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?
Lockdown protocol serves as a critical first line of defense against potential threats.
Recently, several schools have faced security threats that forced them into lockdown. Four primary and four secondary schools had to shut down for hours. Thanks to well-structured lockdown policies and quick action, students remained safe. Otherwise, the situation could have turned into a complete mess. (Source)
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 knows how to stay safe & confusion and panic can be avoided.
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
There are various situations that necessitate activating lockdown policies in school. Ranging from internal disturbances to external threats. Such as:
| Emergency Type | Description |
| Violent Invasions | Armed individuals or violent groups attempting to enter the school can pose a threat to school security. |
| Aggressive Behaviour | Violence or bullying among students or from outside intruders. |
| Natural Disasters | Australia is prone to extreme weather hazards like lightning, bushfires, flooding, & heavy rains. |
| Accidents in or near School | Any toxic gas or hazardous liquid emissions nearby can be hazardous to the school environment. |
| Dangerous Animal Intrusion | In areas like Perth, the chances of wild animals suddenly entering school premises are especially high. |
| Threat of Violence | Any threat of violence against students, teachers, or school staff can cause a lockdown situation. |
| Police Actions | There are multiple incidents where schools were forced into lockdown due to a prison outbreak or police pursuit. |
| 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 the preparation of schools. So, administration can develop targeted security lockdown procedures for emergencies.
How to Prepare for Emergencies | Planning Lockdown Procedure
School building occupants should always be prepared for emergencies. Because a threat can appear anytime and you’ll need a shelter-in-place period. i.e. lockdown.
Here are some steps for proper planning.
- 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.
Now, let’s get to the specific lockdown plans during emergencies.
Steps in School Lockdown Procedure
A well-crafted lockdown procedure includes clear instructions. For teachers, administrators, and students. Below are some steps to follow when implementing a security lockdown.
1. Ringing the alarm
All staff members should stay active to identify a potential emergency requiring lockdown. Anyone who notices it must contact the relative authorities. The lockdown can be announced by authorities ASAP via a security alarm.
2. Responding to the alarm
All students should quickly respond to the alarm and move to the designated areas. The staff members should also be alert and get to their pre-assigned duties. The procedure must be completed in a calm & structured manner.
3. Staying in Lockdown Zone
The lockdown areas should be kept locked once all students reach there. Teachers and staff should assure the students and prevent the situation from becoming panic. Occupants must remain where they are and not move until the next announcement.
4. All clear Announcement
Once the situation gets clear. The authorities will announce an “All Clear” message. The lockdown will be lifted and teachers lead the students outside in an orderly manner. The principal should address students afterward for reassurance.
5. Reporting of Incident
The incidents should be reported to relevant authorities quickly. While the details are fresh in everyone’s mind. Every little aspect should be noted for a transparent investigation.
Types of Security Lockdown
There are two main emergency lockdown procedures based on the severity of situation. Let’s get you prepared for both of them.
1. Partial Lockdown Guidance for Schools
Partial lockdown is caused by any threat of violence posing a risk to staff and students. The reasons can be reported incidents of civil disturbances in the local community. It restricts movement to isolate specific areas but keeps internal operations going.
Here are some guidelines in case of a partial lockdown.
- 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 transfer attendance registers or any important records 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.
- Once all staff and pupils are safely inside. Senior staff can conduct a risk assessment to decide the next actions or steps.
- 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. E.g. Armed intruder inside the school. All the movement inside and outside the building is restricted. It can be implemented directly or by an escalation of a partial lockdown.
Full lockdown requires the following procedures.
- 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 location safe from outside threats.
- Keep the lights, whiteboards, and all devices turned off. 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. Do not leave the building until you are told to do so.
- Everyone should stay away from windows. The staff and children on the ground floor should be moved to the first floor.
- 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
Innovative solutions offered by Wihkum can enhance security for public schools. Our app is designed to support schools in implementing effective lockdown policies in schools. Through 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’s GPS tracking and geofencing features give situational awareness in lockdown. Schools can monitor the location of staff and students & keep a check on all areas.
- Real-Time Communication
During a lockdown, communication is vital. Our app provides a secure channel for real-time updates. So, administrators can coordinate with staff and first responders.
- 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.
Enhance your safety in schools with our advanced lockdown solutions.