• Exterior doors at most sites are always locked.
• Where the physical layout of a school allows, security vestibules have been constructed and provide a glassed-in double entry system.
• Video intercom systems help provide building safety by controlling who enters our schools. Once allowed inside, guests must report to the main office, sign in, and wear badges.  Staff members are instructed to report unfamiliar people to the school office. Only those with district-assigned badges are allowed to enter schools freely.
• Where practicable, school perimeters are fenced.
• Security cameras are installed at exterior and interior locations.

• We partner with the Everett Police Department, Mill Creek Police Department and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s office to ensure our safety and emergency plans for all hazards are current and reflect best practices for student safety.
• We work in close collaboration with the City of Everett, Mill Creek and Snohomish County for safe route to school planning and improvements, along with grants for safe walking and biking to school.
• We bring in groups like the Red Cross to conduct emergency preparedness training in our schools.

• District emergency communications plans are updated annually for the start of the school year, as well as emergency communication systems.
• In-person safety training is delivered at each district site to provide updates for response and prevention best practices.
• The district has a pre-identified offsite emergency reunification location, and agreements with disaster agencies like The Red Cross are pre-established for regional disasters.
• District systems are currently in use for student threat assessment, suicide prevention, incident reporting and incident response.
• Safety drills (such as earthquake, lockdown, fire) are performed at all schools for preparedness and regulatory compliance per RCW 28A.320.125.

• Our school provides school-wide behavioral expectations, caring school climate programs, positive interventions and supports, psychological and counseling services, and violence prevention programs such as bully-proofing, social skill development, and conflict mediation.
• We have counselors at all schools, and we have community partnerships for referral of additional mental health support to any child in need.
• Staff access and use of Rave Panic Button phone application for emergency reporting is directly tied to the Emergency-911 system.
• Campus security officers are assigned to all secondary schools. They perform checks of campuses during school hours to prevent unauthorized access, deter illegal activity, assist with investigations, assist with student supervision and share information with staff and students concerning safety measures.
• School Resource Officers (SROs) are police officers that serve secondary school campuses while schools are in session and partner with principals to improve safety by identifying, investigating, deterring and responding to incidents that present a significant threat to safety and security.
• District Security Staff perform checks of the district after hours and on weekends to prevent unauthorized access, ensure campuses are secure, deter illegal activity and respond to alarm notifications.
• We employ school security staff and commissioned police officers for large sporting events and school-sponsored activities like graduation.

Everett Public Schools understands the importance of training, drills and exercises in the overall emergency management program. We regularly train and practice safety routines and emergency responses in each of our schools and buildings. 

Schools are required to complete one drill per month while school is in session per state law (RCW 28A.320.125). Each school conducts the following drills per year:

• 3 Fire Evacuation Drills
• 3 Earthquake Drills
• 3 Lockdown Drills
• 1 Shelter in Place Drill

Modified Lockdown (Lockout)

• Modified Lockdowns are precautionary and are initiated when there is a safety concern outside the buildings. It is usually initiated by police and is designed to keep the danger outside of the school.
• All threats are taken seriously and in the interest of student safety, a lockdown may be initiated while the nature of the threat is evaluated.
• Staff are trained to lock classroom doors, shut off the lights, close the blinds, and to continually assess the situation. Classroom instruction continues as normal, and necessary movement can occur within the building.
• Perimeter doors remain locked, including the front office and no one will be allowed in or out.
• The decision to lift a modified lockdown is made in concert with law enforcement.
   

Lockdown

• A Lockdown is initiated when there is an immediate threat to the campus or school. In the interest of student safety, lockdown may be initiated while the nature of the threat is evaluated.
• Staff is trained to lock classroom doors, shut off the lights, close the blinds and instruct students to sit away from the sightline of the doors or windows.
• Classroom activities cease until the incident concludes.  
• Perimeter doors remain locked, including the front office, and no one will be allowed in or out.
• Phones will not be answered.