Introduction to Universal Emergency Response Procedures

Universal Emergency Procedures are a set of standard, clear directives that may be implemented across a variety of emergency situations.* When an emergency begins, the principal, as Incident Commander (IC), will decide which Universal Emergency Response Procedures to implement, based on the situation. A flowchart is included to aid the IC in making that decision.

There are four basic procedures which can be utilized in responding to various emergencies:

1. Evacuation Procedures for Buildings
2. Alert Status (Procedures)
3. Lockdown Procedures 
   • Shelter-in-Place
4. Severe Weather Safe Area Procedures
   • Drop, Cover, and Hold

These emergency response procedures are listed in the chart on the following page. Note that there are two variations of procedures—Section C, Lockdown and Shelter-in-Place; and Section D, Severe Weather Safe Area and Drop, Cover & Hold— to address special circumstances. For student/adult accounting,

* Adapted from FEMA, 1999, and Henniker Community School, 2000.

• Continued in the full PDF version of Section 4 of School Emergency Response Plan and Management Guide.

See also Section 4 Unit 2—Emergency Response Protocols

Other Sections

• Introduction to the Manual
• Section 1 Preparedness
• Section 2 Executive Support
• Section 3 Emergency Response Plan
• Section 4 Response Protocols
• Section 5 Recovery
• Section 6 Prevention Protocols
• Section 7 Appendices