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:

“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.

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.