Soft vs. hard lockdown: What's the difference, and why it matters in schools

Following the lockdowns around Barrow County Schools from the devastating shooting Wednesday at Apalachee High School, some might wonder what a lockdown is and why other schools will perform them as well.

There are two different kinds of lockdowns schools could call for: soft or hard.

Barrow County Schools went on hard lockdowns Wednesday following the shooting.

Understanding the difference between the two types of lockdowns is crucial for ensuring the appropriate response during various situations.

What is a the difference between a soft lockdown and a hard lockdown?

Soft lockdowns, also an exterior lockdown, are used when there is a potential threat outside the school building or surrounding area. This could be due to police activity nearby or another situation that might pose a risk if individuals were to leave the building.

Here are the procedures of a soft lockdown, according to riskmanagementservices.gsba.com :

• Lock all exterior doors, lock and monitor main access door.
• Monitor movement of students, particularly between classes.
• Movement is limited to inside the building.
• Students and staff remain in building.
• Block visibility into classrooms from exterior windows and doors

A hard lockdown, also known as an interior lockdown, is implemented when there is an immediate threat inside the school building. This could be an active shooter, an intruder, or any other situation that poses danger to students and staff.

During a hard lockdown, here are the procedures, according to riskmanagementservices.gsba.com : :

• If safe to do so, lock exterior doors (primarily applicable when multiple buildings exist).
• Immediately ensure classroom doors are locked and consider barricading interior classroom doors.
• All persons move out of sight in locked room. Turn off lights if visibility is possible from interior windows and doors.
• Open exterior window blinds or curtains to allow exterior visibility into classroom
• Remain silent, place all phones on silent.
• School officials get into lockdown position also.
• (Student/parent/staff). Work with local law enforcement on Avoid, Deny, Defend. Avoid the threat.

Oconee County Schools did not perform a lockdown on Wednesday, while Clarke County Schools did not yet comment on any changes to their protocols.

What schools are closed and open for the remainder of the week?

Barrow County Schools will be closed the rest of the week. Oconee County Schools will remain operating as normal.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Soft vs. hard lockdown: What's the difference, and why it matters in schools