Do You Know the Drill?

This article discusses one of the best defenses against a violent threat in schools -- practicing emergency and lockdown drills. In some buildings, classroom doors lack locks and exterior doors are old. Other buildings have public announcement systems that do not work well throughout a school building, or that lack speakers in restrooms. Still others have classrooms without telephones or main offices that are not centrally located, allowing visitors to enter without being detected. Fortified facilities and equipment play a big role in security, but being alert and informed is most important. The first and best line of defense is a well-trained, highly alert and informed staff and student body. Aside from having emergency response plans, every district should practice emergency drill scenarios, even if it is not mandated statewide, to ensure students and staffs are kept as safe as possible during potentially violent scenarios. Aside from the typical, age-old fire drill and tornado drill in tornado-prone states, more state legislatures are mandating lockdown drills. Drills are helpful when they ensure teachers and staff members communicate well with one another and take measures to keep track of and account for every student in the building. Drills are also about ensuring students obey the nearest adult's direction without question. The main point of a drill is to have it be a learning experience. After an emergency drill, students and staff should be able to discuss and decompress from the event. Psychological counselors should also visit classrooms to help students or staff members who might have relived a prior, unrelated trauma during the drill.