ALICE’s enhanced lockdown strategy includes which of the following? Select all that apply.
Locking the door.
Exiting through the window after locking the door.
Barricading the door.
Spreading out within the room.
Being prepared to evacuate or counter.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answers (Select all that apply):
✅ Locking the door
✅ Exiting through the window after locking the door
✅ Barricading the door
✅ Spreading out within the room
✅ Being prepared to evacuate or counter
Explanation (Approx. 300 words):
The ALICE Training Institute promotes a proactive, options-based response strategy for active shooter situations. ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. The enhanced lockdown strategy within ALICE is more comprehensive than traditional lockdowns and includes multiple defensive actions designed to increase survival.
- Locking the Door: This is a primary response. Securing the door helps prevent or delay the intruder’s access to the room, which can buy time for law enforcement to arrive.
- Barricading the Door: If the door cannot be locked or if additional security is needed, heavy objects (e.g., desks, chairs) can be used to block entry. This reinforces the barrier and makes forced entry more difficult for the attacker.
- Exiting through the Window after Locking the Door: ALICE encourages situational awareness and emphasizes that evacuation is preferable when safe. If a window offers a safe route, escaping can be more effective than remaining hidden.
- Spreading Out within the Room: Traditional lockdowns often involve everyone gathering in a corner, which can make people easier targets. ALICE teaches occupants to spread out to reduce the shooter’s ability to harm multiple people at once and to improve options for countering or fleeing.
- Being Prepared to Evacuate or Counter: ALICE promotes a mindset of preparedness. If evacuation is not possible and the shooter enters the room, countering may be necessary. Countering does not mean fighting but refers to creating distractions, movement, and noise to interfere with the shooter’s ability to aim and control the situation.
Overall, ALICE’s enhanced lockdown strategy empowers individuals with options beyond passive hiding, focusing on proactive responses tailored to the situation.
