Security Lockdown Procedures & Policies for Schools | Wihkum
A regular school day can suddenly be ruined when a potential threat emerges nearby. The alarm rings, and confusion sets in. Do students and staff know where to go? Is there a clear plan in place?
In moments like these, every second counts. And proper lockdown procedures and policies become crucial to protect everyone inside.
At Wihkum, we understand how critical it is to handle emergencies. Our innovative emergency response app provides schools with instant safety measures. To tackle emergencies effectively and keep the students and staff safe and secure.
Let’s understand the importance of lock-down policy & procedure.
Why Lockdown Policies in Schools are Important?
School lockdown is a procedure used to protect students and staff from an external or internal threat.
It serves as a critical first line of defense against potential threats. Every school should have a clearly defined Lockdown Policy & Procedure. To outline the steps needed when a dangerous situation arises. So, everyone in the school can know what to do to stay safe.
A well-crafted lockdown procedure includes clear instructions. For teachers, administrators, and students. So, confusion and panic can be avoided during an emergency.
There is a number of emergency situations that require lockdown procedures. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Common Emergencies That Can Lead to Lockdown in Schools
Schools face various situations that may necessitate activating lockdown policies in school. These emergencies range from internal disturbances to external threats. Such as:
| Emergency Type | Description |
| Violent Intrusions | Armed individuals or other external threats attempting to enter the school. |
| Aggressive Behaviour | Violence or bullying among students or from outside intruders. |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, earthquakes, or other extreme weather events. |
| Medical Emergencies | Instances requiring isolation of vulnerable students or staff to protect them. |
| Protests and Riots | Political protests in the area can also lead to a lockdown situation in schools. |
Understanding potential scenarios helps in preparation of schools. And enable the administration to develop targeted security lockdown procedures. Here are some suggestions from our side.
How to Prepare for Emergencies | Planning Lockdown Procedure
School building occupants should always be prepared for emergencies. Because you don’t know when the situation becomes critical. When a sudden threat appears and you need a shelter-in-place period. i.e. lockdown.
So, there should be proper preparation for a lockdown. Planning involves the following steps.
- Know your school layout. Teachers and staff should know their way around the school. E.g. 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 group practices and drills within the students.
- Integrate Wihkum app into your emergency procedures in school. This way you can prepare your school to handle any lockdown situation.
To prepare even better. Let’s get to the specific lockdown plans according to the situation.
Types of Security Lockdown Procedures
There are two main emergency lockdown procedures based on severity of situation
Partial Lockdown
- School lockdown due to warning threat outside the school
- Restricts movement within the school to isolate specific areas or threats
- Internal operations keep on going
Full Lockdown
- Complete School lockdown due to severe external threats
- E.g. Armed intruder inside the school
- All movement inside and outside the building is restricted
Now, let’s get you prepared for them.
1. Partial Lockdown Guidance for Schools
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 caused by any warning threat. Reported incidents or civil disturbances in the local community. That can pose a risk to staff and students in the school.
- All outside activity should be stopped immediately.
- Emergency whistles can be used to communicate the alert to duty staff at break times.
- All students should stay in classrooms and sit comfortably in their seats.
- The administration should collect attendance registers or any important records. And transfer them to a secure place.
- All staff and students remain in the lockdown site. And keep external doors and windows locked.
- Free movement may be permitted within the secure building depending upon circumstances.
- Staff should be calmed and assured until further instructions.
- All situations are different. Once all staff and pupils are safely inside. Senior staff can conduct a risk assessment. And identify the next actions to take based on advice from the emergency services.
- Students must not be taken to their parents during the lockdown.
- The school office can inform the parents via text or call. But don’t allow anyone to enter the school boundaries.
- Lockdown termination news can be conveyed to staff by email notification. Or direct communication with a senior leader.
2. Full Lockdown Guidance for Schools
This refers to an immediate threat to the school. That can be an escalation of a partial lockdown. Full lockdown aims for the school and its rooms to be empty.
- Emergency Services should be notified/ called by the administration.
- All students/staff should be moved to the nearest classroom or lockdown site.
- Exterior doors should be kept locked and all windows closed.
- Staff/ visitors/volunteers/peripatetic staff should also reach the lockdown site.
- Students/staff sit quietly out of sight in a secure location. That would protect them from outside threats.
- Keep the lights, whiteboards, and all devices turned off. And move the laptops and mobiles out of visibility. But keep them with you for communication.
- Staff should not initiate any action on their own and await further instructions.
- Staff and students remain in lockdown until it is lifted by staff/emergency services. If you hear any fire alarm during lockdown. Don’t respond and await instructions from emergency services. Do not leave the building until you are told to do so.
- In the case of armed intruders. The staff and children on the ground floor should be moved to the first floor. To move them away from the windows.
- Lockdown termination should be announced by direct communication with a senior leader.
But the lockdown procedure alone can’t assure the wellbeing of your students. You can strengthen it more with some additional measures.
Additional Measures to Strengthen School Safety
1. Community Awareness
Engage parents and local authorities to build a community-based approach to safety. Host the information sessions where everyone learns his/her role during a crisis.
2. Infrastructure Improvements
Secure the school premises with controlled entry points. Surveillance cameras and reinforced doors. This will add a layer of security for public schools.
3. Mental Health Support
Post-incident trauma can impact students and staff alike. Arrange counselling services for those affected. To create an air of confidence in the school.
4. Technological Integration
Incorporate advanced technology for instant communication during emergencies. To make instant communication and real-time updates possible.
Our innovative security app can help you strengthen your school lockdown procedure. Let’s know the details of our services.
Wihkum’s Role in Enhancing Security Lockdown Procedures
We’re committed to enhance security for public schools through innovative solutions. So, unique challenges can be handled by schools during emergencies. Our app is designed to support schools in implementing effective lockdown policies in schools. By providing a comprehensive and easy-to-use service 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. Keeping everyone is aware of the lockdown situation. And giving instant updates.
- 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. And keep a check on all areas during the lockdown. 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. And align the services according to your security plan and lock-down policy & procedure.
Concerned about the safety of your school?
Implement Advanced Lockdown Policies in School with Wihkum
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. Start preparing today and enhance your safety in schools. With our advanced lockdown solutions.
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