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With the heartbreaking reality of school shootings, it’s important for teachers, staff, and students to understand how to respond effectively in these terrible situations.

One of the simplest ways to keep everyone safer is by setting up your classroom in a way that prepares for emergencies. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference in protecting lives.

At Wihkum, we truly care about the safety and well-being of school communities.

That’s why we’ve designed our app to help schools respond quickly to dangerous situations, ensuring no time is wasted when it matters most.

In this blog post, we’re sharing 13 school safety tips to prepare your classroom for an active shooter scenario. Additionally, we’ll discuss how Wihkum’s app can be a powerful tool in responding to these emergencies, helping you make your school safer and secure.

So, read through these tips and think about how they can fit into your classroom to improve safety in schools.

School Safety Hacks to Protect Your Classroom from Active Shooter

1. Conduct Regular Lockdown Drills

    One of the most effective school safety techniques is conducting regular lockdown drills. These drills ensure that students and staff know exactly what to do in the event of a school shooting. Make sure these drills are done multiple times a year so everyone is familiar with the procedures.

    Here are some key action points to do:

    • Familiarise students with the locations of safe spots in the classroom.
    • Assign responsibilities to teachers and staff to ensure everyone is accounted for.
    • Practice in different scenarios to address various dangers in a classroom.

    2. Pre-plan How You will Barricade Your Classroom

    A solid barricade can buy you valuable time during a crisis, helping improve school safety.

    So, carefully, take a look around your classroom and think about how you could block off the door in case of an emergency. Whether it’s moving heavy furniture or using other items, knowing how to quickly barricade your room can slow down or prevent an intruder from getting in.

    It’s best to place heavy furniture, like cabinets or desks, near the door for easier access. Additionally, keeping doorstops or other tools handy would also help to block the door in an emergency.

    Learn more about: Security Lockdown Procedures & Policies for Schools

    3. Familiarise Yourself with the School Layout & Nearest Exit

      Knowing the layout of your school, including nearby exits and hallway routes, is important.

      In an emergency, being able to navigate quickly through your school can make a big difference in your decision-making and your chances of survival. If you’re familiar with the exits, you can guide students to safety faster.

      Being prepared with this knowledge strengthens your ability to make quick, informed decisions in an emergency.

      4. Identify Safe Zones in the Classroom

      Knowing where to hide or shelter can save lives during an active shooter situation. Identify areas within your classroom where students can stay out of sight and away from windows or doors.

      Consider the following for your safe zones:

      • Locations with solid barriers that provide protection.
      • Areas furthest from windows or entrances where the shooter could see inside.
      • Cabinets or other large objects that can block view and access.

      Creating these zones is important for ensuring school safety and protecting students during a lockdown.

      5. Create Obstacles in Path Leading to the Class

      Consider how to create barriers that make it harder for an intruder to enter your classroom quickly. Placing furniture strategically can create a path that slows down a potential threat.

      Use desks, chairs, or bookcases to create an obstacle course at the entrance. Ensure the pathway forces someone to navigate around obstacles, delaying their movement.

      The goal is to make it difficult for anyone to get into the classroom, increasing your chances of staying safe.

      Explore more about: How to Respond an Armed Intruder? Advice for Schools

      6. Keep Doors Locked / Check Door Type (Consider Auto-locking Doors)

      While it can be an inconvenience to keep your door locked at all times, it is an immediate barrier that can exist if an attack begins just outside of your classroom.

      Additionally, be aware of what type of door you have and how it affects your ability to secure it during an emergency. Having auto-locking doors would be the best measure for classroom security.

      Moreover, consider the following points make you plan the best way to secure your classroom:

      • Does your door open inward or outward? This affects how you set up a barricade.
      • Is there glass on or near the door that could be broken? Consider covering it.
      • Ensure your door is in good working condition and locks from the inside.

      Learn more about: How to Keep Your School Safe: Emergency Response Plans for Schools

      7. Use Covers for The Classroom Door Window

      Limiting visibility into your classroom is a simple yet effective way to make your school safer.

      If your classroom door has a window, cover it during a lockdown to prevent an intruder from seeing inside. Even a simple piece of fabric or paper can make a difference.

      Keep a curtain or quick-release shade that can cover the window in seconds. If you don’t have a permanent cover, keep materials nearby to block visibility quickly.

      8. Consider Bullet-proof Windows for the Classroom

      If possible, install bullet-resistant windows that can also be used as emergency exits. These windows provide additional protection while also offering a quick way to evacuate the room if needed.

      They can help stop or slow down bullets, providing a safer environment. Additionally, they serve as an alternative exit route in case the door is blocked or unsafe to use.

      9. Know How to Use Your Classroom Windows for Evacuation

      If your classroom has windows, make sure you know how to use them as a way to escape in an emergency. Being prepared to use your windows as an exit is an important part of school safety and security planning. Here are some things to check:

      • Can the windows be easily opened, and are they big enough to fit through?
      • Is it safe for students to drop from the windows, considering the height and surroundings?
      • Do you have sturdy furniture nearby to help with an exit if necessary?

      10. Prepare a ‘Go-Bag’ for Emergencies

        A ‘go-bag’ with essential supplies can make a significant difference during an emergency. Keep a bag ready with first-aid supplies, water, communication devices, and any other necessities.

        Items to include in a go-bag:

        • First-aid kits with supplies to treat injuries.
        • Flashlights or other emergency lighting tools.
        • Copies of the school’s emergency response plan.

        11. Position the Teaching Space Away from the Door

        Position your desk or teaching area as far from the door as possible. In the event of an intruder attack, teachers are often the first target, so placing yourself farther away can buy you precious time to react and protect your students.

        Move your desk or teaching station to a part of the room that’s not immediately visible from the door. Additionally, if possible, make your teaching area flexible so you can easily adjust it in emergencies.

        These strategies reduces your visibility and gives you more time to respond during a lockdown.

        12. Consult Experts About Barricades

        Barricades can effectively secure classroom doors, but most don’t comply with state and local fire codes. From rubber doorstops to an industrial grade security device designed specifically for a school door, the complexity and cost of barricades are wide-ranging.

        Consult with an attorney and security expert before buying these devices.

        What to Ask an Expert:

        • Do the barricades meet fire safety standards?
        • Are they easy to deploy quickly in an emergency?
        • What’s the most effective option for your specific classroom layout?

        Learn more about: 15 Essential Security Measures To Improve School Security & Safety

        13. Download Wihkum App for Emergency Response Support

        While preparation is key, having the right technology in place can save lives.

        Wihkum’s app is specifically designed to help schools respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, including active shooter situations.

        How Wihkum Can Help During an Active Shooter Situation

        Wihkum’s emergency response app provides schools with the tools they need to stay prepared and respond quickly during an active shooter situation. Our app ensures that schools can manage critical threats with precision and confidence.

        Wihkum Offers the Following Features for School Active Shooter Response:

        • Instant lockdown alerts sent to all staff and first responders.
        • Live updates for staff, so everyone knows the situation in real-time.
        • Detailed tracking of student and staff safety status during an emergency.
        • Customisable lockdown procedures tailored to your school’s unique layout and needs.

        When every second counts, Wihkum’s app help protect your school and ensure the safety of your students and staff during a school shooting.

        Are you looking to improve your school’s lockdown procedures?

        Contact Wihkum for a Safer School

        Contact us today and explore how we help you improve school safety and prepare for the unthinkable.

        Get started today with Wihkum and ensure your school’s safety.

        Download Wihkum App Now!