LockOut | Advanced Building Lockout Systems

How The SmartBoot System Simplifies Lockdown Protocols

Lockout Team — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:38:37 +0000

Planning ahead is the best way to prepare students and staff for a lockdown event. Implementing specific lockdown protocols ensures everyone knows how to respond in an active shooter situation.

Securing an entire facility during a lockdown may seem challenging or complicated. Some lockdown protocols take minutes, leaving building occupants vulnerable and giving a shooter more time to cause harm.

With The SmartBoot System, achieving a building-wide lockdown is simple and only takes a few seconds.

What Are Lockdown Protocols?

Lockdown protocols are a predetermined set of steps that staff and students follow during a lockdown event. Each step of the protocol impacts the safety of everyone inside the building. A complete lockdown protocol should include the following:

A notification to signal the start of a lockdown.
A call to law enforcement for help.
Sharing critical information with law enforcement.
Securing doorways.
Moving people to safe areas.
An all-clear notification to signal the end of a lockdown.

Why Every Facility Needs Lockdown Protocols

Implementing a lockdown protocol brings some consistency to an otherwise hectic situation. If everyone in the building trains to follow a specific lockdown protocol, they will follow the same lockdown steps regardless of where they are in the building. There are several best practices for school lockdowns that you can incorporate into your building’s safety plan. A building’s lockdown protocol should be easy to follow so that people of all ages and cognitive abilities can quickly and successfully respond to the situation.

How The SmartBoot System Automates Lockdown Protocols

Everyone acts differently when placed in high-stress situations. Some are cool and collected, while others become flustered or panicked. Under the high stress of a lockdown, someone could easily forget a step of their building’s lockdown protocol, leaving themselves and others vulnerable to danger. The SmartBoot System automates a building’s lockdown protocol to minimize human action. It removes responsibility from any single person so the lockdown process can still proceed even if an individual becomes injured, cannot get to a phone or PA system, or is otherwise unable to complete their assigned role in the lockdown protocol. Once someone takes action to initiate a lockdown, The SmartBoot System takes over and remains active throughout the remainder of the lockdown. Here’s how:

Campus-Wide Lockdown Alerts

When The SmartBoot System activates, audible “LOCKDOWN” commands and red flashing lights will commence throughout the building. These visual and audible lockdown alerts replace the need for announcements over a PA system.

Alerts and Informs Local Law Enforcement

The SmartBoot System instantly notifies local law enforcement upon activation, eliminating the need for an initial 9-1-1 call. The Smart Tablets forward the alert to the local police along with critical information about the situation. First responders can see where the lockdown initiated inside the building, helping them formulate a fast and informed response.

Simple and Effective Door Barricade

The SmartBoot System features The Boot, a compact door barricade for impeding doorway entry. It is a small rectangular plate with ⅞ inch thick cold-rolled steel pins. When fully engaged in the steel floor sleeves, it can withstand 16,000 pounds of force. Deploying The Boot takes only 1.7 seconds and does not require any fine motor skills. When a lockdown begins, every SmartBox throughout the building flashes red and gives an audible “LOCKDOWN” command. This signal notifies students and staff to remove The Boot from The SmartBox, barricade their classroom door, and take cover in their room’s safe zone.

Predetermined Safe Areas

The layout of every room is unique and impacts the safety of the people inside. That’s why our mapping team assesses your entire building and creates room-specific diagrams to show the safest areas in each room. These areas are not visible from windows and doors, making them ideal hiding spots. Our training staff leads guided lockdown drills in your building so that staff and students can practice deploying The Boot and moving into their room’s safe zone so they know what to do during a real lockdown.

All-Clear Notifications

With the threat removed and the building safe again, an administrator or law enforcement officer uses their Smart Tablet to issue an all-clear alert. Upon activation, audible “ALL-CLEAR” notifications and green flashing lights will commence throughout the building. These alerts signify that the lockdown is over, removing any guesswork or uncertainty that the lockdown is over.

Final Thoughts

The SmartBoot System simplifies lockdowns by automating key steps in your building’s lockdown protocol, allowing students and staff to prioritize securing their rooms and taking cover. Our advanced system ensures clear communication throughout the lockdown and provides an unmatched physical door barricade to keep people safe.

Contact Us Today

If you want to update an existing lockdown protocol or implement a new one in your facility, we can help! We can address safety concerns in any building, including:

Contact The Lockout Company by calling (517) 708-7583 or email info@lockoutusa.com for more information on how to protect and safeguard your building. We also offer free site evaluations. Schedule yours today!

The post How The SmartBoot System Simplifies Lockdown Protocols appeared first on LockOut | Advanced Building Lockout Systems.

9 Benefits of the SmartBoot System

Inque SEO — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 16:02:27 +0000

9 Benefits of the SmartBoot System

August 3, 2023

The SmartBoot System from LockOut USA is a comprehensive school lockdown and building security system. It combines a physical door barricade with advanced technological components. Together, they work to securely lock doors and clearly communicate lockdown alerts throughout a building. During a lockdown event, the system defends students and staff from threats while simultaneously notifying local law enforcement. There are many advantages to integrating The SmartBoot System into a building.

1. Fast and Simple Setup

Installation of The SmartBoot System can be completed in as little as one day depending on building size. Our professional installation team is efficient and works outside of school hours to minimize disruptions for students and staff.

2. Door Lockdown Devices

The SmartBoot System features The Boot, a heavy-duty door lockdown device that secures a door from inside a room. It takes just 1.7 seconds to deploy The Boot, and no fine motor skills are required. When fully engaged, it can withstand up to 16,000 pounds of force. The SmartBox, which houses The Boot, is equipped with an anti-tamper system to prevent accidental system activation.

3. Automatic Campus-wide Alerts

The SmartBoot System instantly notifies the entire campus of a lockdown using unmistakable visual and audible alerts. SmartLights installed at key locations for optimal visibility flash red while each SmartBox, Pull Station, and Smart Tablet emits audible lockdown alerts. The combination of visual and audible alerts signals everyone to move into a secure room, deploy The Boot, and take cover.

4. Three Modes of Protection

The SmartBoot System has three modes of protection, making it a versatile tool ideal for communicating important information in any situation. From small classroom disturbances to active threats, The SmartBoot System lets users share detailed information to get the timely assistance they need.

Full Lockdown Mode can be activated through multiple triggers when an imminent threat is present in or around the building. When activated, the system instantly sends visual and audible lockdown alerts across campus and notifies local law enforcement.

Secure Mode can be activated using the Smart Tablets in situations that require awareness but no Boot deployment. When activated, the SmartLights glow orange to alert students and staff to remain in their classrooms in case the situation escalates into a full lockdown.

Assistance Needed Mode is a silent alarm activated by the Smart Tablets in situations where users require assistance at their location. When activated, Smart Tablets throughout the building flash yellow to signal that someone has requested assistance.

5. Instant Alerts for Local Law Enforcement

The SmartBoot System automatically contacts local law enforcement to alert them of an active lockdown event. The Smart Tablets transmit critical situational details and show which SmartBox, Pull Station, or Smart Tablet activated the system. Seeing where the threat originated provides a starting point for first responders and helps them plan a speedy and effective response.

6. Administrative Monitoring and Control

Administrators use Smart Tablets to monitor and control The SmartBoot System. They can see which device activated an alert and get notifications when someone tampers with a SmartBox. Administrators have system-clearing capabilities available to them through the Smart Tablets. During non-emergencies, they can use the Smart Tablets to run system tests, view alert logs, and check system maintenance records.

7. Notifications for Large Open Areas

The SmartBoot System utilizes Pull Stations in large open areas like gymnasiums, cafeterias, and hallways. These devices bring lockdown capabilities to areas of the building where SmartBoxes and Smart Tablets are not readily accessible. Users simply pull the tether to remove the pin, activating an instantaneous lockdown response with one smooth motion.

8. All-Clear Feature

The SmartBoot System has an all-clear feature designed to remove uncertainty after a lockdown. When it is safe to disengage The Boot, an administrator or law enforcement officer will issue an all-clear alert using a Smart Tablet. Green flashing lights and verbal all-clear alerts throughout the building will clearly signal that the lockdown is over.

9. Training Programs

Our training staff will visit each building to train administrators, staff, students, local law enforcement, and first responders how to properly use The SmartBoot System. They will explain each system component, run practice drills, and answer questions to help everyone become comfortable and confident with the new equipment and lockdown protocols.

Final Thoughts

The SmartBoot System is an industry-leading safety and security solution that protects students and staff with innovative devices and technology. Our installation professionals make system setup fast and simple to avoid disruptions to daily activities. By integrating door lockdown devices, automatic campus-wide alerts, and three modes of protection, our system helps any facility prepare for any scenario. Unique features like instant alerts for local law enforcement, administrative monitoring and control, and an all-clear feature make The SmartBoot System a vital tool for maintaining control during an emergency. The accompanying training programs teach users how to use the system and follow lockdown protocols. Are you ready to add an extra layer of protection to your school, business, or building? Contact LockOut USA today for a free evaluation.

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The post 9 Benefits of the SmartBoot System appeared first on LockOut | Advanced Building Lockout Systems.

The Boot: The Lockdown Device for Any Door

Inque SEO — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:13:20 +0000

The Boot: The Lockdown Device for Any Door

June 2, 2023

Threats are unpredictable. They can appear in or around a school building at any time. That is why schools need a lockdown plan for every classroom, regardless of size or layout.

Including a door barricade or lockdown device in each room’s lockdown plan gives students and staff an effective way to secure their classroom doors during a lockdown event. The Boot from The Lockout Co. is an easy-to-deploy compact door barricade device that secures a door from the inside. The simple design makes it fast and easy to deploy.

The Boot can be used on a variety of door styles and materials. Read on to see the types of doors that The Boot can secure.

Door Material

Sturdy doors play an important part in room security. They are the first line of defense against an intruder. Common door materials include wood, metal, and vinyl, all of which are compatible with The Boot.

Some doors have large windows or sidelights, making them vulnerable to attacks. We can reinforce these windows and sidelights with our customizable Ballistic Shields. Ballistic Shields are metal window coverings that reduce visibility into a room while also adding a layer of protection to the door’s weakest areas. Even if shots are fired at the door and the glass shatters, the Ballistic Shield will remain in place, making it difficult and dangerous for an intruder to attempt entry.

Door Swing

Based on their location and intended use, doors swing, slide, and fold in almost every direction. The two most common styles are inswing and outswing doors, both of which are compatible with The Boot.

An inswing door swings into or toward a room from a hallway or adjoining room. The hinges are positioned on the inside of the room. The door frame sits on the outer side, preventing the door from being pulled open from outside the room.

An outswing door is the opposite of an inswing. These doors swing out or away from a room into a hallway or adjoining room. The hinges are positioned on the outside of the room. The door frame sits on the inner side, preventing the door from being pushed open from outside the room. To use The Boot on an outswing door, we must install a Boot Strap to the bottom of the door inside the classroom. This metal bracket is bolted through the door and remains in place, even when not in use.

Multiple Doors

Band rooms, libraries, workshops, and other spaces that accommodate a large number of students often have multiple entry points and even sets of double doors. This design ensures that the room can be quickly and safely evacuated during a fire.

High occupancy areas are sometimes targets for active shooters. Since these areas contain the greatest number of people, a shooter could easily cause a significant amount of harm in a short time. The Boot can be used to lock down rooms of any size, no matter how many doors there are. Even sets of double doors can be equipped with The Boot. Inswing double doors need one Boot, while outswing double doors require two Boots to be properly secured.

Kick Plates

Some doors have a kick plate, a thin piece of metal affixed to the bottom of the door. It protects the door from damage caused by kicks and scuffs. Kick plates do not interfere with The Boot and do not cause issues during installation on outswing doors. If an outswing door has a kick plate, our installation team can drill through it to attach The Boot Strap.

Final Thoughts

During a lockdown event, a door is all that stands between students and danger. By utilizing a door lockdown device like The Boot, students and staff can quickly add additional fortification to their classroom doors. The Boot is a versatile lockdown device designed to work with numerous door styles and set-ups so that every room becomes a safe place for students during a lockdown emergency.

If you are looking for ways to improve classroom safety and security in your school, call us for a FREE safety assessment!

Contact LockOut Co. for more information on The Boot and other ways to protect your school!

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The post The Boot: The Lockdown Device for Any Door appeared first on LockOut | Advanced Building Lockout Systems.

How to Prepare Your Child For a School Lockdown

Inque SEO — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 22:36:00 +0000

When tragedy strikes, it is better to be prepared for the worst than to hope for the best. A school lockdown is a security measure used to keep students safe during an emergency. Whether a threat originates from inside or outside a building, these lockdowns require proper preparation and training to keep people safe. Here are some of the best things students, teachers, and staff can do to prepare for a school lockdown.

What is a School Lockdown?

A school lockdown is intended to keep students and staff safe in their classrooms as they shelter in place from an active shooter or other imminent threat. During a lockdown, all doors are locked, and no one enters or exits the building. Students and staff are instructed to wait quietly in their classrooms with the lights off and stay out of sight from windows and doors. The goal of a lockdown is to make sure everyone inside the building remains safe and secure until help arrives and the building is cleared.

Best Practices for School Lockdowns

Preparation

Preparation is key in any emergency, especially during a school lockdown. In high-stress situations, people rely on prior training to react and calmly get to safety. To be ready for any scenario, schools must formulate protocols and ensure that all staff and students are properly trained to quickly respond. This includes:

Establishing a clear communication system with local law enforcement
Regularly evaluating safety plans and making adjustments as needed
Ensuring the school has proper safety measures in place
Ensuring floor plan maps are up to date
Providing safety protocols to all students and staff
Answering questions that students or staff have about lockdown procedures
Conducting regular lockdown drills

Additionally, schools should be proactive and plan ahead to institute programs that support students and staff in case of a traumatic event. Having resources such as mental health professionals and counseling services readily available is critical for helping people cope after a serious incident.

During the Lockdown

During the lockdown, it is important to remain calm and follow the guidelines provided by the school and local law officials. All students and staff should:

Remain in their classrooms, offices, or other designated spaces
Utilize their previously implemented advanced lockdown systems
Turn off the lights and lock all doors for added safety
Stay quiet in order to hear instructions from administrators or law enforcement
Stay out of sight of windows and doors
Silence their electronic devices
Lie flat on their stomachs or backs to stay as low to the ground as possible
Stay in place until an all-clear message is issued by school officials

By following these guidelines, staff and students will remain as safe as possible during a lockdown.

Are Lockdown Drills Effective?

Lockdown drills are often scary for students, but consistent training will help them build confidence and follow their school’s lockdown procedures. One of the most important things schools must do is alert teachers and students before an upcoming lockdown drill. This can greatly reduce the psychological impact of experiencing such a high-intensity situation. While research does not show that lockdown drills are effective in preventing school shootings, they do prepare students and staff for what to do in the event of an active shooter. Lockdown training and drills should be taken seriously. However, they should not go to the point that they seem realistic. Students and staff should feel safe and prepared, but it is important not to cause unnecessary stress or psychological damage.

How LockOut USA Can Help

LockOut USA is a school lockdown safety system provider with a multitude of products designed to keep students and staff members safe at school. Products like The Boot, The SmartLight, The Ballistic Shield, Rapid Response Placards, and Color Coded Zoning System help secure the building and make room identification simple for first responders. Altogether, this is known as The SmartBoot System. The SmartBoot System can be activated from anywhere in the building and send the school into full lockdown in just seconds. It provides instant mass notifications through campus-wide visual and audio alerts. To protect your school, schedule your free site evaluation today!

The post How to Prepare Your Child For a School Lockdown appeared first on LockOut | Advanced Building Lockout Systems.

How to Know if Your Child’s School is Safe

InqueStaff — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:33:43 +0000

How to Know if Your Child’s School is Safe

October 27, 2020

As a parent, you want to have peace of mind about your child’s school. This is particularly true during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it can be difficult to cut through vague assurances of “safety” and figure out exactly what you should be looking for. Below are some of the best criteria you can use to evaluate the safety of your child’s school.

Safety Against Viruses

While many schools have gone entirely online during COVID-19, others are still meeting in-person either full-time or as a part of hybrid learning. If your child is meeting in-person, make sure their school has the following precautions in place.

● Social Distancing

It seems like common sense at this point, but every public organization should be following the 6-ft rule to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Your child’s desk should not be elbow-to-elbow with other students, nor should they experience physical contact with anyone throughout the day.

● Proper Sanitization

Desks, pencils, glue bottles, etc. should all be properly sanitized between activities and at the end of the day. Bathrooms and other public areas need to be thoroughly cleaned often.

● Temperature Checks

Your child’s school may request that you take your child’s temperature every morning, or the school may do it themselves. Either way, daily temperature checks are a great way to monitor your child’s health and whether or not they may be positive for COVID-19.

● Masks

When a 6-ft distance cannot be managed, masks should be worn over the nose and mouth. Masks help contain respiratory droplets, which slows the spread of the virus.

Safety Against Bullying

Additionally, bullying is growing increasingly problematic among students of all ages. Every school should take a strong stance against bullying by employing the following strategies.

● Raising Awareness

Many schools have yearly or quarterly “bullying awareness” campaigns. Even if your child’s school does not have a campaign, students and teachers should be made aware of how common it is. Additionally, students should be taught to stand up for one another by reporting bullies to the proper authorities.

● Watchful Authorities

Many students are scared or shamed into silence, which is why it is extremely important for school staff and faculty to keep their eyes open at all times. It is an administrator’s duty to approach a bully’s parents if they notice bullying occurring.

● Open Communication

For proper bullying prevention, there should be an open channel of communication between teachers and parents, parents and children, and teachers and students. Your child’s school should encourage regular communication between every party.

● Proper Follow-up

If bullying does take place, it must not be left unaddressed. Proper follow-up includes discipline and discussion with the bully, as well as discussion with the victim. Teachers and administrators should never ignore bullying.

Safety Against Armed Intruders

Finally, proper safety measures against armed intruders are an essential part of a safe school. At a minimum, your child’s school should have the following precautions in place.

● Alarm System

A high-quality alarm and lockdown system warns the school of an approaching intruder. A high-caliber alarm system alerts teachers, administrators, and often local authorities. The lockdown system prevents anyone from entering the school and keeps students secure in their classrooms until the threat has passed.

● Trained Teachers

To respond correctly in the event of an armed intruder, teachers must be trained. Your child’s school should regularly conduct training sessions so that teachers are fully prepared.

● Communication with Authorities

A lockdown does little good if no authorities are contacted. In emergency situations, dispatchers are often flooded with hundreds of calls and are given conflicting information. A good alarm system automatically alerts first responders and instantly provides them with accurate information.

● System Drills

Fire and tornado drills are an essential safety measure. Lockdown drills are the same way. Students and teachers need to practice their response to an armed intruder so that no one gets hurt if a real situation occurs.

How Can LockOut USA Help?

The primary focus of LockOut USA is keeping students safe. That’s why we invented The Boot, The SmartLight, Rapid Response Placards, and The Smartboot. Our products form a system that enables schools to have an effective lockdown procedure in the event of an emergency.

If you have any further questions regarding school lockdowns, safety in the home, or the LockOut SmartBoot System, do not hesitate to call us today. Your safety is our priority.

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The post How to Know if Your Child’s School is Safe appeared first on LockOut | Advanced Building Lockout Systems.

Keeping Kids Safe During Distance Learning

InqueStaff — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 18:18:18 +0000

Keeping Kids Safe During Distance Learning

September 28, 2020

During this time of pandemic, stress, and uncertainty, helping children feel safe and secure at home is more important than ever before. As a parent or guardian, you can create an environment of security and safety during distance learning by taking these steps.

Are There Any Dangers to Distance Learning?

You might be thinking, “If my child is doing school from home, how are they in danger?” Certainly, it is far less likely that children will contract COVID-19 while they’re staying at home. However, with an increased online presence comes several different dangers. To take precautions against these threats, you must be aware of them.

• Online Predators

The increase in time that children spend online means an increase in contact potential with online predators. It is extremely important not to overlook the grooming that can take place in online forums, messaging apps, and social media sites. Vigilance and communication are key. Keep an eye on the sites that your children visit and the people they communicate with online. Make sure they know that they shouldn’t talk to strangers on the internet or accept message requests from people they don’t know.

• Cyberbullying

Bullying isn’t just an in-person phenomenon. In fact, cyberbullying is rapidly becoming a common problem among both children and teens. Learn to recognize the signs of cyberbullying and educate yourself and your child with prevention tips.

• Overstimulation

If your child is not used to working on the computer for long periods of time, they could be prone to overstimulation. Be sure to balance their computer time with frequent short breaks for fresh air, water, play, and physical activity.

• Eye Strain and Headaches

Staring at a computer screen for multiple classes could have negative health effects. Eye strain and headaches are common even among adults who look at computers all day.

• Excessive Sitting

Too much sitting and staring leads to fatigue, apathy, and a lack of energy. Fresh air and exercise are key during distance learning. Have “recess” every day if you can, and be sure to punctuate your day with physical activity to combat the effects of prolonged sitting.

How to Encourage Safety During Distance Learning

Prioritize your child’s safety by taking the following steps.

1. Talk to your kids about online safety.

Be honest and upfront about digital safety. Let your child know that not everyone has good intentions, and it is important that they use caution, especially if they receive messages from strangers.

2. Monitor their online activity.

Don’t be afraid to check your young child’s browser history and app list. It is important that you know who they communicate with and what they see on their screen.

3. Encourage your kids to be open with you.

Be honest with your children and encourage them to be honest with you. Do your best to make sure that they won’t feel like they’re “in trouble” if they share something upsetting or private with you. Children are much more likely to tell you about an inappropriate message or cyberbullying incident if you’ve built a bond of trust and openness with them.

4. Help make distance learning fun.

The sudden shift to distance learning can leave children feeling isolated, confused, and stressed. Try to combat the confusion of a new format by lightening the mood. Invent fun games and new ways to finish homework. Be silly, spend time together, exercise often, and make life fun.

5. Continue taking COVID-19 precautions.

Continue with the usual protocol, such as social distancing, washing your hands frequently, wearing your masks in public indoor spaces, and staying home when possible.

6. Take breaks.

Your child needs plenty of breaks. Break up assignments and homework with resting, reading, and physical activity.

Who Are We, and How Can We Help?

The primary focus of The Lockout Company is keeping students safe. That’s why we invented the SmartBoot, a system that enables schools to have an effective lockdown procedure in the event of an emergency. However, we care about safety in the home as well as in the classroom.

If you have any further questions regarding school lockdowns, safety in the home, or the LockOut SmartBoot System, do not hesitate to call us today. Your safety is our priority.

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The post Keeping Kids Safe During Distance Learning appeared first on LockOut | Advanced Building Lockout Systems.

Tips for Teens on How to Prevent Cyberbullying

InqueStaff — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 16:00:17 +0000

Tips for Teens on How to Prevent Cyberbullying

August 31, 2020

A study by The Cyberbullying Research Center suggests that 50% of teenagers experience some form of cyberbullying throughout their high school years. Of those teens, only 10% tell their parents or another authority figure that the cyberbullying has occurred.

As technology advances and more teens and children get their hands on electronic devices, cyberbullying grows increasingly prevalent. To fight back against this harmful practice, it is important to educate teens on what cyberbullying is and how to prevent it.

What is Cyberbullying?

Before teens can prevent cyberbullying, they must understand what it actually is.

Cyberbullying falls under any of the following definitions.

Sending threats via text, email, or online accounts
Spreading rumors about an individual using online resources
Hacking an account and pretending to be the account holder
Sending private pictures or information to an individual’s friends or followers
Texting or emailing hurtful words and insults
Making an individual feel small or powerless with the help of an online platform

Cyberbullying is incredibly harmful and can have lasting effects on a teenager’s confidence, self-esteem, and mental health. In many cases, cyberbullying leads to self-harm, anxiety, depression, and even suicide.

Tips for Teens on to Prevent Cyberbullying

Teens can fight back against cyberbullies in the following ways.

Research cyberbullying.

Knowledge is power! Learn everything you can about how cyberbullies operate. Look for warning behavior in the people around you. The more you know, the better equipped you are to prevent cyberbullying in your life or even in your friends lives.

Check your privacy settings.

Teens commonly leave social media accounts on “public” so that they don’t have to approve follow requests. However, public accounts are an easy target for bullies. To maintain control over the people who see your content, keep your accounts private. Additionally, avoid posting or mentioning your location.

Avoid taking compromising photos.

Sexual pictures and texts often serve as a cyberbully’s favorite tool. If they get their hands on sexual content, they typically won’t hesitate to spread it publicly or use it to blackmail their victim. Often, cyberbullies pose as another person online. For instance, a female cyberbully may pose as a friendly boy to secure compromising photos of another girl.

Be extremely careful regarding the pictures you take and especially the pictures you send. Before you take a photo on your device or send one to a friend, ask yourself: “Would I be OK with this being seen publicly?” Use caution and wisdom.

Remember that everything you post is permanent and public.

Nothing online ever truly goes away. You can delete or hide posts, but if you are a target of cyberbullying, the bully is likely to take screenshots. Use discretion when posting so that the bully does not have personal information or “ammo” to antagonize you with.

Log out of social media on public devices.

If you use a public library’s computer or someone else’s tablet, double-check that you logged out of all your accounts. If you stay logged in on a public device, bullies may lock you out of your account and pretend to be you online.

Raise awareness.

Fight against cyberbullying by raising awareness. Speak out against it to your friends, family, and anyone else that will listen. Bullies thrive on the power of secrecy. Raising awareness takes away that power.

Speak to an authority figure if the need arises.

Very few teens tell anyone when they are being cyberbullied. Often, cyberbullies hold compromising material against their victims, threatening to expose them if they speak up. Other times, the teen simply feels too embarrassed or ashamed to say anything.

Always speak to an authority figure as soon as possible. Your bully wants you to feel powerless. Advocate for yourself and show them that you are aware of their manipulation and cowardice.

Look yourself up on the internet.

It can be helpful to Google yourself every so often. If you notice unusual accounts or pictures linked to your name, look into them to make sure no one is posing as you.

Stand up for others who are being cyberbullied.

Empowering others empowers you. If you see or hear of someone else getting cyberbullied, step in, and let them know you are on their side. Help them notify an authority figure as soon as possible.

Remember that cyberbullying is never your fault.

Like other forms of abuse and bullying, a teen can often feel like they deserve to be cyberbullied or that it is somehow their fault. This is simply not true. Bullying is always the abuser’s fault; never yours. Do not feel guilty or ashamed because of the actions of someone else.

LockOut’s Passion for Physical and Emotional Safety

Our goal as a company is to help schools, parents, teens, and children stay safe and happy in a dangerous world. No one should have to worry about their physical or mental health in a school environment. That is why we have taken steps to protect both.

In the event of an armed intruder, The SmartBoot offers an audio and visual connection between authorized personnel and first responders even while the building is in lockdown. It is a simple mechanism that will trigger a lockdown of the entire facility, alert police, and school security, and give everyone peace of mind. The SmartBoot is an excellent option for those who deem school security as a priority.

If you have any further questions regarding school lockdowns or the LockOut SmartBoot System, do not hesitate to call us today. Your safety is our priority.

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The post Tips for Teens on How to Prevent Cyberbullying appeared first on LockOut | Advanced Building Lockout Systems.

What You Need to Know About School Safety Grants

InqueStaff — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 16:48:45 +0000

What You Need to Know About School Safety Grants

July 31, 2020

The issue of school violence has become a nationwide problem. Media coverage has made us all aware of the potential dangers to our kids. In an effort to better protect our children, many states have set aside funds to improve school safety measures. School safety grants allow schools to equip themselves with training and equipment without having to worry about the burden of extra expenses.

What is a School Safety Grant?

A school safety grant provides funding for classes and equipment that increase a school’s safety measures. Oftentimes, when an individual considers “school safety,” the primary focus is safety from armed intruders. However, while lockdown procedures are incredibly important, so is a child’s health. Consequently, school safety grants are upping their budget to help prevent students from getting sick at school.

Many types of school safety grants exist, and they usually cover one or more of the following categories.

Extensive lockdown response training for all staff and faculty
Threat prevention training
Alarms, lock mechanisms, cameras, and other safety equipment
Security personnel
Technology for notifying law enforcement of a potential threat
Mental health awareness training
Bullying and violence prevention training
Masks for disease prevention
Rubber gloves
Hand sanitizer and soap
Cleaning supplies

Ultimately, the purpose of a school safety grant is to protect students from threats both inside the school and outside the school.

Who Qualifies for a School Safety Grant?

To find out whether or not your school qualifies for a school safety grant, you must consult your state laws and funding. Grant types, policies, and the amount paid vary from state to state. For example, in the state of Michigan, virtually any school can apply for safety funding. Typically, new applicants are given priority; but among the applicants, millions of dollars are distributed. In 2019, a $25 million grant was divided among over 200 schools.

The best place to find more information on your state’s Safety Grant Program is often the State Police Website or another government site. In addition to government grants, there are also many private grants available for school safety. Companies like State Farm and Target have set aside funds for local safety programs in the public schools. There are also a large number of grants available to private schools.

Be sure to check the specifics of each grant. Some cover equipment while others fund programs or safety training. If necessary, you can always apply for more than one. If your school receives a grant, you will also need to keep records of how the money was spent.

How Can LockOut USA Help?

One of the best ways to prevent threats from entering your building is to use our SmartBoot system.

The SmartBoot offers an audio and visual connection between authorized personnel and first responders even while the building is in lockdown. It is a simple mechanism that will trigger a lockdown of the entire facility, alert police, and school security, and give everyone peace of mind. The SmartBoot is an excellent option for those who deem school security as a priority.

If you have any further questions regarding school lockdowns or the LockOut SmartBoot System, give us a call today! Your safety is our priority.

What Should You Do if Your Child’s School is On Lockdown?

November 30, 2019

Interview with Brandon Hubbard – Vestaburg Community Schools

August 19, 2019

Napoleon Launch Day – The LockOut Company

August 18, 2019

The post What You Need to Know About School Safety Grants appeared first on LockOut | Advanced Building Lockout Systems.

7 Classroom Defense Tips for Teachers

InqueStaff — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:57:55 +0000

7 Classroom Defense Tips for Teachers

June 30, 2020

As mass shootings become more common, it becomes increasingly important for teachers to be proactive in preparing for an active shooter situation. Teachers can help defend their classrooms by implementing these simple yet vital defense tips.

How Can Teachers Help Defend Their Classroom?

Most schools have emergency lockdown procedures in place. In the event of an armed intruder the school office will probably notify authorities immediately while teachers and students lock themselves in their classrooms. However, it is equally important for the staff and faculty to be proactive in learning to defend themselves. Sitting in a dark classroom and hoping that the intruder passes by is not a good strategy.

It can be incredibly scary and stressful to think about these events. However, it is far better to do your homework now so that you are fully prepared to handle an emergency if one occurs.

Important Defense Tips for Teachers

Remember: Reading a few safety and defense tips on the internet will not fully prepare you for an emergency situation. It is incredibly helpful to practice these tips in a simulated scenario. If you work in a classroom, gather the other teachers from your school and practice applying these tips together.

1. Be fully aware of your surroundings.

The very first rule of self-defense in any situation is to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Doing this while teaching can be difficult at first, but becomes second-nature with daily practice. As you go throughout your day, always be mindful of who is around your classroom and what their motives may be. If you notice a stranger loitering outside your classroom window or your classroom door, keep an eye on them. If you spot an object or an interaction that seems out-of-the-ordinary, report it. It is always better to investigate a potential threat than to ignore it and hope for the best.

One of the best things about staying aware of your surroundings is that you can practice it anywhere! Whether you are in a classroom, parking lot, grocery store, or your own home, make a habit of scanning your surroundings and identifying potential threats.

2. Have a plan of action.

You must know how you intend to handle an emergency situation. Of course, knowing your school-wide emergency procedures comes first. However, you should also develop an action plan within your own classroom. Where will students gather to hide? Where will you go? How will you respond if a stranger enters your classroom? Creating an action plan ahead of time prevents you and your students from panicking in an emergency situation.

3. Turn your lights off.

Your school may specify this in its lockdown procedure, but it bears repeating. Turning off your lights is a simple yet effective way to hide yourself and your students. A lit classroom is a visible classroom, which makes it much more appealing to an armed intruder. If you turn off the lights in your classroom, you have a bit of invisibility on your side, which gives you the upper hand in confronting anyone who enters.

4. Stay quiet & get into tactical position.

In an emergency situation, it is important to stay silent and to encourage your students to stay quiet as well. Once everyone is silent and hidden, assume a tactical position behind a door or wall that enables you to see and access an intruder before they see you. Ideally, your position will allow you to approach an intruder from the side- not from the front.

5. Use heavy objects in the classroom.

Make a mental note of fire extinguishers, heavy books, aluminum water bottles, poles, bats, or anything else that can be used as a weapon. If there is an armed intruder on school premises, take at least one of these weapons with you to your tactical hiding place.

6. Use the element of surprise.

Generally speaking, an armed intruder expects to enter a classroom and find a group of students huddled in fear around their teacher. They are certainly not expecting a teacher to ambush them from a hidden tactical position and attack them with a heavy object. Be aware of this and use the element of surprise to your advantage. If the intruder is holding a firearm straight in front of them, approach them from the side and aim for the elbow with your weapon. If they are not, attack their head or face. Using the element of surprise will give you the upper hand & will allow you to quickly and effectively strike the intruder.

7. Take a self-defense course.

Many organizations offer basic self-defense classes for every age & skill level. You can even seek out self-defense classes specifically designed for teachers! These classes will go more in-depth as to how you can protect yourself and your students.

How Can LockOut USA Help?

If you have any further questions regarding school lockdowns, defense tips, or the LockOut SmartBoot System, do not hesitate to call us today. Your safety is our priority.

An Interview with RJ Lomas – Principal of St. Mary’s School

July 30, 2019

An interview with Nate Johnson of Stryker Local Schools, Stryker, Ohio

July 22, 2019

Bobby The Boot: An Important Part of The LockOut Family

July 20, 2019

The post 7 Classroom Defense Tips for Teachers appeared first on LockOut | Advanced Building Lockout Systems.

Basic Safety Tips for College Students

InqueStaff — Sun, 31 May 2020 16:00:04 +0000

Basic Safety Tips for College Students

May 31, 2020

Our mission is to help schools, businesses, and places of worship stay safe from armed intruders. However, we are also concerned about the welfare of individuals, especially college students. Knowing basic safety tips can help save your belongings and, more importantly, your life.

10 Safety Tips Every Individual Should Know

There are hundreds of scenarios you could find yourself in. While we cannot fit every safety tip in one short article, it is important to understand that a college student’s best self-defense is prevention. If you can avoid getting into a dangerous situation, you are less likely to need more specific information (such as how to kick out tail lights). Avoid dangerous situations by applying these 10 tips.

1. Turn off your phone’s location.

The competitive spirit of social media often drives people to overshare information. Maybe you are visiting a particularly exciting place, or you are trying something new. By all means, post pictures, but be very cautious about tagging your location. Especially if your profile is public, stalkers can take one look at your location tag and know exactly where you are currently or where you have been. This enables them to follow you or to break into your home because they know you are out.

If you aren’t using your phone’s location for something specific (such as GPS or mobile ordering), try to keep it turned off. This can prevent some scary situations from occurring.

2. Keep your head up in vulnerable areas.

Another common mistake people make is looking at their phones while they walk. Texting and driving is a given no-no, but your phone also provides enough of a distraction to make you a target. Especially when you are walking through parking lots or stairwells, put your phone away, keep your head up, and scan your surroundings constantly. Check inside and under your car before getting in, and take a look at the people parked around you.

Avoid sitting in your car for an extended period of time. Many people have the habit of scrolling social media or doing paperwork in parking lots, but, again, this makes you a target. If you absolutely have to wait in your car, keep it running so that you can take off at a moment’s notice.

3. Create a “safe room” in your home.

Select an empty room or closet inside your home if you live off-campus and install heavy-duty locks on the inside. If an armed intruder ever enters your home and you cannot reach an exit, lock yourself inside the “safe room” and contact the authorities.

4. Lock every window in your home.

It can be tempting to leave 2nd story windows unlocked under the reasoning that “burglars can’t reach that high.” Actually, many burglars specifically target the 2nd story because they know many homeowners leave the windows unlocked. Once a week, go through your home and test every window and door to make sure they are still securely locked.

5. Keep belongings in an inner pocket, not a backpack.

To avoid being robbed in busy, crowded environments, keep your cash, cards, and phone close to you, inside a jacket or other clothing if possible. Pickpockets know exactly how to reach inside your backpack and take whatever they want. If you are carrying a laptop or another large item with value, flip your backpack around and hug it close to your chest.

6. Always run if you can.

If you can avoid a physical interaction with someone, do so. Your belongings are never worth your life. If the criminal has a weapon and asks for your money, toss the money as far away from you as possible and then run. If they have a firearm, run in a zig-zag pattern. A moving target is always much more difficult to hit than a stationary one, and the zig-zag pattern decreases the criminal’s chances of hitting something vital.

7. Carry a (legal) weapon of some sort.

The different states vary in terms of what is legal to carry. Pepper spray is a definite necessity, and you can also purchase weaponized keychains. If you are not trained with a certain weapon (such as a knife), it is usually best not to carry it, as your attacker may take it and use it against you.

8. Walk with purpose.

Attackers know how to spot an easy target. To prevent being approached, walk with determination. Know where you are going, walk quickly, and keep a focused, determined look on your face. Don’t forget to scan your surroundings.

9. Use the element of surprise.

Especially in the case of women, attackers do not expect a ton of retaliation. Catch your attacker off guard by screaming in their face as loud as you can and running. If they are close enough for physical contact, shove them, stomp on their foot, or knee them in a sensitive area. This moment of surprise can buy you enough time to get away.

10. Don’t be afraid to call someone for help.

If you suspect that you are being followed or that you are in danger, never be embarrassed to ask someone for help or contact the authorities. Even if you are wrong, your life is worth a moment of embarrassment.

The Best Tool for Campus Safety

Again, the purpose of LockOut USA is to help schools protect students from an unsafe world. Our SmartBoot invention is a great way to communicate with authorities, lock down college buildings or dorms, and protect the students inside.

If you have any further questions regarding school lockdowns or the LockOut SmartBoot System, do not hesitate to call us today. Your safety is our priority.