Lockdown Procedures
The safety of library patrons, staff, and students is the Library’s highest priority. A lockdown may be necessary during a threat or emergency to reduce exposure to danger. Because every emergency is different, staff should follow instructions from law enforcement and emergency personnel and use their best judgment based on the circumstances.
SCHOOL LOCKDOWN
When a lockdown is initiated by Divide County Elementary School, the Divide County Public Library will follow the emergency procedures and directives established by the Divide County School District.
Students in the Library during a school lockdown will remain with Library staff and be moved to the designated secure area when directed. Doors will be closed and locked, lights turned off when appropriate, and everyone will remain in place until school or emergency personnel provide the all-clear.
LIBRARY LOCKDOWN
When directed by the Divide County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement, or other authorized emergency personnel, the Library will implement the appropriate response based on the nature and location of the threat.
Area/Low-Level Lockdown
Used when a potential threat is reported in the surrounding area.
- Exterior doors will be locked, and entry will be restricted.
- Patrons and staff should move away from windows and exterior doors.
- Window coverings may be closed when appropriate.
- Normal library activities may continue only if directed by emergency personnel.
- Individuals should not leave the building unless directed or unless remaining inside presents a greater danger.
Community/Medium-Level Lockdown
Used when a threat or emergency is reported within the community or City of Crosby.
- Exterior doors will be locked, and entry and exit will be restricted.
- Patrons and staff should move away from windows and exterior doors.
- Window coverings may be closed.
- Everyone should remain inside and await further instructions.
- Staff will communicate with emergency personnel as directed.
Immediate/High-Level Lockdown
Used when a threat is on or immediately near Library property.
- Doors will be locked and secured.
- Lights may be turned off, and window coverings closed when appropriate.
- Patrons and staff will move to the designated secure area or another location that provides the greatest protection.
- Everyone will remain quiet and out of sight when possible.
- No one should leave the building unless directed by law enforcement or remaining inside presents an immediate danger.
ACTIVE THREAT
In the event of an active shooter or other immediate threat, there is no single response that is appropriate for every situation. The Divide County Sheriff’s Office advises that individuals should leave the building if they can do so safely. If safely evacuating is not possible, individuals should seek a secure location, lock or barricade doors when possible, remain out of sight, and follow law enforcement instructions.
The safety of people takes priority over Library property, materials, and normal operations.
The Library will remain in lockdown until the Divide County Sheriff’s Office, school administration, or other authorized emergency personnel provide an all-clear or further instructions. Staff should not independently declare an emergency over or allow re-entry until authorized.
This procedure is intended as a best-practice response and does not replace the instructions or direction of law enforcement, emergency personnel, or the Divide County School District.
Reviewed: 9/23/22
Amended: 3/25/24
Amended: 9/2/2026
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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