Emergency Lockdown Procedure Check Checklist [FREE PDF]

Emergency lockdown procedures must be maintained in compliance with ASIS Workplace Violence Prevention guidelines and NFPA 730 Chapter 5, which mandate documented, tested protocols for securing facilities during active threat events. Organizations are required to conduct regular drills, maintain operable locking hardware, and ensure all personnel are trained on initiation and evacuation roles. Failure to maintain compliant lockdown readiness exposes facilities to liability and increases risk of

• Industry: Facility Security
• Frequency: Monthly
• Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
• Role: Security Director
• Total Items: 36
• Compliance: ASIS Workplace Violence Prevention Standard (WVPI), 2nd Edition, NFPA 730: Guide for Premises Security, Chapter 5, DHS Active Shooter Preparedness Guidelines, ASIS Physical Security Standard PSP, Section 4.3, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans

Lockdown Notification Systems

Verify all mass notification and alert systems are operational and tested.

• Is the primary mass notification system operational and tested within the last 30 days?
• Is a backup communication method available if the primary system fails?
• Are PA system announcements audible in all areas of the facility including restrooms and stairwells?
• Are visual alert devices (strobe lights) installed and functional in noise-sensitive or hearing-impaired areas?
• Are lockdown alert codes or plain-language announcements clearly documented and posted for staff reference?

Door & Locking Hardware Inspection

Confirm all doors, locks, and access control hardware support lockdown requirements.

• Do all designated lockdown rooms have doors that lock from the inside without a key?
• Are door frames and hinges in lockdown areas free of damage that could compromise structural integrity?
• Do electronic access-controlled doors default to a secure (locked) state during a power failure?
• Are door prop alarms active and tested on all perimeter and critical interior access points?
• Are portable door barricade devices or security bars available in designated safe rooms?

Staff Training & Awareness

Assess employee training levels and comprehension of lockdown roles and responsibilities.

• Have all staff completed lockdown procedure training within the past 12 months?
• Are training records for all personnel maintained and accessible for audit?
• Do designated floor wardens or area coordinators know their specific lockdown responsibilities?
• Has training included procedures for assisting individuals with disabilities during lockdown?
• Are new employees given lockdown orientation before independent facility access is granted?

Drill Execution & Effectiveness

Review drill outcomes, timing, and corrective actions from previous exercises.

• Was a full lockdown drill conducted within the past six months?
• Was the time to full facility lockdown recorded and within the target threshold (typically under 3 minutes)?
• Were deficiencies identified in the last drill documented with corrective action plans?
• Have corrective actions from the previous drill been fully implemented and verified?
• Were local law enforcement or emergency responders coordinated for at least one drill in the past year?

Command & Communication Coordination

Verify that chain of command and communication protocols are established and functional.

• Is a written Incident Command Structure (ICS) in place for lockdown events?
• Does the security operations center (SOC) have a direct communication line to 911 or local dispatch?
• Are radios or communication devices assigned to all security personnel charged and functional?
• Is a designated reunification point and family notification plan documented?
• Are accountability procedures (headcount or roll-call systems) in place for all occupied areas?

Safe Room Supplies & Resources

Confirm that designated safe rooms are stocked with necessary supplies for shelter-in-place scenarios.

• Are designated safe rooms stocked with a first aid kit inspected within the last 90 days?
• Is an emergency supply of water available in safe rooms for extended shelter-in-place situations?
• Are emergency contact lists and lockdown quick-reference cards posted inside safe rooms?
• Is a charged communication device (phone or radio) accessible within each designated safe room?
• Are safe room locations clearly known to all building occupants and marked on posted evacuation maps?

Post-Event & Documentation Review

Evaluate documentation practices and after-action reporting for continuous improvement.

• Is an incident report completed within 24 hours following any actual lockdown activation?
• Are lockdown procedure documents reviewed and updated at least annually or after any activation?
• Are all lockdown procedure documents version-controlled and dated?
• Is a debrief conducted with security staff and key personnel after every drill or activation?
• Are lessons learned from debriefs formally incorporated into updated training materials?
• Please provide any additional observations or recommendations for lockdown procedure improvements.

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Why Use This Emergency Lockdown Procedure Check Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This emergency lockdown procedure check checklist [free pdf] helps facility security teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for security director professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with ASIS Workplace Violence Prevention Standard (WVPI), 2nd Edition, NFPA 730: Guide for Premises Security, Chapter 5, DHS Active Shooter Preparedness Guidelines, ASIS Physical Security Standard PSP, Section 4.3, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

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