Marines


Lockdown

 

 

During some emergencies, it may become necessary to “Lockdown” a building or build­ings on an installation to protect lives and minimize the overall exposure to danger.

A Lockdown, similar to Shelter in Place (SIP), is a temporary sheltering technique utilized to limit exposure to a threat, such as an Active Shooter incident. It is the immediate movement or removal of all personnel from the outside to inside structures. When alerted, occupants of any building within the subject area will lock all doors and windows, barring entry or exit to anyone until the “all clear” has been sounded. This procedure converts any building into a large “Safe Room.” A Lockdown can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the situation.

 

 

 

How to prepare

Stay informed
  • Learn the emergency and lockdown procedures for the buildings in which you work and visit regularly. 

  • Understand how lockdown proce­dures are initiated and alerts are broadcast. 

  • Verify and update official contact information in the Marine Corps Enterprise Mass Notification System (eMNS), and register all cell phones, home phone, email addresses, etc. in eMNS. 

  • Educate yourself about how to pre­pare for and what to do during an Active Shooter incident.  

 

Make a plan
  • Determine where you would seek refuge during a lockdown. 

  • Create a lockdown plan that includes a plan for non-verbal communication with emergency personnel, your chain of command, and loved ones. 

  • Make a contact card with important numbers and email addresses. 

  • Practice lockdown procedures and reassess and modify your plan if any issues arise. 

 

Build a kit

 

How you will be notified

  • Giant Voice (GV)—A voice an­nouncing system using exterior speakers, commonly termed “Giant Voice”

  • Interior Voice (IV)—Interior speakers or sirens within individual buildings

  • Enterprise Mass Notification System (eMNS)—An interactive, com­munity notification system capable of providing voice and/or data messag­es to multiple, designated receivers

NOTE: You must register your personal information in eMNS to receive notices after hours and away from the office on personal devices.

 


 

What to do during a lockdown

  • Follow instructions of first responders.

  • Remain calm, and do not pull or respond to the fire alarm unless instructed to do so by official, law enforcement personnel. 

  • If not in your typical surroundings, seek refuge in a building or room that locks.

  • Lock all doors and windows. Barricade the door, if possible, and do so quickly.

  • Turn off all lights.

  • If safe to do so, turn off gas and electric appliances or equipment.

  • STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS, and find a hiding place that provides protection and concealment.

  • Silence phones and remain quiet.

  • Comfort, reassure, and quiet any companions who are nervous.

  • Do not permit entry or exit until the “all clear” has been given by official personnel.

  • Enact your non-verbal contact plan to provide your status and location to emergency personnel, your chain of command, and loved ones.

  • If gunshots are heard, and escape is ill advised, lay on the floor, using heavy ob­jects such as tables, desks, or filing cabinets for protection.

  • If outdoors, move as far away from any building where a threat is present and enter the nearest safe building. If there are no buildings, lie near or hide behind trees or walls, and listen for emergency personnel instruction and/or Giant Voice alerts.

  • For Active Shooter Incidents, DO NOT CALL ANY BUILDING WHERE THE INCIDENT MAY BE TAKING PLACE. Phone calls to anyone inside the building under threat may endanger them, draw undue attention toward the ring, and give away hiding locations.

  • Stay in your safe area until emergency personnel has opened the door.

 


 

What to do after a lockdown

  • Once an “all clear” has been given, you may leave your safe zone.

  • Follow any instructions and answer questions from law enforcement officials.

  • Follow your command’s protocols for personnel accountability and contact your command’s designated Point of Contact to check-in and report your location and situation.

  • Supervisors or designated representative should take a head count and ensure all personnel are accounted.

 


Set your own course through any hazard: stay informed, make a plan, build a kit. Live Ready Marine Corps.