Lock Down Procedures
In the event of a police emergency such as an “Active Shooter,” it may become necessary to “Lockdown” the library to protect occupants and minimize the overall exposure to danger. A “Lockdown” is a temporary sheltering technique, e.g. 30 minutes to several hours, utilized to limit civilian exposure to an “Active Shooter” or similar incident.
In the event of a “Lock Down” at Divide County Elementary School, Divide County Library will follow the rules and regulations set forth by the Divide County School District.
When instructed by the Divide County Sherriff’s Department to initiate a “Lockdown” of the Divide County Public Library, the following tiered-level policy will be implemented.
Low-Level Lockdown –Implement when alerted that an incident has occurred in the surrounding area. All exterior doors are locked, not allowing entry to anyone until the all-clear has been sounded. Patrons are advised to move away from windows. Window coverings will be drawn to protect the patrons in the library. Patrons would be allowed to conduct business as usual and to leave at their own risk.
Medium Level Lockdown – Implement when alerted that an incident has occurred in the City of Crosby. All exterior doors are locked, not allowing anyone to enter or exit until the all-clear has been sounded. Patrons are advised to move away from windows. Window coverings will be drawn to protect the patrons in the library. Patrons are advised not to leave, not only for their own safety but also for the safety of others.
High-Level Lockdown – Implement when an incident occurs on or near the library premises. All exterior doors are locked, lights are eliminated, and persons are gathered into the backroom with lights off. No one is allowed to leave until the all-clear has been sounded.
The Divide County Sheriff’s Office has advised that in the case of an active shooter, patrons and staff are to leave the premises safely if possible.
School Lockdown – All students in the library during an “emergency lockdown” will be escorted to the back room. All lights will be turned off, and doors will remain shut and locked until the office or district personnel informs staff that it is safe to exit. In the event of a low to medium-level lockdown, higher authority will be contacted to see if staff is allowed to leave the building for their security.
Reviewed: 9/23/22
Amended: 3/25/24
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