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Lockdown Procedure

There are several variations of addressing lockdown procedures when considering the school setting. Listed below are several ideas that may assist in developing a “lockdown” protocol in a school community. It is highly recommended that school officials consult with local law enforcement officials to cooperatively develop this protocol.

View current suggestions: "Considerations When Developing a School Lockdown Policy"

Lockdown Mandated by Law

The passage of Senate Bill 8/HB 354 (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/13RS/SB8.htm), which changes several of Kentucky’s current school safety statutes, took effect on June 25, 2013.  Emergency Response Drill schedule:  As of 2013, all four emergency response drills (fire, lockdown, severe weather and earthquake) must be conducted by the first 30 days of the new school year and must be conducted again in January. Use the following worksheet to plan drills for your school. Submit a copy of the schedule with your school’s plan, and use the original to document drills when they actually occur.   

Considerations When Developing a School Lockdown Policy

Special Note: Periodically, the Kentucky Center for School Safety (KCSS) is asked to provide suggestions to school district officials regarding a variety of emergency response procedures. Recently, KCSS was asked to provide a model lockdown procedure for a school setting.

KCSS, unfortunately, cannot provide such a policy due to the uniqueness of each school setting, specific local and state laws, and differing agency requirements. (It is all too common for different law enforcement agencies to have different requirements they wish to see in place upon arriving at a school that has become a crime scene.)

KCSS can, however, provide discussion points for school district officials and first responders to consider when developing a school-specific lockdown procedure. Therefore, as you will see below, each area addressed is offered only as a consideration for school officials and local responders to discuss as they develop their school’s individual plan. Please note that a critical part of these procedures is that they must be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.

Download "Considerations When Developing a School Lockdown Policy"

Steps After Announcement of Lockdown

(For use to protect building occupants from potential dangers in the building)

Note: school-specific lockdown procedures should be developed by school officials and local law enforcement officials. Please see “Considerations When Developing a School Lockdown Policy”
for additional information.

When the announcement is made:
  • Students are to be cleared from the halls immediately and to report to nearest available classroom
  • Assist those needing special assistance
  • Close and lock all windows and doors and do not leave for any reason
  • Stay away from all doors and windows and move students to interior walls and drop
  • BE QUIET!
  • Wait for an official to open the door

Other Things to Consider

When developing a lockdown protocol, be mindful of different scenarios that will require advanced planning when needing to put the school in lockdown such as: during class changes, during lunch time, recess, during assemblies, during arrival and dismissal times.

Remember, it is critical to work with local responders to fully define and implement a viable plan of action.

* Check with local law enforcement officials regarding this concern.