It’s unfortunate that in today’s world, we must think about responses to school terrorism, however it is becoming an increasing concern, one that is not exclusive to the United States. Given the rising need for safety measures, lockdown procedures and lockdown systems for educational institutions are becoming an essential means of response to a variety of emergencies, from intruders to terror-related situations, allowing for the safeguarding of students and staff.
A lockdown procedure is a predefined plan used to secure people inside a building during an emergency situation. The goal is to protect individuals, and in the case of schools and nurseries, children and staff, by keeping them safe indoors and minimising their exposure to potential threats. Lockdown procedures typically involve securing doors, restricting movement, and using communication systems to inform occupants and first responders of the situation.
For schools and nurseries, lockdowns are particularly crucial due to the vulnerable nature of young children who may not be able to react as quickly or rationally as adults. A well-executed lockdown can prevent the escalation of a dangerous situation, ensuring the safety of staff and students until help arrives.
Unfortunately, schools have become a target for terrorist activity, with UK police stopping 8 ‘late-stage terror plots’ in the past year. Lockdown procedures are therefore vital for if an event were to take place.
Lockdown procedures must be adapted to the specific environment, whether it’s a primary school, secondary school, or nursery. In educational settings, the layout of the building, the age of the students, and the number of staff on site can all influence the approach to implementing a lockdown plan. It is also important that all staff are well-trained on how to initiate lockdown procedures and that drills are carried out regularly to ensure everyone is familiar with what to do in an emergency.
A lockdown system will be part of an organisation’s lockdown procedure plan. It enables immediate communication across the entire site, regardless of your location. By using both live and pre-recorded messages, it ensures swift alerts to staff and students, notifies authorities, and secures the building to keep everyone safe during emergencies or attacks.
With its fast, straightforward operation, lockdown systems offer reliable, resilient, and effective safety measures. Plus, their proven track record makes them an ideal choice for educational institutions seeking to enhance their emergency procedures and ensure a safer environment for all.
Emergency lockdown systems are essential tools that enable schools to initiate lockdown procedures swiftly and efficiently. These systems use technology to automate the lockdown process, reducing the time it takes to secure a building and notify everyone on site. By integrating communication devices, door controllers, alarms, and other safety features, lockdown systems can greatly enhance the effectiveness of an emergency response.
A key event that has highlighted the need for lockdown solutions for sites with children, is the 2024 Southport knife attack which involved an attacker fatally stabbing three young girls and injuring 10 others during a children’s dance and yoga workshop. The building or organisation did not have a lockdown procedure or system in place, meaning staff were not able to quickly secure the facility, escalating the risk to the children and staff.
The attack shows the importance of lockdown solutions, particular for when children are routinely present, in order to implement robust emergency lockdown measures to mitigate harm during violent incidents.
A comprehensive lockdown system is designed to protect against a variety of threats, including:
In the UK, the threat of terrorism remains a concern for educational institutions. The introduction of Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, has underscored the importance of implementing protective security measures, including lockdown procedures, in public spaces and buildings.
Unauthorised individuals entering school grounds pose significant risks and lockdown systems can quickly secure entry points and limit the intruder’s movement. This alongside terrorism are the two main reasons for implementing a lockdown solution.
Although less common in the UK, extreme weather such as high winds or flooding can also necessitate lockdowns to keep students and staff safe inside the building.
Situations such as chemical spills or infectious disease outbreaks may also require a lockdown to prevent exposure.
UK schools are advised by various organisations on how to develop and implement lockdown procedures:
Provides guidance on health and safety measures, including lockdown procedures for schools. NASUWT, also known as the Teacher’s Union, encourages schools to carry out regular lockdown drills to prepare students and staff for emergencies.
Offers advice on securing educational institutions against terrorist threats. The organisation recommends that schools incorporate a comprehensive lockdown strategy as part of their broader security measures.
Implementing effective lockdown procedures in schools and nurseries comes with several challenges due to the unique dynamics of these environments. Here are key considerations for ensuring a comprehensive and effective lockdown strategy:
Main entrances, exits, delivery zones, car parks, and open communal spaces are vulnerable spots where an intruder could gain entry or pose a threat. It’s essential to secure these areas and consider how to isolate them quickly in an emergency.
It is vital to establish methods by which staff can quickly and discreetly alert the authorities when an incident occurs. This may include the use of panic buttons, mobile apps, or communication devices located strategically around the school.
Understanding common traffic flows and where people gather, such as cafeterias, playgrounds, or corridors, helps determine the best places to relay emergency messages and guide people to safety.
Think about how to quickly separate individuals from a dangerous area. This could involve locking specific doors or gates, sealing off sections of the building, or using barriers to keep people away from the threat.
In the case of a ground-floor incident, it may be necessary to restrict lift movement to certain floors to avoid inadvertently bringing individuals closer to the danger.
Consider how fire evacuation plans interact with lockdown procedures. It’s important to identify safer areas for assembly and how to direct people there without compromising security during different types of emergencies.
Deciding what actions staff should take and what can be automated, such as locking doors or triggering alarms, ensures a coordinated approach, reducing the risk of human error and improving response times.
Lockdown drills can be stressful for children, especially if they are not properly informed about the purpose of the exercise. Schools need to balance realism with reassurance to avoid causing unnecessary fear.
Schools with students who have special educational needs may require tailored approaches to ensure these students are adequately protected.
An integrated lockdown system offers multiple advantages for educational institutions.
Automated lockdown procedures can initiate within seconds, saving valuable time during emergencies.
Systems can deliver clear instructions to staff, students, and visitors via public address speakers, digital signage, and mobile notifications.
Lockdown systems can control access points, preventing unauthorised entry and minimising potential harm.
Schools can meet safety regulations and guidelines, including Martyn’s Law requirements, by having a robust lockdown system in place.
An effective lockdown system includes various features designed to secure the premises and communicate with occupants.
Each school or nursery has its unique layout and requirements. Therefore, lockdown systems need to be customisable to fit the specific needs of the building.
BusinessWatch offers bespoke solutions that incorporate multiple elements, including door controllers, public address systems, and digital signage, to ensure a comprehensive approach to lockdown procedures. Our school lockdown systems can connect to existing technology to audibly and visually alert staff and students.
The installation of a lockdown system involves several steps to ensure it is tailored to the specific needs of the institution.
Lockdown procedures are vital for protecting children and staff during emergencies. Schools and nurseries must have a well-designed system in place to respond quickly and effectively to a range of threats.
BusinessWatch specialises in designing, installing, and managing lockdown solutions that cater to the unique needs of each educational institution. By integrating advanced technology and bespoke designs, we can help schools stay prepared and ensure the safety of their occupants. Once you decide to increase your school security by implementing a lockdown system, we’ll take care of the rest!
To learn more about how BusinessWatch can assist your school with its lockdown requirements, get in touch with our team today > 0330 094 7404.
