Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has introduced a new Standard Response Protocol (SRP) aimed at helping students respond safely and automatically to emergencies. The protocol, which aligns with international best practices, is now in place across all district classrooms.

The SRP instructs students to follow five clear actions during emergencies: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Each action is supported by colorful posters displayed in classrooms and offices, designed to be child-friendly and translated into nine languages.

Kevin Hafemann, MPS Emergency Operations Manager, explained the need for a straightforward approach. “When you’re in flight or fight mode, it’s hard to think through a complex process or follow a flip chart of scenarios,” said Hafemann. “Our Standard Response Protocol brings simplicity and consistency to any emergency response.”

MPS collaborated with the international nonprofit “I Love U Guys” Foundation to develop the protocol and provide on-site training. In spring 2025, personnel from the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee Fire Department, county emergency managers, and 911 dispatchers received training alongside MPS department leaders. School staff learned about the protocol in August before presenting it to students on the first day of school.

Students will continue practicing these actions throughout the year during regular safety drills such as fire, tornado, and lockdown exercises.

The SRP is part of a broader movement among Wisconsin schools; other districts including Madison Public Schools have also adopted similar protocols based on guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Office of School Safety.

Hafemann emphasized that this approach offers an all-hazards framework: “The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by I Love U Guys is considered an all-hazards approach because it gives schools and organizations a common, simple framework for responding to a wide variety of emergencies—without requiring staff or students to memorize dozens of separate, situation-specific procedures.”

He added that standard language and visuals help reinforce preparedness: “Students will learn and practice the protocols as a set of consistent, simple actions they can follow in any type of emergency event. We use standard artwork and vocabulary. If students move from one school to another...they will see the same SRP signage.”

Addressing concerns about student anxiety related to safety discussions or drills, Hafemann said: “By focusing on actions instead of scary scenarios, students are less likely to be frightened. MPS students and schools are practicing safety skills...which is different from anticipating or worrying that ‘something bad will happen.’”

Parents are encouraged to access resources available on both the district website and the I Love U Guys site for more information about supporting their children’s understanding of school safety measures.

According to Hafemann: “The Standard Response Protocol enhances Milwaukee Public Schools’ emergency preparedness by providing a simple, consistent framework that can be applied to any type of incident.” He noted that this unified approach reduces confusion during emergencies while strengthening coordination with law enforcement and emergency services.

Reflecting on his career shift toward education after serving with agencies like Homeland Security and local fire departments—including as deputy chief for Milwaukee Fire—Hafemann described his work at MPS as especially meaningful: “I see school safety as one of the most rewarding endeavors because it combines my lifelong commitment to protecting communities with the opportunity to safeguard our most valuable resource—our children.”