ALICE Lockdown Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a lockdown, why is it important to keep people away from doors and windows?
- To avoid triggering fire suppression systems near the exits
- To prevent occupants from being seen or struck if the threat is near those entry points (Correct answer)
- To ensure equal spacing of people throughout the room
- To maintain clear pathways for first responders
Correct answer: To prevent occupants from being seen or struck if the threat is near those entry points
Staying away from doors and windows reduces visibility and minimizes exposure if an attacker attempts to breach the room.
Question 2: What is the recommended approach for barricading a door that opens outward during a lockdown?
- It cannot be effectively barricaded, so occupants should evacuate instead
- Use ropes, belts, or door-barricade devices attached to the door handle and anchored to a fixed object (Correct answer)
- Stack furniture directly against the door
- Leave it and focus on hiding behind large furniture
Correct answer: Use ropes, belts, or door-barricade devices attached to the door handle and anchored to a fixed object
For outward-opening doors, tying a rope or belt from the handle to a fixed anchor point creates resistance that makes the door harder to pull open.
Question 3: An employee hears an announcement that there is an active threat in another building on campus. Which ALICE action is most appropriate initially?
- Immediately evacuate the building
- Lockdown in place while monitoring for updated information about the threat's location (Correct answer)
- Counter the threat by moving toward the other building
- Wait for a second announcement before taking any action
Correct answer: Lockdown in place while monitoring for updated information about the threat's location
When a threat is in a separate building, locking down while monitoring for updates is the safest initial response because the threat has not reached your location.
Question 4: During a lockdown drill, why is it important to practice barricading with actual furniture?
- To satisfy OSHA furniture-inspection requirements
- So occupants know in advance what is available and how to use it effectively under stress (Correct answer)
- To determine which furniture needs to be replaced
- Because ALICE requires all drills to include physical barricading
Correct answer: So occupants know in advance what is available and how to use it effectively under stress
Practicing with real furniture builds muscle memory and reveals practical limitations so occupants can act quickly and effectively during an actual event.
Question 5: In the context of ALICE lockdown procedures, what is meant by 'situational awareness'?
- Knowing all emergency exits before entering a building
- Continuously observing and understanding your environment to make informed decisions during a threat (Correct answer)
- Memorizing the school or office floor plan
- Following a pre-assigned role during an emergency
Correct answer: Continuously observing and understanding your environment to make informed decisions during a threat
Situational awareness means continuously gathering and processing information about what is happening around you so you can choose the safest ALICE option in real time.
Question 6: Which statement about lockdown and students or staff with disabilities is most consistent with ALICE principles?
- Those with disabilities should always be evacuated first regardless of threat location
- Pre-planned accommodations and buddy systems should be established so everyone can participate in lockdown procedures safely (Correct answer)
- Lockdown procedures apply only to fully mobile individuals
- Staff with disabilities are exempt from lockdown training requirements
Correct answer: Pre-planned accommodations and buddy systems should be established so everyone can participate in lockdown procedures safely
ALICE recommends pre-planning accommodations and assigning buddies to ensure individuals with disabilities can execute lockdown or evacuation procedures effectively.
Question 7: What should be done with classroom or office windows during a lockdown if window coverings are unavailable?
- Break the windows to create an alternative exit route
- Use paper, clothing, or tape to obstruct the view into the room (Correct answer)
- Leave them uncovered and focus only on barricading the door
- Open them to allow occupants to call for help
Correct answer: Use paper, clothing, or tape to obstruct the view into the room
Improvised window coverings using paper, tape, or clothing reduce an attacker's ability to see into the room, making it appear unoccupied.
ALICE Lockdown Procedures 3
During a lockdown, why is it important to keep people away from doors and windows?