Over the summer, administrative staff from Allegany County Public Schools, along with other community groups, attended a two-day training session from the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. In attendance were members of the Cumberland Police, Sheriff’s Office, Frostburg Police Department, Allegany County Emergency Services, Allegany College of Maryland, as well as staff from Frederick and Garrett County Schools.

“Most safety trainings and meetings highlight the importance of Public Safety and educators working together,” says Mr. Anthony Rumgay, Assistant Supervisor of Student Support Services and School Safety. “This training not only provided important information, but also gave these groups the opportunity to work together and get to know each other.”

The training, conducted by Andy Arnold, Instructor, Explorer, for the “I Love U Guys” Foundation, focused on the importance of planning and preparing for potential emergencies. Attendees were educated on the Standard Response Protocol, which addresses language barriers across different organizations during a crisis, and the Standard Reunification Method, which centers on reunifying students with their parents after a crisis. Currently, more than 50,000 schools, districts, departments, agencies, organizations, and municipalities around the world are using these programs. 

ACPS adopted The “I Love U Guys” Foundation Standard Response Protocol (SRP) last year. The SRP allows students, parents, organizations, and first responders to share a specific vocabulary for quick, coordinated action for any incident. Using standard communication allows for better understanding of what actions are needed, but also allows the actions to be flexible for specific situations.

Five specific action terms can be performed during any incident:

HOLD is the protocol used when hallways need to be kept clear of occupants.

SECURE is the protocol used to safeguard people within the building.

LOCKDOWN is the protocol used to secure individual rooms and keep occupants quiet and in place.

EVACUATE is the protocol used to move people from one location to another, either in or out of the building.

SHELTER is the protocol used for group and self-protection.