Protocols Should Address Various Scenarios
One way to help address the challenges associated with different scenarios is to develop a solid set of functional protocols. These provide specific action steps for each type of emergency function that address a range of situations.
For example, a staff member during a lockdown who realizes that someone has released chemicals in the facility could implement the shelter in place protocol. This approach helps to keep planning components, such as ready reference emergency charts, compact and easy to use under stress while making them more robust.
Good quality training followed by techniques such as blocked access fire drills, and other drills and exercises that require staff to practice decision making processes can also reduce problems associated with extreme stress.
Involve Several Stakeholders in Planning Team
One of the most effective ways to develop a solid set of lockdown protocols is to involve a variety of stakeholders from the campus community and from area law enforcement, fire service and emergency management agencies. This multidisciplinary approach can reduce the chances of conflicts arising between public safety agencies later or even more importantly, dangerous flaws in the procedures.
Identify Securable Space for Students, Staff
In some campus buildings, a major obstacle can be a lack of adequate space that can be secured for support staff, students and faculty. If a facility offers little or no appropriate securable space, the planning team should work to develop the best solution based on available possibilities.
In some instances, schools may have to modify facilities to create lockable space. Sometimes this involves new locks or technology solutions, while in other cases it may require architectural modification, such as the addition of new walls or doors. At other times, windows must be target hardened with protective laminates or similar measures to keep an intruder from simply forcing his or her way into an area by breaking glass.
