ALICE – Keeping Students Safe

In 25 years of mass shooting events the national average for emergency response time is 5 to 6 minutes, yet the vast majority of shootings last only 2 to 3 minutes. USD 247 Southeast has chosen to be prepared to react to an event rather than simply wait for help to come in order to protect our students as much as possible.

To prepare for crisis situations the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office is training area hospitals, workplaces, and school districts to use a procedure known as ALICE – Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate.

What is ALICE?

ALICE is designed to use information and technology in a way that allows staff and students to make informed decisions, remove as many people as possible from the danger zone and provide realistic training to improve the chances of survival. Please note: ALICE is not sequential – in the event of an incident students and staff are to react to the situation as needed to provide the highest survival rate possible.

Alert
Use plain language and specific details, providing notice as quickly as possible.

Lockdown
Chain doors shut. Blockade the door.

Inform
Provide real-time updates on the location of the intruder and danger zone.

Counter
Staff and students willing will fight back if there are no other alternatives.

Evacuate
Know routes of escape. Leave if safe to do so.

Rally Points

In the event of an evacuation all students and staff will meet at the predesignated rally points:
Southeast Elementary School – Weir Civic Center
Southeast Junior High School – City of Cherokee Tornado Shelter
Southeast High School – USD 247 Board Office

How can parents help?

Confirm your child’s school has your current phone number in PowerSchool for Parents.
Remind your child that people of all ages, color and types can be mean and may wish others harm.
Help your child name where they need to go in case of an evacuation.
Discuss with your child the importance of following the teacher’s directions without hesitation.
Help your child identify and assess possible crisis situations.
In the event of an evacuation, to reduce traffic congestion DO NOT go to your child’s school. emergency responders will need to get to the school. Please go to the designated rally point.