Carlmont High School held a lockdown drill on Sept. 30 to educate students and teachers on what to do if there is a violent intruder or unsafe scenario on campus.

Around the country, in many public and private schools, lockdown drills are held to ensure that students remain as safe as possible during potentially life-threatening scenarios. 

“If there is a violent intruder, you hide, and incorporated into the hiding is a barricade to make it difficult for them to get to you, so you stay safe,” Gregg Patner, Carlmont Vice Principal, said.

Schools have a variety of drills besides lockdown barricades, such as shelter in place, evacuation, secure campus, and earthquake procedures. Each of them holds a different purpose to keep students and staff safe.

Many participants in such drills might question whether or not all of these events are necessary or effective.

“Drills build muscle memory. Take drop, cover, and hold, for example. You have probably heard that since kindergarten, and if you were to be in an earthquake, I think that you would know exactly what to do,” Patner said.

While the drills introduce the procedure so people know what to do, some may wonder whether or not they accurately reflect how these events would occur in an actual situation.

“To some degree, there are different levels of reflection. We have had some moderate scenarios like the smoke from the fire and the shelter in place, and because of it, we can prepare for something like that. Violent intruders are a much larger degree of danger, and you can’t fully prepare for that scenario,” Patner said. 

Lockdown barricades can be very frightening. Schools nationwide practicing these drills yearly to stay safe is scary for many students, teachers, and parents. Almost every school in the United States practices these drills due to violent events occurring throughout the country (i.e., school shootings or forced entry). 

A teacher’s primary concern is the students, and most teachers wish these drills weren’t necessary but recognize their importance. 

“I want to apologize from the world that we have to do this. I think it sucks,” Ame Secrist, Carlmont dance teacher, said.