School Safety

Mason Public Schools is committed to establishing and improving plans and priorities to enhance safety and security at all campus locations.

In alignment with the district's Strategic Plan Focus Area Facilities and Infrastructure, Mason Public Schools is committed to reviewing and improving safety systems and procedures, improving technology and facilities, and building better networks to prepare for emergency situations. 

Michigan's Secure Storage Law for Firearms

As required by Michigan law, Mason Public Schools is sharing information about laws related to the secure storage of firearms. 

Michigan’s secure storage law was passed to help protect Michigan’s youth and reduce firearm injuries. The law requires firearm owners to securely store firearms whenever minors are present or likely to be present. 

Secure Storage Requirements 

If a firearm is left unattended where a minor (under 18) is or is likely to be present, it must be: 

• Secured in a locked box or container, and/or 
• Unloaded and secured with a locking device (like a trigger or cable lock) that would prevent anyone from using it. 

This law applies whether firearms are in your own home or brought to another location. 

Firearms in Vehicles

If a firearm is in a vehicle, the vehicle must be locked when not in use, and the firearm must be secured and either locked in a container or disabled with a trigger or cable lock.

Additional Information

What is the secure storage law in Michigan?

Safe Storage Notice for House Bills 5450 & 5451

Free Firearms Safety Kits

Complete Legal Information (MDHHS) 

Safe Storage Law (MDE)

Michigan law (Section 380.1313b) requires all schools to distribute firearm safety storage information to families annually beginning October 1, 2025, and every October thereafter. This ensures that all families receive current information about safe storage practices and legal requirements.

Standard Response Protocol

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Mason Public School (MPS) will adopt the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for school emergencies. Learn more by watching this short SRP video that explains the change in language for safety protocols. 

The SRP uses clear common language to explain five specific actions that can be taken during an emergency. By standardizing the vocabulary, school district officials, staff, students and emergency responders can understand the actions being taken and status of the event.

Staff and students will take part in safety drills throughout the year utilizing the new SRP to ensure staff and students become accustomed to the protocol. Updated staff guides and classroom posters will be distributed and serve as visual reminders of the protocol.

The five SRP actions are:

HOLD In your room or area. Clear the halls.

During “hold”, clear the hallways and remain in the classroom or area until the “all clear” is announced, close and lock doors. Teaching and learning continue as usual.  

SECURE Get inside. Lock outside doors.

During “secure”, return to the inside of building, lock outside doors. Teaching and learning continue as usual, increase situational awareness.  

LOCKDOWN Locks, lights, out of sight.

During “lockdown” move away from sight, maintain silence, do not open the door, recover students from hallway, lock the classroom door, turn out the lights. Do not open the door, ALICE protocol may be initiated depending on the situation.

EVACUATE (A location may be specified)

During “evacuate”, leave student belongings behind, bring phones if possible, students follow staff instructions for evacuation location.

SHELTER Hazard and safety strategy

During “shelter”, use appropriate safety strategy for the type of emergency and follow staff instructions.