Emergency button and lockdown readiness checklist
Seconds matter.
Who can trigger it, who is notified, what happens next, and how to practice, for schools, clinics, and offices.
Emergency button and lockdown readiness checklist
Panic and lockdown buttons let a person call for help in seconds, without searching for a phone or a number. The equipment only works if the plan around it is clear and practiced. Use this checklist to see how ready your organization is, and where to improve.
Who can trigger an alert
- Every person who might need to call for help has a way to do it, including part-time and substitute staff
- Triggers are placed at front desks, treatment or counseling rooms, offices, and other likely places
- People know how to use a button without drawing attention if a quiet alert is needed
Who gets notified
- A clear list of people is notified immediately, with a backup if they do not respond
- Alerts include where the person is
- You have decided when and how emergency services are contacted
- Camera views can be opened from an alert so responders understand what is happening
What happens next
- A written plan describes what each person does when an alert sounds
- Doors, lights, and announcements are set up the way the plan expects
- Life-safety exits always work, even during a lockdown, in line with local codes
- You know what the system does during a power or network failure
Training and practice
- New employees learn the plan in their first week
- You run drills on a schedule, and include different shifts and locations
- After each drill you note what worked and what needs to change
- The devices are tested regularly, and results are recorded
Working with responders
- Local responders have your building layout and key contact details
- You have talked with them about camera access and how they should reach you
- You review the plan with them when the building or your team changes
Looking after people
- Staff know who to talk to after a real or practice event
- You include staff in choosing where devices go and how they are used
Next step: Count the boxes you checked. Pick the three unchecked items that matter most and assign each an owner and a date.
These systems are intended to protect people. Confirm local legal, fire, and life-safety requirements with qualified professionals, and involve your emergency responders in planning.
Want help putting this guide into practice?
Our team can walk through it with you and tailor the plan to your organization.