OVERVIEW

This page outlines the minimum requirements for lockdown plans developed and utilized in facilities and occupancies located within Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna.

LOCKDOWN. The Fire Prevention Code defines "lockdown" as an emergency situation, in other than a Group I-3 occupancy (i.e., Detention Center, Jail, Pre-release Center, Prison), requiring that the occupants be sheltered and secured in place within a building when normal evacuation would put occupants at risk.

SUPPLEMENT TO FIRE SAFETY & EVACUATION PLAN. Lockdown plans are intended to supplement approved fire safety and evacuation plans, and are not intended to serve as a stand-alone plan to protect occupants in lieu of building evacuation where appropriate. Detailed information on fire safety and evacuation planning requirements is available online.

PLAN REQUIREMENT

In accordance with the Fire Prevention Code, lockdown plans shall be available for review by Office of the Fire Marshal Inspectors. Contact fire.revenuepermits@fairfaxcounty.gov if more information or reviewed and stamped plans are needed. 

PLAN CONTENTS

The lockdown plan shall contain the following information and/or procedures:

• Notification of Lockdown
  • Methods and procedures of notifying building occupants of a lockdown. The method of notification shall be separate and distinct from the fire alarm signal. (404.3.3.3)
• Initiation of Lockdown
  • Instructions for reporting an emergency that requires a lockdown. (404.3.3.1 #1)
• Communication During Lockdown
  • Means for two-way communication between a central location and each secured area. (404.3.3.1 #4)
• Accountability During Lockdown
  • Procedures for staff to report the presence or absence of occupants. (404.3.3.1 #2)
• Recall From Lockdown
  • Method or notification or pre-arranged signal for returning to normal activity. (404.3.3.1 #3)
• Lockdown Training Frequency
  • Specify the frequency for lockdown training. Lockdown drills shall not be a substitute for any evacuation drills required for the occupancy. (404.3.3.3)

Please include name, address, and telephone numbers of the facility or occupancy (tenant) as well as the identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the lockdown plan.

Planners are encouraged to submit lockdown plans with fire safety and evacuation plans.

AVAILABILITY & DISTRIBUTION OF PLAN

Copies of approved lockdown plans shall be kept with approved fire safety and evacuation plans which shall be available in the workplace for reference and review by employees. Copies shall be furnished to the fire code official for review upon request.

MAINTENANCE & UPDATE OF PLAN

Lockdown plans shall be reviewed or updated annually or as necessitated by changes in staff assignments, occupancy, or the physical arrangement of the building.