Lodge Lockdown Standard Operating Procedure

Purpose

Purpose

A Code Lockdown describes a situation where there is a need to control traffic in and out of a Great Wolf Lodge facility due to an emergency situation.  Situations where Lockdown is utilized include: (1) a building evacuation (e.g., fire alarm) where Lockdown is utilized to communicate to Guests evacuating the building and ensuring individuals are not entering the building; (2) an escalated Code Pink where initial search efforts have not located the missing individual and there is fear he/she may wander out or be taken off property by another; and (3) an emergency situation exists in the vicinity of the property which could present a danger to individuals on property (e.g., there is an active shooter situation reported in the area). 

Lodge Lockdown Phases

Fundamentals

Lodge Lockdown is initiated by the MOD.  Code Lockdown should be communicated in combination with the nature of the situation causing the Lockdown – for example, “Code Pink – Lockdown” or “Gunfire reported in the area – Lockdown.”  It is critical that the situation be reported with a call for Lockdown as the expectations of the personnel stationed at exterior doors varies based on the situation. 

Lodge Lockdown requires all 10-units to report to their respective designated exterior door.  All departments should know which exterior door is their responsibility in a Lockdown situation.  Additional personnel may be utilized to establish stations at other exterior doors to the extent situationally feasible and appropriate. 

Types of Lodge Lockdowns:

Tyles of Lockdowns

Lodge Lockdown – Building Evacuation

Lockdown is not required for building evacuations - the priority is to ensure all individuals are evacuating to safety and that Pack Members are reporting to their rally points.  However, if the situation allows and is warranted, calling Lockdown for an evacuation signal to station 10-units at their respective doors so they can assist with orderly evacuation and guest communications. 

In this situation, the MOD should continually update Pack Members via Lodge radio of the status of the situation, and 10-units should encourage orderly evacuation at the exits, provide guidance to guests on the nature of the situation, and be available to assist with unique circumstances. 

Lodge Lockdown – Escalated Code Pink

Lockdown is not automatically initiated for every Code Pink.  In the event initial search efforts are unsuccessful and/or there is suspicion of an abduction, then Lockdown should be utilized to monitor individuals exiting the Lodge.

A description of the Code Pink subject (age, name, physical characteristics, etc.) should be communicated as well as any information about last known location.  If there is suspicion of an abduction, that dynamic must be communicated so that 10-units are on alert. 

In a Code Pink Lockdown, 10-units are to be monitoring individuals exiting the Lodge and questioning anyone who might meet the description of the Code Pink subject.

Lodge Lockdown – Nearby Emergency Situation

Lodge Lockdown should be utilized if there is a report of an emergency situation in the vicinity of Great Wolf Lodge that may (i) pose a threat to individuals outside of the building or (ii) migrate onto Great Wolf property and potentially into the facility.  This form of Lodge Lockdown includes additional precautionary steps and guidance. Examples of such situations include, without limitation, reports of the following activity in the area but not on Great Wolf property: gunfire, an active shooter situation, police searching for an individual, a bomb threat, and reports of an in-progress crime nearby. 

In these situations, primary responsibilities of the 10-units stationed at the doors are to communicate the existence of the emergency situation to anyone looking to leave the building and regulate traffic into the building to try and safely prevent individuals associated with the threat from entering.  The MOD or other designated Pack Member should attempt to reach law enforcement and stay in communication with them for updates, including verification that the situation is “All Clear.”

Upon the call for Lodge Lockdown due to a nearby emergency situation:

• Outdoor attraction areas should be evacuated indoors to safety.  Also consider moving occupants away from areas of the Lodge that may be exposed to the threat (for example, if there is gunfire/active shooter, consider alerting guests on balconies to move inside and asking occupants to move away from windows in water park or lobby area in case shots are fired at the building).
• MOD should coordinate validating that exterior doors are locked from the inside and that 10-units are stationed at their respective doors.  Consider positioning of 10-units at doors that may be exposed to the threat (for example, at lobby entrance it is advised for personnel to not be stationed directly in front of glass doors or windows).  Any door that is not able to be locked should have someone stationed there monitoring its use.
• Consider Guest communication via Zingle to alert guests of nearby emergency situation and advise to stay inside property until situation is cleared.
• Direction to 10-units and other personnel stationed at an exterior door:
  • If a Guest with valid wristband is trying to enter, they should be allowed to enter upon visual confirmation that there is no associated threat (i.e., nothing seems suspicious).
  • If non-guest is trying to enter, Pack Member must exercise careful judgment as to level of threat presented.  If determined to allow entry, the identification of the individuals should be verified and they should be kept in a designated area of the Lodge until the “All Clear” message is given.  If they are carrying luggage or bags, politely ask them to separate from their bags given the situation until “All Clear” is delivered.
  • If individuals are attempting to exit the facility, alert them to the circumstances of the emergency situation.  Do not detain or prevent individuals from exiting if they choose to do so.