Workplace Security: What to Do if Your Office Is on Lockdown
/
By Lt. Damon Blankenbaker
The attack in Great Britain is a somber reminder that we all need to be prepared for any type of emergency or threat. The Houses of Parliament and nearby areas were immediately put on lockdown. What would happen if a County facility was put on lockdown? The County takes your safety and security seriously, and as the head of the County’s Site Security Initiative, I want to share important information with you about lockdowns.
You’ve probably heard the term lockdown. But what does it mean, and what should you do if the building you are inside is put on lockdown?
How would you identify a safe place to go, or a safe room?
Emergency personnel have often used the terms "lockdown” and “shelter in place" when ordering the public to find a safe place in the event of a threat. These phrases are typically used to quickly communicate a threat or potential threat to your safety. The term lockdown has been used for decades in school systems.
During emergencies, both terms could have several different meanings, but essentially, both mean to take immediate shelter where you are. This could apply whether you are at home, work, school, or even in a public place like a mall.
You may be ordered to lockdown by law enforcement, but if you feel you are in danger, it may be a decision you make on your own.
The most important thing to remember is that during a threat or other emergency, there isn’t a “one size fits all” procedure for locking down a location and securing yourself. Every person, business, and department will need to develop a plan tailored to their location.
Lockdown protocols then must be practiced and debriefed in order to be effective.
Below are some ideas to consider when considering how and when to lockdown:
- Do not minimize a threat during a lockdown. Over the years, we have found examples where folks have misjudged or discounted the threat.
- Use plain language when communicating a threat and the need for a lockdown. The use of codes is often ineffective, may cause a delay, and could easily result in mass loss of life.
- Perimeter doors should be closed and locked at all times. These are doors that provide access to your building but should remain locked, such as a warehouse door or emergency exits. This will help ensure that the majority of our work locations can be secured quickly.
- Identify rooms within your facilities that can be accessed and securely locked. Ensure that they provide a level of protection to delay a potential threat. Most active shooter events end within three minutes and 60 percent end before law enforcement arrive on scene.
Security at work starts with all of us, and you can get more information about site security by visiting the Employee Security page on InSite.
