What Are the Different Levels of School Lockdown?
In the event of a school lockdown, it is important to be calm and prepared. The first step toward preparation is to understand the different levels of a school lockdown.
What Does It Mean if a School is on Lockdown?
When a school is on lockdown, it means there is a dangerous threat in the general or immediate vicinity of the school. A school lockdown prevents individuals from entering or exiting the facilities and keeps all students hidden inside classrooms. Parents will be alerted if a school is on lockdown.
The Different Levels of School Lockdown
A school lockdown occurs on three different levels, each indicating a different level of danger. Let’s take a look.
Level 1
A Level 1 lockdown means that there is a threat (shooter, criminal, etc.) nearby, but not necessarily targeting the school itself. The school will be locked until law enforcement officials state that everything is clear.
Level 2
A Level 2 lockdown means that the threat is on the property and more likely to cause harm. Students and educators should immediately barricade themselves in the nearest room and stay quiet.
Level 3
A Level 3 lockdown refers to life-threatening danger. In other words, there is a threat on the property that is seeking to cause harm immediately. Even in this situation, everyone should remain calm and wait for the police to signal.
How Should You Respond in the Event of a School Lockdown?
Responses to school lockdowns will vary depending on if you are a student, a teacher, or a parent. Students and educators who are inside a building on lockdown should do the following.
● Remain calm.
● Stay quiet and out of sight.
● Do not move from room to room.
● Follow instructions carefully.
● Be patient.
If you are a parent, your first instinct upon hearing about the lockdown will probably be to drop everything and rush to the school. Instead, remain calm, stay close to your phone, and wait for updates. Showing up to the facility or making countless calls will likely only complicate matters further. You can help ahead of time by keeping your emergency contact information updated and knowing the school’s procedures for handling a lockdown.
The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Responding in panic, especially in a level 3 situation, will only make handling the situation more difficult. The gravity of such a scenario calls for calm, collected responses on everyone’s part. Work together.
How Can Children Stay Safe During a Lockdown?
LockOut Co. builds integrated school safety solutions that combine physical protection, instant alerts, and clear wayfinding.
SmartBoot System. The SmartBoot System unifies door barricades, SmartBoxes, SmartLights, Pull Stations, and tablets into a building-wide lockdown network. Staff trigger instant alerts, and first responders see a clear status across the facility.
Smart Tablets. Smart Tablets give administrators and teachers real-time control with room and zone visibility. Admin, Teacher, and To-Go models keep teams connected in classrooms, halls, and outdoor areas.
Emergency Alerts (RAPiDTEXT). Emergency Alerts deliver under two-second SMS notifications to the right people on any phone and any carrier. Messages include location details and current mode, such as Lockdown, Secure, or All-Clear.
The Boot. The Boot is a steel door barricade that deploys in seconds and withstands up to 16,000 pounds of force. A patented release allows authorized entry by safety officers while keeping egress simple for staff.
Ballistics Shield. The Ballistics Shield reinforces vulnerable glass on doors and windows. It is low profile, custom-fitted, and designed to slow forced entry, which buys critical time for response.
Color-Coded Zoning System. The Color-Coded Zoning System divides a building into clearly marked zones and pairs with Rapid Response Placards. First responders identify the right room faster, and staff follow routes with less confusion.
Acrylic Facility Maps. Acrylic Facility Maps provide durable, mounted guidance with zones, exits, safe areas, and equipment locations. Digital versions can be shared with staff and local dispatch for daily use and emergencies.
Critical Incident Maps. Critical Incident Maps combine aerial imagery with floor plans and an X/Y grid for precise location callouts. Building and campus views help teams coordinate entry points, utilities, and reunification areas quickly.
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