follow up

In reference to an earlier post, I posed the question of what you would do if you are in lockdown and the fire alarm goes off. I have since contacted both our local fire chief and chief of police in our village. Both gentlemen had the same answer: STAY IN YOUR ROOM.

The general consensus was that our job as teachers is to protect the students. The job of the administration is to protect the teachers and staff. The job of the police and firefighters is to protect everyone.

The fire chief said to put a coat or jacket at the base of the door to prevent smoke from seeping into the room, but only if you could do so without being seen. If you could not do this, then do not attempt to do it. In the worst case scenario, he said to take a desk and break a window to get out if smoke or fire was visible. Take a rug or carpet from the classroom or if no carpet is available, then a coat or jacket to cover the window frame that was broken to protect the students.

Does this answer the question? It does as far as our school district goes. What is the policy at your school?