Berkley School District families are receiving an explanation of five emergency response terms the district is using this school year: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter.
The terms are part of the Standard Response Protocol, or SRP, described in the district’s Safe Schools Week announcement published Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Michigan lawmakers passed legislation requiring standardized school emergency terminology in December 2024, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed it Jan. 22, 2025. However, Michigan State Police reported Sept. 21 that the implementing rules had been delayed. The state rulemaking record lists their effective date as pending.
Berkley is using the protocol developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation. The district says the terminology is intended to give school staff and public safety personnel a shared vocabulary.
Hold replaces Berkley’s former term “Dignity Pause,” while Secure replaces “Shelter in Place.”
The district’s announcements explain the five terms:
Hold: Hallways need to remain clear because of an incident such as a medical issue or maintenance problem. Students remain in classrooms while teachers lock doors, take attendance and continue lessons until an all-clear.
Secure: A potential danger outside requires students and staff to remain or come indoors. Berkley’s detailed SRP guidance says no additional people may enter or leave until Secure mode ends. Classes resume after attendance is taken.
Lockdown: An immediate threat exists inside the building or on school grounds. The district’s detailed guidance says the announcement directs students and staff to initiate ALICE protocols and determine the appropriate response. If lockdown is chosen, they lock and barricade doors, use Nightlock door-security devices, stay out of sight, remain quiet and turn off lights.
Evacuate: An incident such as a fire, gas leak or threat requires people to leave the building. Students leave belongings behind, taking phones if possible, and go to designated gathering areas or reunification sites. Staff bring emergency Go Bags.
Shelter: Weather conditions or chemical hazards may require students and staff to move to a protected area. Staff take attendance and follow the protective actions appropriate to the situation.
SRP works alongside Berkley’s existing ALICE training, which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate.
The district’s Aug. 28 announcement said staff reviewed the terminology during opening meetings and that posters had been distributed to all classrooms and offices. The language is also available through the district’s Family Resources webpage.
