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Lockdown

"Lockdown" and "Hold and Secure" are emergency measures used to protect people inside a building from a dangerous situation taking place either inside or outside the building.

Lockdown: A situation where there is a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the College community such as a shooter, a hostage situation or a terrorist attack. The goal is to remove yourself from the area of immediate threat, go to a secure area and remain out of site. Lockdown announcements will be initiated by Security.

Hold and Secure: A type of lockdown that could arise from police action, environmental hazard or weather related activity outside the College that poses no direct threat to people inside the building. In this case, the College would conduct business as usual, but all entrances to the college would be locked to deny access to the building from outside. Hold and Secure announcements will be initiated by Security or any building management personnel.

These procedures will be ordered upon identification or notification of a threatening situation and will be communicated by a pre-recorded message played over the building speaker system.

Notes: 

1. If any threat is viewed or perceived, call College Security at extension 55 (extension 88 at IAHS) or call 911.
2. The specific procedures for staff and students at IAHS do not apply to the Institute for Applied Health Sciences where security procedures are determined by McMaster University.
3. Drills will be always be preceded by an announcement 5 minutes in advance. If no announcement precedes a drill - it is real.

Procedures

Lockdown

Upon hearing the announcement of a lockdown:

• If you are able to do so safely - exit the building immediately. If safe exit is not possible: REMAIN CALM and encourage others to remain calm, immediate cease all activity.
• If you are in a classroom or office, remain there.
• If you are in a hallway, move to a room or other place of safety immediately.
• Provide assistance, where required, to individuals with a disability or language barrier.
• Secure doors if possible, turn out lights, cover windows or pull shades if possible.
• Remain quiet and out of sight. Stay away from all windows and doors.
• Silence cell phones or devices that can generate noise.
• Staff members or volunteers should record names of persons present.
• Stay quiet and await instructions. Lockdowns can last a considerable time,
• Do not open the door under any circumstances.
• Do not evacuate if a fire alarm sounds unless identifiable emergency officials knock on your door and advise evacuation or unless you are certain there is a need to evacuate.

For open areas such as Cafeteria, Library or Gymnasium

• Generally follow the same steps as those listed above.
• If there are no doors that can be locked or barricaded, take shelter under desks, tables, chairs or behind bookcases or other furniture or equipment.

End of Lockdown
A recorded announcement of an "all clear" signal will be given to indicate the emergency has ended. Security will conduct a room by room confirmation.

Hold and Secure
Upon hearing the announcement for hold and secure:

• Remain in the building until further notice.

End of Hold and Secure
An "all clear" announcement will be given by Security advising the emergency situation outside the college has ended.