OCPS is changing the language it uses for threats on campus: Here’s what the new terms mean

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is making changes to the language it uses when there is a potential threat to campuses.

See a breakdown of the new terms and their definitions below:

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• “Lockdown” is serious, meaning for example there was a school shooting or a time when there is an actual threat on campus.
• “Hold” is more administrative, when staff wants to keep kids inside but they’re not in harm’s way.
• When a school is “secure” it means no one, not even parents, can come inside, but students are safe.
• “Evacuate” may happen if the AC goes out, if there’s a gas leak or a bomb threat.
• “Shelter” is mostly for natural disasters.

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The district said the overall idea is to make these safety terms easy to understand so schools stay safe.

The changes go into effect on Monday.

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