Rutherford County has undergone its annual safety drill period. Students and teachers have gone under a few safety drills in order to prepare and practice for various situations. A lockdown is a precautionary measure in response to a threat directly to the school or in the surrounding community.

This year, Blackman High School had a precautionary code drill. Other years, BHS has practiced tornado drills, fire drills, and other various drills to be prepared for potential problems.

Some counties have emergency codes. Sometimes a school may only be on lockdown. Lockdowns are when a criminal is close to the school. All outside doors are locked, so the criminal cannot enter the school building.

“We need to learn how to defend ourselves in case of an attacker,” said sophomore Danielle Paredes.

The purpose of a school’s lockdown drill is to protect and keep safe the students and teachers in the building from a potential threat within or outside of the school.

These drills are usually designed and implemented with input and assistance from local law enforcement officials. Ideally, these drills should be conducted several times a year.

Students must listen to their teacher and school resource officer during these drills. It’s important for students to know what to do, where to go, and how to handle situations where a gunman or other threat has entered the school premises.

“It helps prepare students and teachers for real life scenarios,” stated Officer Baldwin.

It’s important to provide a safe, positive environment where all students acquire knowledge and skills to be productive citizens.