Safety drills have long been implemented throughout our school year as a commitment to make our school a safer place for its students. Despite this seemingly well-known system that occurs in our school, there is a wide array of disorder and confusion amongst the students when these drills take place. Where to go? What kind of drill is this? What if someone is in the hallway? These questions continue to plague the minds of students and faculty alike. According to the assistant principal, Mr. Cobb, these are the must-knows about the safety drills that take place in LHS.
First and foremost, if a student is in the hallway when a shelter-in-place or lockdown is called, the student should immediately enter the closest classroom. Both of these drills are initiated and concluded over the PA system. This is to ensure the safety of all students during these drills.
Depending on the type of safety drill, there are different expectations and procedures that occur. Here is a structured, compact guide on each safety drill so that you can be prepared when the time comes.
Fire- Fire drills are used when environmental conditions in the building are becoming unsafe and students need to leave the building. This would include fire, smoke, gas leak, etc. The alarm will sound and students/teachers will proceed outside via the designated evacuation route. Once outside, everyone should gather as a classroom unit and wait for further instruction. Students need to remain quiet, stay with their teacher, and listen to instruction. Classes should be lined up as far away from the building as possible.
Evacuation – Evacuation drills are used when conditions warrant a move away from the building for student safety. Students will be instructed by their teachers that they are being evacuated and follow the teacher to the evacuation point.
Shelter in place – Shelter in place drill is used when the hallways need to be clear for a non-threatening condition. Most often we shelter in place when there is a medical emergency that requires fire/rescue. During shelter-in-place, classes can take place as normal.
Lockdown – Lockdowns occur when there is a possible threat to the school. For example, Lincoln Police could be involved in a car chase that is heading towards school or there could be a chemical truck accident. Students and teachers should stop normal classroom activities and get prepared to move if necessary. Doors should be locked.
ALICE – ALICE protocols are only used when there is an immediate threat to harm students from within the building. When ALICE protocols are announced over the PA system, students should follow the direction of their teacher.
