* Hold: This is the least severe level. Students and staff remain in their classrooms or designated safe areas, but normal activities continue. The hold is often implemented due to external events like nearby police activity or severe weather that might impact the school's safety. Outside doors may be locked, but there's no immediate threat inside the building.
* Lockdown (or Secure Lockdown): This is a more serious level, indicating a credible threat on or near campus. All doors and windows are locked, lights are usually turned off (or dimmed), and everyone remains quiet and out of sight. Students and staff typically shelter in place, often following specific procedures outlined in the school's safety plan. Communication with outside authorities is maintained. This is the most common type of lockdown.
* Shelter-in-Place: Similar to a lockdown, but the threat may be less immediate or localized to a specific area within the school. Students and staff may only need to shelter within their immediate vicinity (e.g., a classroom) rather than a designated safe room. Exterior doors may not be locked.
* Evacuation: This involves the complete and organized exit of the building to a safe location away from the threat. This is usually implemented in the case of a fire, bomb threat, or other emergency that makes remaining in the building unsafe.
It's crucial to note that the specific terminology and procedures may vary from school to school and district to district. The school's emergency plan will outline the different levels and protocols used in their specific context.