Wake County
School District
Standard Response Protocol
The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is a new set of actions and procedures to be used for emergency situations, taking effect in the 2026-27 school year. Once implemented, these actions and guidelines will replace our current Lockdown Codes (Code Red, Code Yellow, Code Green).
What is the Standard Response Protocol?
The SRP is based on an all-hazards approach that uses clear, common language while allowing for flexibility in protocol. The premise is simple - there are five specific actions that can be performed during an incident. Execution of the action is performed by active participants including students, staff, teachers, and first responders. The SRP is based on the following actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
Why are we making this change?
As the safety concerns that schools face change over the years, it is important for districts to evolve in how they handle those situations. The SRP provides a more comprehensive response toolkit to keep schools a safe learning environment. The action-based statuses in the protocol also give families a clearer understanding of how staff are keeping their children safe when security concerns do arise.
Response actions
Communications during a Lockdown action
During a Lockdown, the school’s top priority is the safety of students and staff. While communicating with families is critical, it must come second to protecting our students and staff in coordination with law enforcement.
In an emergency situation, we must be able to contact you. Please provide accurate emergency contact information to your student's school at the start of the year. Update your contact information with school staff as soon as it changes.
In most Lockdown actions that occur during instructional hours and in certain Secure actions during arrival and dismissal, families can expect the following:
- An initial, brief message will be sent from the school via email, phone, and text to share that the school is in a Lockdown or Secure status. To ensure that you receive communication in the event of an emergency, contact your student’s school to verify or update your contact information.
- This information will also be posted on the school’s website and linked in an alert on the website homepage.
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A follow-up message will be sent via email, phone, and text announcing that the status has been lifted. This information will also be updated on the school website.
- If needed, subsequent messages will be sent via email following the conclusion of the incident to provide additional details. This information will also be updated on the school website.
Please note that every emergency situation is different. Schools work closely with the Communications and Security teams to provide parents with accurate information as quickly as possible.