Schools in the U.S. are generally safe and there are safety protocols in place to help keep students safe from intruders, natural disasters, and other issues that may arise.
Just like in other parts of the world, there are individuals that make poor choices regarding drugs, illegal activities, or other problematic behaviors. Avoid students who are violent or students in school who are involved in illegal activities such as drugs. If you hear students planning or threatening to perform a violent act, hear a rumor about such plans, or if you feel threatened in any way, go to your school counselor, teacher, administrator, or AFS school contact. You can also talk to your liaison or another AFS volunteer.
Schools have emergency procedures and protocols (including Lockdowns, Lockouts, and Shelter-In-
Place) covering events such as fire, earthquakes, medical emergencies, bomb threats, or active shooters. The purpose of these drills is to prepare the student body and school personnel to react responsibly, effectively, and to help ensure the safety and well-being of students. AFS students are expected to participate in these drills appropriately. As student safety is taken very seriously in school, any
misbehavior during the drill may be subject to school disciplinary action.
To clear up any possible confusion, here’s an explanation of each term:
| A LOCKOUT means that there is a possible threat outside the school, and nobody is allowed to go in or out of the building until the lockout is lifted. During lockouts, all activities inside the school continue as normal. |
During a LOCKDOWN, there is a perceived threat inside the school, or directed at the school. The hallways are cleared, classroom doors are locked, and students must stay away from doors and windows. |
A SHELTER-IN-PLACE is enacted when it may be harmful to leave the building, or there is no time to evacuate. |
Jokes about terrorism, possession of a weapon, a bomb, or any other items that may compromise
the safety of the students are considered a serious offense and can result in police involvement
and prosecution.
AFS participants must NOT make jokes that could be interpreted as threats. Potentially dangerous
situations are excellent subjects to discuss with your host family. By talking about safety and
what you can do to prevent potentially harmful situations, you can learn a lot about U.S.
Americans’ attitudes towards safety.
AFS participants should NOT keep valuable items in their school locker or bring expensive
items to school (jewelry, electronics, credit cards, large amounts of cash, etc.). Neither the school nor AFS is responsible for the loss or theft of any of these items, so please be careful about what items you choose to take to school with you.