Barricade Locks - Pros vs Cons

For the purposes of discussion, I think we can say that all of these shooting scenarios have two basic things in common:

1) The desire in inflict great harm on a number of essentially randomly selected people

2) The use of guns as the primary weapon due to ready availability, effectiveness, and fear-inducing ability.

#1 above is the constant in these situations, the core components of this are unlikely to change. #2 is a short-term decision that will very probably evolve over time.

The 9/11 attacks are an example of how terrorism via planes changed. We no longer hear about plane hijackings or hostage situations, it's assumed that a terror threat involving a plane has the end game of eliminating the plane and all passengers.

What does this have to do with barricade locks? My personal opinion is that if barricade locks become prevalent, the attackers will find a way to use them against the victims. Starting fires with accelerants is a likely situation. Pour gasoline on and under the door, set it on fire, trap the victims in the room.

If barricade locks become widespread we'll likely see a few instances where the attackers are using the old methods against the newer security, and the effectiveness of their methods will temporarily decrease. People will see this as a win and heavily promote barricade locks. The attackers then will quickly adapt to methods that exploit the prevalence of barricade locks and we're worse off than before.

The people developing and promoting these devices seem to be very reactionary in their thinking and short-sighted in the larger cat and mouse game going on. You can't blame them for wanting to make these buildings and facilities safer from attack, but they lack the proper understanding to do that (IMO).

I am in agreement with Man 1 above.

While the cost is certainly higher, an obvious answer, to me anyway, is wireless locks with bi-directional communication. The doors cannot be opened from the outside without a credential. You always have egress. In an emergency of any kind, send a locking signal out over your building's WIFI for lockdown. It is cheaper than running cable, can usually work in a retrofit, install time is minimal, and they meet code, now.

Edit. I take that back. There does not seem to be a WIFI ready lock that does not use a manufacturer's gateway on the market. Interesting.

While the cost is certainly higher...

I believe that's the whole point, these devices are $100. If retro-fitting is an option it is hands down the best solution, whether wireless or just lock with panic bar egress.

The question is in the absence of such funds.

The most basic rule of access control is 'never lock people in'.

It only 'locks you in' if you buy it. ;)

Lori Greene's blog linked to this AIA Brief that details code variances several states have accepted or proposed for using barricade locks (Link to her post). I am surprised at the number of variances on the books.

Some of those variances still outlaw most forms of barricade locks, but accept use of types that meet specific criteria. Others accept classroom function hardware, but not barricade locks.

Current Status of Barricades in State Codes:

California, 2010

“On and after July 1, 2011, all new construction projects submitted to the Division of the State Architect pursuant to this chapter shall include locks that allow doors to classrooms and any room with an occupancy of five or more persons to be locked from the inside.”

New Jersey, 2013

“Classroom doors can be locked to prevent entry from the outside of the classroom if in compliance with Section 1008.1.8 which requires the door to be openable from the side of egress without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. A device that slides under the door to prevent entry can be acceptable if staff is trained in its use and is constantly positioned inside to remove it if necessary. The installation or use of a hasp lock mechanism, a slide bolt or a door wedge is absolutely prohibited. Another device that is being used on classroom door frames is magnetic strips that cover the latch opening. This strip prevents the door latch from latching or locking and is removed in an emergency allowing the door to latch and lock. This is permitted as long as egress can be made from the occupied side and the door is not part of an opening protective in a fire rated assembly. In any case where the actual door hardware is being altered or changed, a construction permit is required.”

Arkansas, 2015

“A person may install and use a temporary door barricade device or security lockdown device for security purposes to protect individuals during active shooter events or other similar situations.”

Colorado, 2015

“In classrooms within group E occupancies, hardware shall include a means to manually lock egress doors from inside the classroom. Such means shall not prevent these doors from being readily openable from the egress side without key or special knowledge or effort.”

Minnesota, May 2015

“Classroom security concerns during a lockdown emergency are well understood, and fortunately this problem is easily addressed via the use of code-compliant egress/security hardware. Proper door hardware eliminates the need for security and barricade devices while maintaining free egress. Commonly known as a classroom security lockset, this type of hardware allows exit doors to be quickly and securely locked from the classroom side, and may even include a deadbolt feature for added security. Activation of the locking hardware is quick and simple by operation of a thumb-turn device or key from the classroom side (these locks are available in either configuration). Such hardware fully complies with both the state fire and building codes because normal operation of the handle on the classroom side automatically releases the latch and deadbolt, allowing for free egress.”

Ohio, pending 2016

“Temporary Door Locking Device …. to prevent ingress and egress. A temporary door locking device shall be permitted when approved by the building official only in school buildings where: The device is engaged only by a staff member of the school building; and The temporary door locking device shall only be engaged for a finite period of time …. and The temporary door locking device shall only be used in an emergency situation …. and …. the administrative authority of a school building has notified the police and fire officials prior to the use of the temporary door locking device; and …. training on the use of the temporary door locking device is provided

Operational requirements: The temporary door locking device shall not be permanently mounted to the door (see exceptions). The removal …. shall not require more than one operation. Two operations may be permitted …. if the school building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system"

Nice Material Brian. I will have to look for our State to see if they have gotten off the dime.

The example video looks interesting but a bit strange. Do not you think that something like a door stopper that will fit into the floor notch but will be released in the attempt of opening door from the inside (the doors must swing out of the room) will make the same job but won't compromise safety? And it will be affordable as well. I do not think that it is usual for an active shooter to have a sledgehammer and /or a breaching tool on hand. Can somebody with the expertise comment on it?

Why not just change the door hardware to classroom function? It will cost more than 50.00 but it will meet code. A code on the school intercom and the teachers can lock the door and no one gets it regardless of the swing.

I think best advice in this thread is “Don’t bring a barricade to a gun fight.” The reason being, is most classrooms have glass door lights and or side lights. How many rounds from a firearm are needed to shoot out the glass to allow the shooter to reach in with his firearm and do his damage from outside the classroom? No special tools needed here!

I fear more damage by students using the barricade to keep staff and teachers out, not to mention threats from fire or other hazards. A good classroom lock, which locks from the inside, is the best deterrent to keep a shooter out of the classroom. A shooter is on a very tight timeline, they can’t spend a lot of time trying to breach a door. Even if classroom locks are twice the price of a barricade, they are a better, safer and just as effective at keeping crazy shooters out of a classroom.

I agree Mr. Hammond. My wife is an administrator with our local school system. I broached this topic with her after having looked at our State code on all types of emergencies and lockdowns.

I know what Ohio did, and a few other states have done it or are considering it. Our state considered it briefly but the State Fire Marshall won the day here.

Our local system uses one of two scenarios. A lockdown - All doors (including classrooms) locked from the inside with egress; and blackout, which is lockdown and cover all windows and doors.

As to his timeline, studies will show that shooters don't really have a timeline. Most active shooter incidents are over in a matter of just a few minutes. But I agree, this can be dealt with safely using readily available hardware. Systems that want to circumvent the building code with cheap, unsafe, unapproved technology are asking for trouble somewhere down the road. School officials have several types of emergencies to deal with, not just active shooters.

What happens if a shooter should get into a classroom and use one of these devices to barricade himself in with the students??

Note: unfortunately, this post is getting a spike in traffic, likely related to the most recent school shooting tragedy and resulting interest in the use of barricade locks.