• Lockdown and lockout are two distinct security protocols used in schools.
• Lockdown is implemented in response to an immediate threat inside the school building, while lockout is used to secure the school building perimeter in response to a potential threat outside.
• Both protocols are necessary for school safety and should be practiced regularly.

School safety is a top priority for administrators, teachers, and parents. Schools implement two critical safety protocols, namely lockdowns and lockouts, to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Both procedures serve distinct purposes and require different responses. Understanding these differences can help schools implement the right measures to keep everyone safe.

What Is a Lockdown?

A lockdown is a security protocol implemented in response to an immediate threat within the school building. This threat could be an active shooter, a violent intruder, or any other situation that poses a direct and imminent danger to the occupants. The primary goal of a lockdown is to secure students and staff in designated safe locations, minimizing their exposure to the threat.

Here are some of the specific actions taken during a lockdown:

• Immediate Action: The announcement of a lockdown triggers swift and decisive action.
• Securing Rooms: During most lockdown protocols, teachers and staff move students into classrooms or other designated safe areas. The procedure also involves locking doors and barricading entry points.
• Hiding and Remaining Silent: Occupants are instructed to stay out of sight, often on the floor and away from windows. Silence is crucial to avoid attracting attention.
• Lights Out: Lights are generally turned off in the rooms.
• Accountability: Teachers are instructed to ensure all students are accounted for during a lockdown.
• No Movement: Movement within the building is restricted. Students and staff remain in their secured locations until there is an “all-clear” announcement.
• Law Enforcement Control: Beyond instructions and safety processes, the emergency situation is generally managed by law enforcement, who are responsible for neutralizing the threat.

What Is a School Lockout?

A lockout is a security measure used to secure the school building perimeter in response to a potential threat outside the building. This could include criminal activity in the surrounding neighborhood, a dangerous animal on school grounds, or a nearby police situation. The key difference is that the threat is external, not internal.

What Happens During a Lockout?

When a lockout is triggered:

• Exterior doors are locked to prevent unauthorized access.
• Students and staff remain inside but continue their normal activities.
• No one is allowed to enter or leave the building until an “all-clear” is given.
• Security personnel or local authorities monitor the situation closely.

A lockout allows schools to continue operating while ensuring that no external threats can enter the building. It is a proactive measure to prevent a dangerous situation from escalating.

Why Schools Need Both Lockouts and Lockdowns

Schools must be prepared to respond to a range of threats, from external risks to immediate dangers inside the building. Implementing both security protocols can ensure they take a holistic approach to school safety. The effectiveness of both lockdown and lockout procedures hinges on clear communication and thorough training.

Schools must have well-defined protocols, and all staff members must be trained on how to implement them quickly and efficiently. Regular drills are essential to ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. It’s also important to use the latest surveillance and safety technology. In a crisis, every second counts, and technology can play a vital role in ensuring a swift and coordinated response.

Best Practices for Implementing Lockouts and Lockdowns

To ensure a smooth and effective response, schools should follow these best practices:

1. Conducting Regular Drills: Administrators should schedule lockdown and lockout drills throughout the school year. Schools should also work with local law enforcement to ensure realistic scenarios and proper training. Reviewing and refining procedures based on drill results can help streamline the process.
2. Educating Staff and Students: Teachers and staff should be trained on how to recognize and respond to threats. The administration should also provide clear instructions to students so they understand what is expected during a lockdown or lockout.
3. Implementing Reliable Security Technology: Video surveillance systems can help monitor school perimeters and detect suspicious activity. They can be used with access control systems to restrict entry and enhance security. Schools can also partner with security service providers to deploy automated lockdown solutions for quick and effective response.
4. Establishing Clear Communication Protocols: All staff members should know how to initiate a lockdown or lockout. Administrators should also install mass notification systems to quickly alert students, teachers, and emergency responders.
5. Collaborating with Law Enforcement: Schools should develop partnerships with local police departments to improve emergency response times. This collaboration can also help provide invaluable training and expertise.

The Role of Security Technology in School Safety

At Digital Provisions, we specialize in providing schools with the security solutions they need to manage lockdowns and lockouts effectively. Our advanced lockdown system allows school administrators to initiate an immediate lockdown at the push of a button. This system integrates with access control, video surveillance, and alarm systems, ensuring a coordinated security response.

Here are some key benefits of using our integrated lockdown system:

• Instant Response: Rapidly activates security measures, significantly reducing response times during critical emergencies. It ensures that every second counts by immediately initiating the lockdown procedure. This system also provides a centralized solution for quick and efficient lockdown activation.
• Automated Locking: Wired or wireless door locks automatically lock to secure the building and prevent intruders from moving freely within the premises. This enhances physical security by creating a barrier that restricts unauthorized access and can be integrated with existing access control systems for seamless operation.
• Real-Time Alerts: Immediately notify staff, students, and law enforcement, providing critical information as events unfold. This enables faster response times and coordinated efforts among security personnel and first responders. It also offers customizable notification options—like mobile notifications, PA announcements, and strobes—to ensure the right people receive alerts.
• Live Video Monitoring: Allows security teams to assess threats in real-time, providing crucial visual information for effective decision-making. It enables remote monitoring of the situation, enhancing situational awareness and providing valuable evidence for post-incident analysis and investigation.

By investing in advanced security technology, schools can reduce response times and improve overall safety for students and staff.

If you’re a school administrator looking to implement lockdown or lockout protocols, Digital Provisions can help. Our expertise in video surveillance, alarm systems, access control, and building lockdown systems, including our Lockdown solution, enables us to offer comprehensive security solutions. Contact us today to book a consultation!