What Happens During a Lockdown Drill

Many schools use the same five response actions. Knowing them helps students stay calm and helps families understand what gets practiced.

Drills are practice, not a sign that something is wrong. Each one gives students a chance to rehearse a few simple actions until they become automatic.

The five response actions

Many schools use the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), created by the nonprofit "I Love U Guys" Foundation. It gives every emergency one of five short commands, so students, staff and first responders all use the same words.

Hold means staying in your room or area while the halls are cleared, and class usually continues. Secure means everyone comes inside and outside doors are locked, while class usually continues. Lockdown means locks, lights, and out of sight. Evacuate means moving to a named location. Shelter means protecting against a specific hazard, such as a tornado or a chemical spill.

Your school may use a different plan or different names, but most plans cover these same situations. Ask for your school's terms so you and your child use the same words.

How often schools practice

Most states set a minimum number of drills each year, often including fire evacuation, severe weather, bus evacuation, and a law enforcement drill. Your state education department publishes the exact requirements.

What good schools do after a drill

Staff note anything that slowed things down, like a door that sticks or a hallway that gets crowded, and fix it before the next drill. It's fair to ask your school how they review drills.

Sources

• The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) (The "I Love U Guys" Foundation)

SRP and The Standard Response Protocol are trademarks of The "I Love U Guys" Foundation. This post summarizes the protocol for families and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the Foundation.

This post is general information. Your school's own plan comes first, so ask the school office for its specific procedures.