It’s a scary thought nowadays to send your kids off to school. While terrorist activity is common globally, American schools seem to have become a common target of copycat domestic terrorism–which is one of the most cowardice and dangerous threats. Over 200 school shootings have occurred nationwide since 2000, so security practices and drills are at an all-time high across the country. These practices include the employment of armed or unarmed security guards and lockdown drills. A lockdown may be required in the event of the presence or warning of an active shooter, riots, a hostage situation, nearby police activity, or a national disaster. But what happens during a school lockdown?
Staff Requirements
- The principal or acting principal makes the official call that a lockdown needs to occur.
- All staff and teachers close windows and usher in students.
- Window shades are pulled down and classroom lights are turned off.
- Administrators and non-teaching staff check the hallways and exterior of the building.
- Depending on the type of lockdown, all interior and perimeter doors may be locked.
- In the event of a shooter or hostage situation, authorities are called.
- Any and all incoming visitors at this time are required to remain outside.
- No one inside the facility is permitted to leave during a lockdown.
- Depending on the situation, parents may be texted or called with details.
Student Requirements
- Students are expected to remain quiet and follow instructions.
- Students must calmly follow their teachers into the correct rooms when given the order
- Once inside the safe room, attendance is taken.
- Students then will hunker down until clear notice is given.
- Texting is usually prohibited unless it’s an emergency text.
- Emergency texts should be written verbatim from what information the teacher or administrator provides.
Parent Requirements
- Do not call the school.
- Do not show up at the school.
- Do not attempt to assist or beat down the doors of the school.
- Wait for a text or phone call.
- Watch the news and await a code or notice to pick up your child.
- Try to breathe and remain calm knowing the administers and authorities are working to ensure everyone’s as safe as possible.
Some Things to Consider and Remember
Just a few years ago, 93% of public schools reported having controlled access via monitored or locked doors during school hours. But read a newspaper or turn on the news and you’ll quickly discover that’s simply not enough to protect today’s youth. Lockdown drills are as common today as fire drills. Of course, extra security is always a good thing. Modern security practices in schools include photo identification or badges for students and staff, security cameras and off-site monitoring, random metal-detector checks, and drug-sniffing dogs. A lockdown can last between fifteen minutes and five hours with one averaging about three hours. That’s a long time to feel intense stress and fear. But experienced school security guards can help relieve some of that stress while adding a human security element to the school day. Regardless of which side of the gun debate you’re on, armed or unarmed security guards can handle an array of duties to help make secure not only the premises but also everyone’s peace of mind. And that’s priceless.