Lockdown drill essay

Schools typically have three clearly defined goals during lockdown drills: lock doors, turn off lights and remain silent and out of view of anyone in the hallway. In real life, situations that would result in a lockdown being called – such as an armed attacker on school grounds – usually end within minutes.

Or people singing together from their balconies under lockdown. These stories could inspire novels in their own right. Perhaps in a romance, two strangers meet after one joins another’s singing on their balcony, having overheard the first from a neighbouring apartment. No pandemic has to necessarily feature in the story itself.

Today, more than 95% of public schools conduct lockdown drills. They became considerably more commonplace and focused on active attacker situations after the 1999 shooting at Columbine High School, in which 12 students and a teacher were murdered. But U.S. schools have held emergency preparedness drills for decades.

Start with an orientation to the lockdown drill that provides an overview for the purpose of and what to expect. This should be tailored to developmental level, second language status, and disabilities. Such orientations also help staff members to appreciate their role and expected actions. Always announce lockdown drills.