Dobbs Ferry to Hold Unannounced Lock Downs

With recent tragedies like the Sandy Hook shootings, Dobbs Ferry School District wants to make sure its students and staff are prepared and know how to keep themselves safe during an emergency.

“Having an emergency management plan in place is vital to the safety of our entire school community, but walking through and rehearsing that plan is equally important,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lisa Brady.

The school district will be holding unannounced emergency lock-down drills in April in all three of its school buildings, in accordance with New York State education regulations.

Lock-down procedures are used in the event of an “immediate and imminent threat” to the school population and involves students and faculty being locked in the rooms they are occupying. During a drill, all doors remain locked and no one is allowed to enter or exit the building until the school principal gives the word. Drills will be conducted on different days and will last about 15 to 20 minutes.

“In order to properly identify the strengths of such a procedure, as well as areas that need further refinement, the day and time of all practice drills, including fire drills and emergency evacuation procedures, are not announced ahead of time,” said Brady.

School staff will speak with students after each drill to stress their significance and answer any questions. Administrators will meet with local police and fire personnel to discuss the drill.

“We firmly believe that these practice drills are an essential part of the district’s overall emergency preparedness,” said Brady. “It is our hope that we will never have to implement any of these plans, but in the event of an unexpected threat the district will respond with all of its resources to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.”

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