Skip to main content

Schools

OCS Resources

  1. Academics
  2. Student Services
  3. Safety

Safety

School Safety & Emergency Preparedness

At Opelika City Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing learning environment where students can focus on their education without fear or disruption. In a crisis, natural disaster, or inclement weather event, our emergency response procedures ensure that every possible precaution is taken to protect our school communities.

 

Opelika City Schools continually evaluates and updates our safety and emergency response procedures to ensure the best possible protection for students and staff. These procedures cover a variety of potential emergencies, including severe weather, natural disasters, and security threats. For example:

  • Schools update emergency plans yearly, and staff receive ongoing safety training. Regular fire, weather, and lockdown drills ensure preparedness.
  • We have dedicated school resource officers (SROs) through our partnership with the Opelika Police Department.
  • We work closely with law enforcement, first responders, and city officials to uphold safety standards.
  • A team of school leaders, law enforcement, and emergency personnel provides immediate support when needed.

 

During an emergency, Opelika City Schools will prioritize student and staff safety first while providing updates to parents and stakeholders as quickly as possible.

  • Stay Informed: We use a mass notification system to contact families via phone, text, and email in the event of an emergency. To receive important alerts, please ensure your contact information is up to date with your child’s school.
  • Follow Emergency Procedures: If an emergency occurs, please do not come to the school unless instructed. This helps school and emergency personnel respond effectively.
  • Talk to Your Child: Discuss school safety procedures with your child and remind them that drills and protocols are in place to keep them safe.

Understanding Emergency Procedures

To ensure a quick and coordinated response, Opelika City Schools follows established protocols for different types of emergencies.

Used when students need to stay inside the school due to severe weather (e.g., tornado warnings) or nearby hazardous conditions (e.g., chemical spills). School operations—including student checkouts—are paused until it is safe to resume normal activities.

When there is a potential threat in the area, schools will restrict access while maintaining normal classroom activities. 

If a threat is identified inside or near the school, the following steps will be taken:

  • All doors (internal and external) will be locked.
  • Students and staff will remain inside secured classrooms.
  • No one (including parents) will be allowed in or out until the all-clear is given by law enforcement.

During a lockdown, parents should monitor their phone and email for updates from the school.

In situations where students must leave the school building due to an emergency, a designated reunification site will be established. Parents will be informed of where and when they can pick up their children.

  • Students will only be released to a verified parent/guardian listed in school records.
  • Proper photo identification is required.
  • Students with parking permits may be allowed to leave campus with approval.

  • Used when students need to stay inside the school due to severe weather (e.g., tornado warnings) or nearby hazardous conditions (e.g., chemical spills). School operations—including student checkouts—are paused until it is safe to resume normal activities.

  • When there is a potential threat in the area, schools will restrict access while maintaining normal classroom activities. 

  • If a threat is identified inside or near the school, the following steps will be taken:

    • All doors (internal and external) will be locked.
    • Students and staff will remain inside secured classrooms.
    • No one (including parents) will be allowed in or out until the all-clear is given by law enforcement.

    During a lockdown, parents should monitor their phone and email for updates from the school.

  • In situations where students must leave the school building due to an emergency, a designated reunification site will be established. Parents will be informed of where and when they can pick up their children.

    • Students will only be released to a verified parent/guardian listed in school records.
    • Proper photo identification is required.
    • Students with parking permits may be allowed to leave campus with approval.

Working Together for a Safe Learning Environment

Keeping Opelika City Schools safe is a collaborative effort between our schools, local law enforcement, and our families. By staying informed, prepared, and engaged, we can ensure a secure learning environment for every child, every day.