This school had custom window shades made for emergency lockdown, which include basic action steps so staff can rapidly cover windows and be reminded of basic actions.
While covering windows is typically only suggested for classroom and work areas where occupants cannot move to an out of view area because this can identify occupied rooms, this measure is appropriate for this particular school. Properly rated and installed forced-entry protection for the windows will further reduce risk to occupants.
A careful review of active assailant cases in North American schools from the deadly 1764 attack in a one-room schoolhouse in Western Pennsylvania to the present indicates that there are many variables relating to school design, different types of weapons used, and attack methods that should be considered when developing protective actions.
(Photo Courtesy: Safe Havens International)
