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don@donshomette.com
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If a teacher can lockdown before the threat enters the classroom, there is nearly a 100% chance that the threat will not be able to get into the classroom. School attackers don’t destroy doors. They try the handle and if it is closed and locked, they run to the next classroom.
School attacks are a race for the classrooms.
We race to keep them out and they race to get in. Above all, we must keep them out!
Therefore, checking to see if a door is locked or not locked cannot be our training goal or the measure in which we weigh failure or success. Of course, the door must be locked but if it takes 38 seconds (the average time) to lockdown then that is too long, and we will lose the fight for the classrooms.
No, our goal and measurement for success must be to have all classrooms locked down in 7 seconds or less and not how many doors were found unlocked or signs of life detected.
With this in mind, I recommend the following:
Final thoughts…I’m not in any way against law enforcement clearing lockdowns. I’m just 100% for speeding up lockdowns. The two critical necessities to make this happen is more drills and the countdown—not clearing. If you want to add law enforcement to clearing the lockdown—that would be great. You could use them every time or just a couple times a year. Whatever is best for you, but we must speed up our lockdowns to 7 seconds or less.
For the record, this is extremely fast and not initially easy to do. It takes practice!
Don’t start with 7 seconds. Instead, start with 17 or 12 seconds. You don’t want to cripple morale by trying it and failing. Do it the same way but with a higher number. Countdown from 17, 16, 15, and so on.
Seventeen seconds is a long time when teachers are encouraged to hustle with a countdown. Most schools will get it on the first time. If you achieve 90% success, shorten the countdown and practice again, and again, and again.
In fact, don't practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.
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I have handouts, teacher surveys, scripts, instructional videos, and other materials you can use. If you’re on my mailing list, email me and I'll send you the information. If you're not, sign to receive these blogs and we'll put you on the mailing list.
If you would like pesonal help, I'm happy to visit your school and assist in explaining and training the staff as well as helping with actually drills.
Call or email to discuss how we can help.
P.S.
I know using your PA may seem like a big leap. I’ve had hour long conversations (debates) with many others about why we must make this switch and I’m willing to discuss it with anyone—anytime.
Call or email and I’m happy to give you as much time as you’d like to discuss it. It’s that important.