Emergency Evacuation for Courts Flashcards

What is the role of a 'floor warden' during a courthouse emergency evacuation?

Answer: To guide and account for occupants on their assigned floor and report status to command

Floor wardens are responsible for guiding occupants to exits, confirming all areas are clear, and reporting headcount status to the incident command post.

In custody situations during an evacuation, a court security specialist must ensure that:

Answer: Detainees are secured and escorted through designated routes separate from the public

Detainees must be physically controlled and routed separately from the public during evacuations to prevent escapes and protect public safety.

Which communication method should court security specialists rely on MOST during an active evacuation when cellular networks are congested?

Answer: Two-way radio (walkie-talkie) on a dedicated security frequency

Two-way radios on dedicated security channels remain operational when cellular networks are congested and provide real-time voice coordination.

After all occupants have reached the assembly area, the NEXT priority for a court security specialist is to:

Answer: Conduct a personnel accountability report and identify any missing persons

Accountability—knowing whether everyone is accounted for—is the immediate post-evacuation priority so that rescue efforts can be directed if anyone is missing.

An active shooter enters the courthouse. The evacuation protocol that prioritizes occupant survival in this scenario is best described as:

Answer: Run-Hide-Fight: evacuate if possible, shelter if not, resist only as last resort

The Run-Hide-Fight framework, endorsed by DHS, gives occupants a decision hierarchy that maximizes survival options during an active shooter event.

Which characteristic of a courthouse makes evacuation planning more complex compared to a typical office building?

Answer: Courthouses house a mix of the public, detained individuals, and judiciary personnel requiring separate evacuation routes

The simultaneous presence of the general public, judges, staff, and in-custody individuals requires multiple, segregated evacuation routes and protocols.

How often should courthouse evacuation drills typically be conducted to maintain staff readiness according to best practices?

Answer: At least annually, with tabletop exercises conducted more frequently

Best practices recommend at least annual full drills supplemented by more frequent tabletop exercises to keep staff familiar with procedures without disrupting court operations.