Why are lockdown drills needed?

• can’t assume "it won't happen here"
  
• drills familiarize staff and students providing increased comfort levels during a crisis and reducing panic
  

Developing Protocol, Communicating and Training

Employers should:

• hold two unscheduled, unannounced drills per year (some conducted during lunch and recess)
  
• involve the unions in debriefing after any incident or drill to provide input to improve the process
  
• offer assistance to employees after a drill since simulations can be traumatic
  
• work with police and emergency personnel to set up policies and protocols
  
• customize emergency plans for all locations
  
• solicit union input in writing and reviewing plans annually
  
• develop a quick reference to emergency plans as a wallet card or poster
  
• train all staff in the protocol, and review with staff each year
  
• train all staff in de-escalation techniques
  
• clarify the roles of various school team members during a crisis
  
• develop a flowchart to instruct administrators on how and when to contact authorities and media
• keep parents and volunteers informed of the protocol

Common Lockdown Concerns/Issues to Clarify

• clarify different types of lockdown:
  • "full lockdown" for inside threats such as intruders
  • lockdown response to an outside threat
  • lockdown to search for a missing child in the building
• use consistent codes or standard police codes instead of secret codes so occasional and itinerant staff are aware
• incorporate washroom checks into the plan
• develop a plan to secure open areas such as libraries and cafeterias
• plan alternate command posts in the worksite beyond the main office
• plan more than one evacuation site at varying distances
• establish an evacuation kit that includes a staff roster, floor plan, and list of students
• ensure there is an ability to shut off alarm systems from outside office/school
• provide doors that can be automatically and remotely locked
• ensure the PA system works outside of the worksite
• plan for the provision of food, water, and washrooms during extended lockdowns
• plan for the contact and care for children of staff members in the event a lockdown extends beyond the regular work day
• have a system to distinguish staff/ students from intruders
  

In a Classroom During a Lockdown

• if outside, do not enter building, but move to a planned meeting site
  
• immediately check halls for students and quickly allow students into the class, if safe
  
• secure the classroom door and do not answer the door for the duration of the lockdown
• turn off lights and computers and pull any blinds
• make the classroom look empty by keeping away from doors and windows and moving to a safe corner to reduce visibility
  
• create cover by turning desks on their side in a circle on the floor with desk tops facing out and everyone inside
• be aware of flimsy wall construction in portables
• remain QUIET!!!
  
• provide ideas to keep students busy
• assess and treat injuries
• check attendance.
• do not contact the office unless you have information about the suspect/incident
• do not use a cell phone within the classroom and ensure all ringers are off
• remain in the class until the “all clear” is given and disregard school bells and fire alarms.
  

90% of our time and efforts should be spent on prevention

• identify students who exhibit danger signs
• encourage students and staff to break the code of silence
• report suspicious behaviour and comments