Most schools have a lockdown plan. However, not many schools have a good lockdown plan. Just as every classroom should have an evacuation plan, every room needs a lockdown plan that meets the needs of that specific location. Keep in mind, there are numerous access control solutions that can enhance a school's ability to lockdown and no location can offer total protection from a hostile intruder. At a minimum, schools should identify locations that meet certain basic safety guidelines.

Follow up:

For example:
- A door that can be locked from the inside. Imagine having stand outside the classroom to lock your door during a lockdown.

- No interior facing windows/vision panels greater than 10 inches wide. The intruder should not be able to see in the room or easily defeat the window and locking mechanism.

Once identified, all staff should become familiar with these guidelines and what to do if they are in one of these areas when confronted with a hostile intruder and/or lockdown situation.
District and school adminstrators should work with their local law enforcement and fire department (fire code compliance) to set these guidelines and establish plans for these non-secure areas.

And of courese - TRAIN THE PLAN.

This post is provided by SafePlans (www.safeplans.com), an all-hazards preparedness solution including emergency plans, staff training, and detailed site mapping.

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