How to Stay Safe in a High School Lockdown
Our homes and schools are no longer as safe as they were some years ago. We now have to deal with gunmen who have a score to settle with society. Schools all over the country have put in place lockdown procedures in case these tragic events begin to unfold on or near their premises. These lockdown procedures are elaborately planned but are not without fault. Because of this, it is important for every teacher, student, and member of staff at schools to understand their role during a lockdown crisis. ACS is dedicated to keeping schools safe, so we have compiled some steps you should take during a school lockdown.
Lockdown Rule #1 – Lock or Barricade All Doors Leading to your Hiding Place
The first school lockdown step is finding a safe hiding place. The ideal hiding place is a cupboard, cubicle, or any windowless room. During a lockdown, try to stay out of sight as much as possible. You can do this by putting down the blinds to the room you are in if it has windows. You should then lock your door for extra safety. If you are unable to lock the door, use any heavy material such as a desk, bookcase, and/or chair to block the door. Do not move out of this room until the situation is under control by trusted authorities.
Lockdown Rule #2 – Scatter yourselves as Much as Possible
Clustering in groups makes it easier for a gunman to injure or kill more people. You should therefore try to find different hiding places that would make it more difficult for the attacker to pinpoint your location. Hiding in various locations can also help many students escape since the intruder may be headed in the opposite direction.
Lockdown Rule #3 – Don’t Bring Any Undue Attention to yourself
A school lockdown is a serious affair that requires a lot of discipline and courage. Your ability to stay calm and collected under pressure is the ultimate test in this situation. It can be hard, but try not to behave frantically. Make sure that you do not make sudden noises such as sneezing, coughing, and/or laughing. You should also not do the following unnecessarily: talk, make any sudden movements, or produce any sound.
ACS is dedicated to helping create smarter facilities and, more importantly, protecting the individuals inside of these institutions. Schools were created to be a safe outlet for learning, but in the event that a lockdown crisis occurs, it’s critical that you’re prepared. For information about our state-of-the-art security systems, call us at (913) 248-8828 today.
