There is no doubt that in any school, college or university that safety of the pupils and staff has to be the ultimate priority. Having a decent lockdown procedure goes without saying, and while it's one thing to have plans in place it's entirely another thing to ensure that the procedures implemented actually work. There is no second chance when there is a threat to life.
Can a lock down procedure alone work today?
One of the most important and key aspects of any successful lockdown procedure in a school, college or university relates to communications between staff. There are many different technology platforms available but some of them are not easily implemented and might even hinder a successful lock down thus actually increasing the likelihood of a less than perfect outcome. But technology today is very diverse and there is equipment available that just a few years ago might well have been deemed too expensive. Considering these newer technologies is important and with those underlying technologies a lockdown that can help to protect all pupils and staff can easily be created.
Consider what a lock down system needs
Communication between staff remains the key, but then there is a second dilemma. There are two thoughts involved:
* Create a lockdown system that is loud and noisy
* Create a silent lock down system
Firstly, if the system implemented is loud, it also notifies any intruder. Is that a good or bad thing? And that loud system will undoubtedly frighten pupils, but maybe less so if you have a mature pupil base. But if the solution is silent, then any intruder will not be aware that authorities have been notified, will keep a somewhat calm in pupils. These and many more considerations need careful thought and guidance is available below on this page from the government.
And consider how to notify staff and pupils if they are outside the school, college or university building? Do staff and pupils need to come back to the building or immediately leave the area? And of course how do you carry out a head count. There are so many questions that need answering.
Technology that can help keep pupils and staff safe
Consider the school or other educational site, they are often quite large and that fact alone has a bearing on exactly what lock down technology system you should install. SOLT make a number of call buttons that can communicate to staff via a pager - or a watch pager that is easy to wear and is relatively low cost. It's possible to install these emergency call buttons throughout the site, and if necessary, increase the range with repeaters. And LRS UK has a device called a RSU1 that can actually emergency call the police and ambulance services. Creating a hybrid system in this way makes sense.
As well as those technology products always consider two-way radios or 'walkie talkies' as they are often called, because those can achieve a range of up to 8Km between staff. Remember that the regular communications channels may well be compromised depending on the incident. A backup solution that can combine with other equipment on site is a great idea.
Guidance for School and College Security
Consider the NaCTSO guidance regarding anything to do with a dynamic lockdown that is going to be successful and remember that your local council often also has other guidance information that is useful.
However the Government guidance for school and college security planning that is an excellent guide that can help in understanding and setting up proper security solutions. This is one of the better advisories we have seen and it takes you through the whole policy and plan to manage and respond to security related incidents.
ALWAYS remember that children and staff lives certainly could be under severe threat and ensuring that your on-site solutions are robust and always operational is essential for the well being of all involved.
LRS UK operates a website specifically for lockdown that they created some while ago and that is currently being updated to include current information.
If you would like to know more about the SOLT or LRS communications solutions and how they can work for lockdown just call 08403 506 6000 or fill out the forms on their websites.
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