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Ensuring the safety of students and staff in this unpredictable and uncertain world is more critical than ever. Schools need to be ready for anything. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a violent incident.

One of the most challenging situations a school can face is a lockdown.

When there’s a serious threat, like an intruder or active shooter, lockdown policies in schools become crucial to protect everyone inside.

Lockdowns demand quick and precise actions. That is why having well-defined security lockdown procedures is so important. So, knowing and implementing the right lock-down policy & procedure can minimise risks and make sure everyone stays safe.

At Wihkum, we get how complex it can be to handle emergencies, especially during a lockdown. That’s why we’ve designed our emergency response app to provide immediate assistance, streamline communication and help schools in implementing effective school lockdown procedures.

With our quick responder app, schools can uphold the highest standards of security for public schools. We help schools create a secure environment where students can focus on learning without fear.

Understanding Lockdown Policies in Schools | Why Lockdown Procedures are Important?

School lockdown is a procedure used to protect students and staff from an external or internal threat.

There are a variety of emergency situations that require lockdown procedures. Such as:

  • Armed intruder or Active shooter
  • Hostage holding
  • Protests and riots
  • Police action
  • Severe weather conditions
  • Natural disasters

Lockdown policies in schools serve as a critical first line of defense against potential threats. These policies outline the steps that need to be taken when a dangerous situation arises. And this ensures that everyone knows what to do to stay safe.

A well-crafted lock-down policy & procedure includes clear instructions for teachers, administrators, and students. This aims to reduce confusion and panic during an emergency.

Let’s discuss the essential security lockdown procedures and policies in school:

Security Lockdown Procedures & Policies | Guidance for Schools

School building occupants should be all time prepared for the emergencies. Some of which can require immediate or delayed evacuation. Immediate evacuations are used for incidents involving fire, hazardous chemicals spills, gas leaks, etc. Delayed evacuations typically follow a shelter-in-place period and are most commonly used during severe storm incidents or after an active threat lockdown.

So, there should be a proper preparation, whether it’s an evacuation or a lockdown:

Preparedness For an Emergency Lockdown Situation

There are several ways that you can prepare yourself for these types of events:

  • Know your school layout – teachers and staff should know all of the classrooms, room numbers, hallways, stairs, and exits within the school.
  • Plan how you will barricade and lock the doors.
  • Make sure you are receiving alert notifications.
  • Review evacuation maps for your location beforehand. 
  • Know your emergency assembly areas.
  • Model a culture of preparedness with your seniors.
  • Integrate Wihkum app into your emergency procedures in school. This way you can ensure that your school is prepared to handle any situation that requires a lockdown, keeping students and staff safe.

Now that you know what kind of events require preparedness, let’s go through the school lockdown procedures on the bases of two types of lockdown situations:

  1. Partial Lockdown | School lockdown due to warning threat outside the school
  2. Full Lockdown | School lockdown due to Armed Intruder inside the school

Partial Lockdown | In case of warning threat outside the school

In a partial lockdown, staff and students should remain in the school building. All the doors that lead to the outside should be locked and no one should be allowed to enter or leave the building.

This can be in case of any warning threat, reported incident or civil disturbance in the local community. It can pose a risk to staff and students in the school.

  • All outside activity to stop immediately, students and staff return to building.
  • Emergency whistles will be used to communicate the alert to duty staff at break times.
  • All students to go to their own seats.
  • Office to take registers around to classes and will collect them.
  • All staff and students remain in building and external doors and windows locked.
  • Free movement may be permitted within the building dependent upon circumstances.
  • Staff should await further instructions.
  • All situations are different. Once all staff and pupils are safely inside, senior staff will conduct a risk assessment and identify the next actions to take based on advice from the emergency services.
  • Students must not be released to parents during a lockdown.
  • School office will text patents to inform them, if appropriate, not to enter the school grounds.
  • Staff will be informed of the lockdown termination by email or direct communication with a senior leader.

Full Lockdown | In case of an intruder inside the school

This refers to an immediate threat to the school. It can be an escalation of a partial lockdown. Full lockdown aims for the school and its rooms to be empty.

  • Emergency Services to be called by the office.
  • All students/staff stay in their classroom or move to the nearest classroom or safe place.
  • Exterior doors are all locked and all windows closed.
  • Staff/ visitors/volunteers/peripatetic staff who do not have a regular office or classroom will move to the nearest safe place.
  • Classroom doors closed.
  • Blinds drawn; internal door windows covered (so an intruder cannot see in).
  • Students/staff sit quietly out of sight and where possible in a location that would protect them from gunfire (away from windows).
  • Lights, white boards, turned off and laptops moved out of visibility (but kept on for communication purposes).
  • Mobile phones should be on silent as stated in the mobile phone policy, so they cannot give away your position.
  • Staff should await further instructions.
  • Staff and students remain in lockdown until it has been lifted by a senior member of staff/emergency services. At any point during the lockdown, the fire alarm may sound. As the cause of the alarm will be unknown, await instructions via email/from emergency services. Do not leave the building until you are advised to.
  • Students must not be released to parents during a lockdown.
  • If appropriate, the staff and children on the ground floor may be moved to the first floor, in order to move them away from the windows.
  • Staff will be informed of the lockdown termination by direct communication with a senior leader.
  • School office will text parents to inform them not to enter the school grounds.

Source link: apleywoodprimaryschool.org.uk  

Wihkum’s Role in Enhancing Security Lockdown Procedures

We’re committed to enhancing security for public schools through innovative solutions to handle the unique challenges schools face during emergencies. Our app is designed to support schools in implementing effective lockdown policies in schools by providing a comprehensive, easy-to-use platform for emergency response.

Here’s how Wihkum can help:

  • Instant Alerts

Wihkum’s app allows schools to send instant alerts to all staff and students, ensuring that everyone is aware of the lockdown and can take appropriate action.

  • GPS Tracking & Geofence

Wihkum incorporates GPS tracking and geofencing features to enhance situational awareness. This technology allows schools to monitor the location of staff and students during a lockdown and ensures that all areas are accounted for, adding an extra layer of security.

  • Real-Time Communication

During a lockdown, communication is vital. Our app provides a secure channel for real-time updates, allowing administrators to coordinate with staff and first responders effectively.

  • Customised Procedures

Schools can customize the lockdown procedures within the app to align with their specific lock-down policy & procedure. This ensures that the app meets the unique needs of each school.

Concerned about the safety of your school during a lockdown?

Secure Your School with Wihkum’s Lockdown Assistance

At Wihkum, we offer the tools and support you need to implement effective security lockdown procedures. Protect your students and staff with our comprehensive emergency response app.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—enhance your safety in schools with Wihkum’s advanced lockdown solutions.

Let Wihkum Secure Your School

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