Reunification: How Pickup Works After a School Emergency

If students ever need to leave the building, schools use a set process to hand each child to an approved adult.

DrillsAug 17, 20265 min read

Reunification usually happens at a location the school announces by text and email. It may not be the school itself.

The typical process

Many districts follow the Standard Reunification Method (SRM), created by the nonprofit "I Love U Guys" Foundation. Parents check in with photo ID, and staff confirm the adult is on the child's emergency contact list. Students wait in a separate area, out of sight of the parent line, and are brought out to be handed to the right adult. It can feel slow, but it makes sure every student goes home with the right person.

Do this todayReview your child's emergency contacts. Anyone who might pick up your child must be on the list and bring ID.

Sources

The Standard Reunification Method (SRM) (The "I Love U Guys" Foundation)

SRM and Standard Reunification Method are trademarks of The "I Love U Guys" Foundation. This post summarizes the method for families and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the Foundation.

This post is general information. Your school's own plan comes first, so ask the school office for its specific procedures.