Safety

Help kids stay safe when they're out and about on their own! Click here for a tip sheet developed by OPRF, District 97, and the Oak Park Police Department.

The Campus Safety department supports Oak Park and River Forest High School in providing a safe and secure environment for students and staff that is conducive to learning. The department works to identify and address safety concerns inside of schools, while collaborating with partners such as school administration, the Oak Park Police Department, parents, and community stakeholders to identify risks in the community that could affect the safety of our school. The department also uses a holistic approach to safety and school climate that relies on restorative and proactive safety strategies inside and outside of the building.

Protocols for Secure & Teach vs. Hard Lockdown

Secure & Teach	Hard Lockdown
Threat is outside the building OR an investigation is needed in the building.	Threat is imminent/danger inside the building.
Everyone gets to their classroom/office area as quickly as possible.	Everyone gets to the nearest enclosed area as quickly as possible.
Teachers secure students, close all classroom/office doors.	Lock doors, cover door window, lower exterior shades. All staff and students hide out of sight.
Teach as usual. Ignore passing period bells until Secure and Teach is lifted.	BE QUIET. Ignore bells and alarms until released by law enforcement.
Remain calm. Remember…everyone is safe and this is just a precautionary protocol. YOU ARE SAFE!	Staff model calm but serious demeanor. DO NOT open door for anyone other than law enforcement.
Anyone outside of the building cannot enter. Move to a safe location and await further communication.	Only first responders are allowed to enter the building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see demonstration videos on various emergency scenarios, click the links below:

• On-Campus Evacuation, Off-Campus Evacuation, Bomb Threat
• Secure and Teach & Hard Lockdown
• Shelter in Place
• Areas of Rescue

24/7 Anonymous Hotlines for Students

• To report safety, or crime related concerns, such as bullying, drugs, online threats, fights, weapons, theft, etc., text 274637 and use the keyword OPRF at the beginning, followed by a detailed message.
• To talk to someone about your or a friend’s feelings of sadness, confusion, anger, despair, etc., text the word CARE to (844) 670-5838 to access the Support4U hotline.

Community Resources

Emergency Preparedness

• Visit the Village of Oak Park's preparedness webpage for community safety resources.
• Visit FEMA's website Ready.gov for information on how your family can prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies.

Mental Health

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - No matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support by calling or texting 988.
• Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township

Safety in the Home

• Families with Children Ages 4-11
• Families with Children Ages 12-19

Secure Firearm Storage 

Gun violence is a public health crisis. OPRFHS is committed to partnering with the Oak Park Department of Public Health to address this crisis by sharing information and resources through our regular communication with families and staff. Click here to visit the village's webpage about safe firearm storage, which includes information about obtaining free gun locks, conversation starters for parents, and materials from the Be SMART campaign. Other resources on firearm safety include:

• Fast Facts - Firearm Violence Prevention
• Safe Storage of Firearms Video Series (American Academy of Pediatrics)
• Toolkit for Safe Firearm Storage in Your Community