Lockdown

Lockdown may also be implemented when a situation occurs that may be a hazard to health or is life threatening. It is intended to limit access and hazards by controlling and managing staff and students in order to increase safety and reduce possible victimization.

The building will have restricted access until the “All Clear” is given or individuals are directed by emergency personnel or staff. A lockdown may be called by school officials, law enforcement agencies or other emergency responders. A lockdown may be called for a variety of reasons including: weapons, intruders, police activity in or around the school, contamination or hazardous materials or terrorist events.

Lockdowns should be ordered in the following circumstances or when appropriately warranted by school officials:

• To contain the school and limit possible hazards
• To control and manage students and staff
• To limit access
• To reduce potential victimization

During a lockdown, staff should ensure that:

• All doors, windows, and classrooms will be locked
• Students and teachers will remain in their classrooms
• No one will be allowed to enter or leave the building
• Parents will not be allowed to pick up children from school
• Local authorities will provide assistance, if needed

Things to Avoid

When deciding to implement lockdown procedures as part of your crisis response plan, you should consider not using code words to order the lockdown, and not conducting a lockdown without first practicing the procedure and informing the students of their specific roles. Code words can be confusing to staff and especially to substitute teachers who move between campuses. Unrehearsed lockdowns can cause confusion and fear. A lockdown drill should be practiced just like a fire drill, with the appropriate prior training provided to all parties.

Lockdown - Final Notes

Finally, here are a couple of generalizations about lockdowns. Remember that a lockdown should be tailored to your specific school and therefore some of the following might not apply to your situation. Lockdowns can be called by school officials or other agencies. Some examples may include:

• Principal or teacher with knowledge of immediate danger
• Police based on activities in or around school that may pose a threat to the school
• FEMA based on information of a threat or weather emergency

Lockdowns can be called for a variety of reasons including weapons, site contamination, or weather.