The ALICE program entails the alert over intercoms or other systems of contact, a lockdown in which everyone in the building must barricade themselves behind a door to keep safe, continuous updates of an intruder(s)’ actions, an countering procedure should the defenses fail, and an evacuation protocol. However, many rooms, such as computer labs and bathrooms, are unequipped with materials that could be used for weaponry or barricades. Here are some tips to keep safe in the rooms with limited supplies.

For chemistry rooms, it goes without saying you’re exceptionally prepared. Even if your teacher isn’t the average Walter White and chemicals are risky, almost all of the rooms have supplies – includes chemicals, tools, and pans. The desk setup in the back of certain rooms is also convenient. As for gymnasiums, the bleachers are a go-to for blockading.

History, language, math, and English classrooms have lots of textbooks, staplers, chunky materials like that, and lots of movable desks. All of these are tools for defense, offense, and building a barricade.

Particularly in the math rooms, there are filing cabinets conveniently next to the doors. Being chunky metal blocks full of layers of paper, these can serve as weights against the doors or windows.

In a lab, don’t bother unplugging. Computers, monitors, even those hundred dollar textbooks – none of these materials equal the value of a life. In a room with computers, it may make it easier to unplug them from the back, but the priority should be setting up a defense. In an emergency, a Mac broken in collateral damage won’t matter.

The library isn’t a bad place to be stranded during an ALICE emergency. Despite its large size and various doors, there are desks that are actually easy to move, and as any library should, bookshelves and books.

As for the restrooms, defense and tools to barricade doors with are very limited. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. The bathrooms are a dead end, and if you happen to be in one when a drill begins, you should immediately head to the nearest classroom.

There is also the option to use a belt or shirt or jacket to tie the metal latch on top of the door that allows it to open and close.

In the event the shooter breaks through the doors, make sure you have something relatively close to a weapon.  It can be a stapler or scissors you find in or on the teacher’s desk, hot beverages, beakers or dangerous acids in a science room, or anything that is sharp, heavy, made of glass, or which can be used as a feasible weapon.

For defense while exiting a room if an intruder break in, wield a chair – use the metal framed, hard chair and hold it so the legs stick out. It would be painful if you run into someone with those legs.

Remember that if an intruder cannot get through a barricade for around thirty seconds, statistics show he or she will move on. Because of this, barricading effectively is the most important part of the ALICE procedure, so use these tips wisely to stay as safe as you can in the event of an emergency.