Emergency Response Protocols

Austin Community College District(ACC) adopted a Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to standardize our communication and response during emergencies. The SRP enhances our emergency procedures by providing clear, consistent language and actions that students, faculty, staff, and first responders can easily understand and apply in any crisis. 

By following the SRP actions—HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE, and SHELTER—the entire campus community can make informed decisions to ensure safety during emergencies.

Incident Responses

  1. Hold: “In Your Room or Area” | During a Hold, individuals are instructed to remain in their current room or area until further notice, ensuring that hallways are free for emergency responders or to isolate a specific area.
  2. Secure: “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors” | The Secure protocol directs everyone to get inside and lock exterior doors to prevent potential threats from entering the building while maintaining a safe environment inside.
  3. Lockdown: “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight” | Lockdown protocol asks occupants to lock their doors, turn off lights, and remain out of sight, making it difficult for intruders to find them.
  4. Evacuate: “Get Out” | The Evacuate directive, which may be followed by a specified location, is used to move people from one area to another, either within the building or outside, for swift and orderly evacuation in case of fires, chemical spills, or other emergencies.
  5. Shelter: “State the Hazard and Safety Strategy” | For situations like severe weather or hazardous material incidents, the Shelter protocol is activated. The specific hazard and corresponding safety strategy are clearly communicated to ensure appropriate protective measures are taken.

For more detailed procedures and visual guides, refer to our safety posters across campus: The College’s new protocols are based on best practices and modeled after the SRP at the I Love U Guys Foundation website.

Stay safe and informed. Your cooperation is essential for a secure community.

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