McGill.CA / Campus Public Safety / Security Services / Access Control / Security Devices

Lockdown buttons for classrooms

What are lockdown buttons?

  • Lockdown buttons are button alarms that can be activated when an emergency situation requiring the lockdown of doors takes place.
  • They are installed at classroom entrances and podiums.

Why are lockdown buttons used?

  • These buttons are in place to enhance security in classrooms in the event of an active assailant, an immediate threat the persons or other incidents requiring users to Shelter-in-place.

How does it work?

When the cover for the lockdown button is lifted:

The lockdown button looks like a pull fire alarm station except the casing is white and the red button is pushed which sits in an orange housing.

  • A silent alarm is sent to the Security Operations Center.
  • The Security Operations Center will call 911 to advise them of the alarm.
  • If available, CCTV will be viewed to provide additional details to 911.
  • McGill Security personnel will be dispatched to an area deemed safe in order to prevent people from entering the area where the alarm was generated and will also escort and guide police to the area. Security will not enter.

 

When the red lockdown button is pushed:

  • All doors leading into the space will be locked.
  • Card reader doors will be placed into locked mode. This means even valid access cards cannot unlock the reader.
  • A second silent alarm will be sent to the Security Operations Center, and this information will be conveyed to 911.

What to do in the event of an Active Threat/Shooter?

Read the Protocol
Back to top