Social Skills to Handle Lockdown Drills

letters aligned on a chalkboard spell out "lockdown"

Practicing emergency drills is part of the routine at most schools. At a lot of schools in the U.S., students and staff practice lockdown drills to ensure everyone knows what to do if an intruder is inside the school.

Practicing lockdown drills with intention can ensure that everyone is prepared and knows what to do should an emergency happen. Prepare your students with the social skills to handle the lockdown drills appropriately using this learning module and teaching our 6-step guide to your students!

Six Steps to Handle Lockdown Drills:

  1. Remember PAL:
    • PAUSE – Stop what you’re doing and take a deep breath. Don’t panic.
    • ADULT – Find the closest trusted adult
    • LISTEN – Listen to what the trusted adult tells you to do next
  2. Hide where the trusted adult tells you to hide.
  3. Stay quiet
  4. Your teacher may need to close and lock the door, turn off lights, close the blinds, and take other measures to ensure the space you’re in is secure. Your important job is to stay in place and remain quiet.
  5. Wait for the signal that all is clear
  6. Talk about it with a trusted adult or friend. Sometimes lockdown drills can be upsetting. Be proud of yourself for following instructions and staying quiet. If you were upset by anything you experienced, it’s completely normal, just be sure to talk about it with someone you trust.

Check out the below presentations and lesson module resources to help prepare your students with the social skills necessary to handle lockdown drills!

The special education resources on this page were authored by Watson Institute’s special education consultant, Andee Morris, M.Ed.

PowerPoint Presentations:

I Can Handle Lockdown Drills Facilitator’s Guide

I Can Handle Lockdown Drills PowerPoint Presentation

Resource Materials:

I Can Handle Lockdown Drills Parent Note

I Can Handle Lockdown Drills Teacher Note

I Can Handle Lockdown Drills Outline

I Can Handle Lockdown Drills Homework

I Can Handle Lockdown Drills Magnet Cards

I Can Handle Lockdown Drills Mini Schedule

I Can Handle Lockdown Drills Activity

If you have questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.

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