As the new school year begins, it’s important to review safety procedures to be taken in the event of an emergency. There are a few updates to be aware of this year.
“Lockout” Changed to “Restricted Entry and Exit”
Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) will use the term “restricted entry and exit” instead of “lockout” to describe situations where the exterior of a school building is secured due to activity in the local area that could pose a potential safety concern. In these instances, entering and exiting the building is prohibited, but school activities continue as normal inside.
The security procedures themselves will not change–only the terminology. The term “restricted entry and exit” more clearly reflects the precautions taken in school buildings. It also reduces confusion with the term “lockdown,” a separate safety protocol in which students and staff are locked in classrooms and other secure locations inside the school to protect them from a potential threat.
New Crisis Communication Protocol
In the event of an emergency or crisis situation, LCS will primarily communicate with parents, guardians, students, and staff members at the affected school(s) via phone call, text, and/or email. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial notification: You’ll receive an automated notification from LCS alerting you to the nature of the situation (e.g. whether it’s a lockdown, restricted entry and exit, or something else). It won’t contain detailed information–the goal of this message is to loop you in as quickly as possible.
- Crisis updates: LCS will send periodic updates. Even if there’s no new information available, you’ll still receive updates so you know LCS is continuing to monitor the situation and institute safety measures.
- Crisis resolution notification: When the crisis situation has been resolved, you’ll receive an update.
- Follow-up: The school principal or LCS administrators will send information on the crisis event, the response by LCS staff, and any relevant resources, as needed.