Information for Families in the Event of a School Emergency

Cambridge Public Schools strives to provide a safe and nurturing environment to support learning. There may be times when an incident inside or outside a school requires emergency action. This quick reference guide provides important instructions if there is an emergency at your child’s school. We encourage you to keep this information quickly accessible. Please understand that in emergency situations, which are continuously changing, accurate information is critical and may take time to gather. We will provide timely updates through ParentSquare, our website, and the local media.

Quick Reference Guide: Emergency Info & School Evacuation Sites >>
Students will only be released to adults who are listed as emergency contacts; ID will be required. 
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view the safety and security playbook

Parents/Guardians:

  • Make sure your contact information and your child’s emergency contacts are up-to-date. 
  • If your child has a medical condition or takes medication, make sure that information is on file with the school nurse. This information would be very important for emergency responders to know.
  • High school students should provide their cell phone number to their Dean’s office.

School Procedures:

  • Evacuation- Students and staff quickly exit the school building if there is a hazard/threat inside. If students must remain outside the school building, students may be relocated to designated sites on the right.
  • Lockdown- Students are protected from a security threat within the school building by hiding and remaining silent in their classrooms.
  • Secure & Hold- Students are kept in the school building if there is a security threat outside the school. Exterior doors will be secured but activities within the school will not be restricted.
  • Shelter-In-Place- Students are sheltered in the building if there is an airborne hazard, such as chemicals released from a transportation accident outside the building. Students may also be sheltered in the building if there is severe weather in the area.

In Case of an Emergency:

  • Please do not come to the school. Traffic around the school will impede the movement of emergency vehicles.
  • Please do not call the school. We will share information and timely updates through ParentSquare, our website, and the local media.
Related Links


Contact Us

Department of Safety & Security
Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, Room 1102
459 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02138

Alicia Bairos
Director of Safety & Security
617.349.6772

Ariana James
Clerk
617.349.6772

For general inquiries, please email [email protected].

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