When a lockdown is announced, our first instinct may be to return to the building. However, if students and staff are already outside, moving back toward the school could bring them closer to the threat.

The safest response may be to move away from the building and proceed to a designated safe location, following the school's established outdoor lockdown procedures.

Staff supervising recess, physical education, outdoor learning, or other activities should know where to go, how to communicate with school leadership, and how to account for every student.

The goal is to avoid hesitation and unnecessary movement toward a potential threat.

If you are already outside, returning inside may not be the safest option.

What should you do if a lockdown is announced while you are supervising students outside?

Suggested response:

Follow the school's established outdoor lockdown procedure. If the building or the route back inside may be unsafe, move students away from the threat toward the designated safe location.

Staff should also consider:

• The location of the threat, if known

• The safest available route away from danger

• How to keep students together and under supervision

• How to communicate your location and status to school leadership

• How to account for every student once the group reaches safety

Do not automatically return to the building simply because it is the normal location for a lockdown.

Pay particular attention to:

• Staff who may be unfamiliar with outdoor lockdown procedures

• Outdoor areas where emergency announcements may be difficult to hear

• Playground gates and exits that may be needed to reach a safe location

• Staff members who may not have access to a radio or other emergency communication method

• Students or groups who may be separated during outdoor activities

• Uncertainty about designated safe locations and alternate routes

• Staff who may instinctively attempt to return to the building during a lockdown

Outdoor supervision should include awareness of emergency procedures before an incident occurs.

Before your next outdoor activity, take a moment to review what you would do if a lockdown were announced while you were outside.

Ask yourself:

• Where would I move my students if returning to the building were unsafe?

• What route would I use to reach our designated safe location?

• How would I communicate our location and status?

• How would I account for every student?

• Do I have the communication equipment and accountability materials I may need?

Knowing where to go before an emergency can prevent hesitation when every moment matters.