Emergency Lockdown Procedure Check Checklist [FREE PDF]

Emergency lockdown procedures are a critical component of any comprehensive physical security program, governed by ASIS Physical Security Standards and NFPA 730 Premises Security guidelines. Organizations must maintain verified, tested, and documented lockdown protocols to protect occupants during active threats or security incidents. This checklist ensures all lockdown mechanisms, communications, training records, and response capabilities meet current regulatory and industry standards.

  • Industry: Facility Security
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Security Director
  • Total Items: 34
  • Compliance: ASIS Physical Security Standard (PSP) – Chapter 6: Emergency Response, ASIS Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention ANSI/ASIS/SHRM WVPI.1-2011, NFPA 730 Guide for Premises Security – Chapter 5: Security Planning, DHS Active Shooter Preparedness – CISA Site Assessment Framework, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans

Door Locking Systems & Hardware

Verify all lockdown-critical doors operate correctly and hardware meets security standards.

  • Are all perimeter entry doors equipped with locks that engage from the interior without a key?
  • Do all classroom or office doors lock reliably from a closed position within 5 seconds?
  • Are door frame strike plates and hinges inspected and found free of damage or tampering?
  • Are electronically controlled doors tested and confirmed to default to locked status on power failure?
  • Are door lock override mechanisms accessible only to authorized personnel?

Communication & Alert Systems

Confirm all mass notification and internal communication tools are operational and compliant.

  • Is the mass notification system tested and confirmed functional across all zones?
  • Are lockdown alert tones distinct and distinguishable from fire alarm or other building signals?
  • Are backup communication methods (e.g., two-way radios, PA system) available and charged?
  • Is the direct line to local law enforcement posted and verified as correct at each security post?
  • Are intercom or phone systems in all occupied rooms confirmed operational?

Staff Training & Drill Records

Review training currency and drill completion for all staff with lockdown responsibilities.

  • Have all security staff completed lockdown procedure training within the past 12 months?
  • Has at least one full lockdown drill been conducted and documented in the past 6 months?
  • Are drill after-action reports completed and corrective actions tracked to closure?
  • Are new employees briefed on lockdown procedures within the first week of employment?
  • Are training records retained for a minimum of 3 years and accessible for audit?

Shelter-in-Place Resources

Assess availability of emergency supplies and safe rooms for sustained lockdown situations.

  • Are designated shelter-in-place rooms identified and clearly marked on emergency maps?
  • Do shelter rooms contain a minimum 72-hour emergency supply kit (water, first aid, communication device)?
  • Are emergency supply kits inspected and restocked within the past 90 days?
  • Are shelter room capacities posted and sufficient for expected occupant loads?

Visitor & Access Control During Lockdown

Verify procedures to secure access points and manage visitors during a lockdown event.

  • Is there a documented procedure to immediately lock all visitor access points upon lockdown initiation?
  • Can security personnel remotely lock all electronically controlled access points from a central station?
  • Is a current visitor log maintained at all times and accessible during an emergency?
  • Are visitor badges designed to expire or visually indicate unauthorized presence after business hours?
  • Is the visitor management system integrated with the access control system for real-time occupancy tracking?

CCTV & Surveillance During Lockdown

Confirm surveillance systems provide full coverage and support real-time situational awareness.

  • Do all CCTV cameras covering lockdown-critical areas have unobstructed fields of view?
  • Is CCTV footage retained for a minimum of 30 days and securely stored?
  • Is the security operations center staffed 24/7 or covered by monitored remote access during off-hours?
  • Are camera feeds accessible to responding law enforcement via secure remote access?
  • Are all CCTV cameras tested and confirmed operational, with no offline units in critical zones?

Post-Lockdown Procedures & Documentation

Evaluate the completeness and quality of post-event reporting and corrective action processes.

  • Is a formal incident report completed within 24 hours of any lockdown event or drill?
  • Are post-lockdown debriefs conducted with all responding security personnel?
  • Are identified gaps from previous lockdown events tracked in a corrective action log?
  • Is the lockdown procedure document reviewed and updated at least annually or after any activation?
  • Are mental health and critical incident support resources available and communicated to staff post-event?

Related Security Checklists

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 34 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with ASIS Physical Security Standard (PSP) – Chapter 6: Emergency Response, ASIS Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention ANSI/ASIS/SHRM WVPI.1-2011, NFPA 730 Guide for Premises Security – Chapter 5: Security Planning, DHS Active Shooter Preparedness – CISA Site Assessment Framework, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Emergency Lockdown Procedure Check Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 34 inspection items across 7 sections: Door Locking Systems & Hardware, Communication & Alert Systems, Staff Training & Drill Records, Shelter-in-Place Resources, Visitor & Access Control During Lockdown, CCTV & Surveillance During Lockdown, Post-Lockdown Procedures & Documentation. It is designed for facility security operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Emergency Lockdown Procedure Check Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Security Director professionals in the facility security industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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