As a security officer, it is crucial to be prepared for unexpected events that may arise in the course of your work. In high-stakes scenarios, you may need to implement a lockdown in the building to ensure the safety of those on the premises. This article outlines what a lockdown procedure entails, how to plan and implement it, and how to distribute it to those in the office.
What is a Lockdown Procedure?
A lockdown procedure is a set of actions taken in an emergency to secure the safety of individuals in a location where a potential threat has arisen. This could be due to natural disasters, bomb threats, active shooters, police activity, or protests nearby.
As a security officer, it's your responsibility to ensure the safety of your assigned area and decide when a lockdown is necessary.
Planning a Lockdown Procedure
To effectively plan a lockdown, it's important to understand the different types of lockdowns that may occur: shelter-in-place, internal threat, external threat, and full lockdown. Each type of lockdown requires different actions to ensure safety.
What Should be Included in a Lockdown Procedure?
The lockdown procedure should include all necessary steps to secure safety in an emergency situation. This includes:
Identifying who is responsible for declaring a lockdown
Locking exterior doors and windows
Covering windows
Avoiding windows facing the outside
Clearing un-securable areas
Taking attendance, and prohibiting entry or exit.
Depending on the threat, some steps may be omitted or added.
Creating a Lockdown Procedure for the Workplace
The steps outlined in the lockdown procedure may need to be adjusted to fit your specific workplace. It's important to assess your workplace and make changes to ensure maximum safety.
Distributing a Lockdown Procedure
The lockdown procedure should be clearly communicated to everyone in the workplace to ensure its effectiveness. Emailing the procedure and keeping hard copies for department heads is an effective way to distribute it. Regularly practicing the lockdown procedure can help individuals prepare for an unexpected emergency. Unplanned lockdown drills can also be used to evaluate preparedness and make adjustments as needed.
Conclusion
If you're passionate about protecting others, becoming a security guard and working with Fahrenheit Security may be worth looking in to. If you already have your frontline SIA License, why don't you go on our contact us or jobs page and apply. We cover security guarding for all of Central London including Soho, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Covent Garden.
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