The Washington County School District has implemented a new policy regarding fire alarm responses in schools, allowing for a 60-second delay before evacuation. This decision, made during the Open Session on May 8, 2025, aims to enhance safety protocols in light of recent events where fire alarms were misused in active shooter situations.

The compromise was reached after discussions between the state fire marshal's office and local police departments. The previous practice of instructing students to remain seated during a fire alarm was deemed unsafe and contrary to fire code. The new policy allows school officials to assess the situation for a brief period before deciding to evacuate, ensuring that alarms are legitimate and not false triggers.

This change comes after a review of past incidents, including a recent event at Pineview High School, where the response to a fire alarm was praised for its effectiveness, though areas for improvement were identified. The district emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent response to alarms across all schools, addressing concerns that some schools had previously disregarded alarms altogether.

The district plans to conduct training sessions for custodians and staff to ensure everyone understands the new protocol and can effectively verify the source of any alarm. This proactive approach aims to balance safety with the need for timely evacuations, reflecting the evolving landscape of school safety since the last policy update in 1992.