Big Five

Your student's safety is our top priority. Spreckels Union School District follows The Big Five, a countywide emergency response framework developed in partnership with the Monterey County Office of Education, local fire departments, and law enforcement. The Big Five gives every school in the county a shared, consistent way to respond to any emergency — so students, staff, and first responders are all working from the same playbook.

What Is the Big Five?

The Big Five provides five immediate action responses for any emergency situation:

1. Shelter in Place — used for external hazards such as chemical releases, nearby fires, or poor air quality
2. Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the standard earthquake response
3. Secure Campus — campus access is restricted while normal activities continue
4. Lockdown / Barricade — used for threats inside or near the school requiring students and staff to shelter and secure classrooms
5. Evacuation — students and staff relocate to a safe location, on or off campus

Community Packet

The Big Five Community Packet explains what families can expect during each type of response, how the district communicates during an emergency, and how reunification with students works after an incident.