Ensuring the safety of students and staff is a top priority at Sam Barlow. As part of the Gresham-Barlow School District (GBSD), the school has implemented a range of safety protocols designed to prepare for emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, and security threats. These emergencies, though varying in likelihood, all require swift and coordinated responses, and the school’s alarm systems and drill procedures are in place to ensure that students and staff are well-prepared.
The school employs different alarm systems to signal various emergencies. Fire alarms, one of the most common safety features, are activated manually through pull stations or automatically through heat and smoke detectors. When triggered, they initiate an immediate evacuation, with students and staff following designated routes to exit the building as quickly and safely as possible. Earthquake alarms, though less common, are particularly relevant in the Pacific Northwest, a region with a significant risk of seismic activity. In the event of an earthquake, students are trained to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” a method designed to minimize injury from falling debris. For security threats, particularly those involving a potentially dangerous individual on or near campus, the school has a lockdown alarm system that alerts staff and students to secure themselves in classrooms, lock doors, turn off lights, and remain out of sight until law enforcement gives the all-clear.
To ensure readiness for these emergencies, Sam Barlow conducts regular drills throughout the academic year. Fire drills occur monthly, reinforcing the importance of quick and orderly evacuations. Earthquake drills, though less frequent, take place at least once a year, emphasizing protective measures should a tremor occur during school hours. Lockdown drills, designed to prepare students and staff for the unlikely but serious of an armed intruder or other security hazard, are conducted twice annually. In addition, “Secure” drills—which involve locking exterior doors while classes continue as normal—are also practiced, preparing students and staff for situations where an external threat, such as police activity in the surrounding area, requires heightened security measures.
The likelihood of these emergencies varies, with fires being relatively rare due to strict fire codes and modern safety measures like sprinkler systems and smoke detectors. Earthquakes, on the other hand, are a real possibility given the seismic activity. Gresham, like much of Oregon, is in an earthquake-prone zone, making preparedness a key concern for schools in the area. Security threats, including the possibility of a threatening individual on campus, are less common but have gained increasing attention in recent years due to national trends. While active shooter incidents remain statistically rare, the district takes no chances, ensuring that staff and students are trained to respond appropriately.
In the event of a real emergency, communication with families is crucial. GBSD utilizes platforms such as ParentSquare to send alerts via text, phone, and email, ensuring that parents receive timely updates in their preferred language. Additionally, the district works with local emergency services and public alert systems to coordinate responses when necessary.
Ultimately, Sam Barlow High School’s commitment to safety is reflected in its thorough emergency preparedness strategies. From the alarms that signal various threats to the structured drills that reinforce proper responses, every effort is made to ensure that students and staff are ready to act decisively in an emergency. By fostering a culture of preparedness and clear communication, the school provides a safer learning environment, equipping its community with the knowledge and skills needed to handle unexpected situations with confidence.
