognize that something is not right.

You do not need to fully understand what is happening before taking an immediate protective action.

If circumstances suggest a possible threat, securing your classroom or work area first can provide valuable protection while additional information is gathered. Once the room is secured, staff can listen for announcements, communicate concerns through established procedures, and adjust their response as more information becomes available.

The goal is not to second guess every unusual situation. It is to recognize when conditions have changed and avoid delaying a reasonable protective action while waiting for certainty.

Recognize the danger. Secure first. Confirm second.

What should you do when you recognize signs of a possible emergency but do not yet know exactly what is happening?

Suggested response:

Take the safest reasonable protective action available and follow the school’s established emergency procedures.

Staff should consider:

• Securing the classroom or immediate area when appropriate
• Keeping students together and under supervision
• Moving students away from obvious hazards
• Listening for official announcements or instructions
• Reporting what was observed through the established communication process
• Adjusting the response as verified information becomes available

You do not need a complete explanation before taking reasonable steps to protect students.

Pay particular attention to:

• Unusual sounds or activity that suddenly changes the normal environment
• Students or staff moving quickly without an obvious explanation
• Unexpected announcements or emergency communications
• Activity outside the classroom that appears inconsistent with normal routines
• Staff hesitating because they are waiting for more information
• Classroom doors that are not immediately ready to be secured
• Situations where someone recognizes a concern but assumes another person will respond

Early recognition should lead to purposeful action, not unnecessary delay.

Take one minute this week to think through how you would respond if you suddenly realized something was wrong but did not yet know the full situation.

Ask yourself:

• Could I secure my room immediately?
• What would I do with the students already with me?
• How would I communicate what I observed?
• Where would I get verified information?
• Am I prepared to act before every detail is known?

You may not immediately know exactly what is happening, but you can still take steps to protect the people in your care.