Multiple Smiths Station schools are on heightened awareness Friday afternoon.

The extra security protocol was issued for Smiths Station High School, East Smiths Station High School, and Smiths Station Junior High School, around 11:57 a.m. central standard time.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones says the protocol was issued, as deputies were investigating a possible “social media based threat.”

Following the investigation, deputies determined that a threat is not present and schools are returning to normal operations.

The staff and students were safe and accounted for during the entire incident.