Dive Brief:

• Against a backdrop of school shootings, lockdowns and lockdown drills have become routine across the country.
• If there's a threat, teachers turn off the lights, lock the doors and gather students into corners and closets while administrators call police.
• Most states require schools to devise safety plans and a few specifically require lockdown drills.

Dive Insight:

In an indication of how the frightening can become routine, The New York Times talked to one mother whose son started playing lockdown at home: "'Attention everyone, this is a lockdown!' he announces in the playroom. 'Turn off the lights!'" As unfortunate as it is that lockdown drills have had to become commonplace, better preparation can make all the difference in any potential future incidents.