Effective Lockdown Drills: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

Summary:

During a 2022 committee meeting, Washington state Rep. Amy Walen highlighted the importance of effective lockdown drills by comparing them to fire drills, emphasizing preparation without causing trauma. The article discusses the necessity of well-conducted lockdown drills, noting that over 40 states mandate them, but there is no federal guidance, leading to inconsistent practices.
Key Points:

1. Types of Drills:
   • Lockdown: For immediate threats within or near a facility.
   • Lockout: For external threats in the surrounding community.
   • Shelter-in-Place: For environmental hazards like severe weather or chemical spills.
2. Common Mistakes:
   • Unannounced Drills: Can cause panic and stress.
   • Live-Action Scenarios: Can traumatize students.
   • Props, Sounds, and Visuals: Use of fake blood or gunshot sounds can induce panic.
3. Best Practices:
   • Notify parents in advance.
   • Test systems when schools are closed.
   • Keep drills simple and age-appropriate.
   • Offer multiple strategies, such as sheltering, evading, defending, and caring.
4. Educational Aspect:
   • Drills should be educational, explaining the importance of each action and ensuring everyone understands their role in maintaining safety.
     The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) provides guidelines and resources to help schools implement effective and appropriate lockdown drills. For more detailed strategies and guidelines, the PASS website offers comprehensive documents and checklists.