Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will be conducting drills in its facilities as early as this week to ensure the safety and security of all students, faculty, and staff. The drills will include fire drills, lockdown drills, and tornado drills. These drills are a part of regular safety procedures and are designed to prepare everyone for emergency situations.
Standard Response Protocols will be implemented at each school this year. These protocols include Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. A description of each is available on the attached graphic and supporting videos are available on our website at www.gcps.net/safety-security. During the drills, students and staff will be required to follow standard safety procedures and protocols. The drills will be conducted in a safe and controlled environment.
Parents and the community should not be alarmed if they see or hear anything unusual during the school day. These drills are conducted regularly to ensure that all students and staff are prepared for emergency situations. The safety and well-being of students and staff are always a top priority at GCPS.
GCPS encourages parents to talk to their children about the importance of safety drills and to reinforce safety procedures at home. Parents can also contact their child’s school for more information about the upcoming drills.
For any questions or concerns, please contact your local school or the Office of Safety & Security at 301-334-8900 ext. 1361.
