From April 2027, Martyn’s Law (the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) becomes enforceable. Most education settings will be expected to have proportionate procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. While the Act doesn’t mandate specific equipment, a dedicated, clearly distinguishable lockdown alarm is a simple step that helps staff act fast and avoid confusion with the fire alarm.
At-a-glance
- Outcome you need: clear, reliable communication so people know whether to evacuate (fire), invacuate (move inside to safety), or lockdown (secure in place).
- Common risk today: many schools reuse fire bells/sounders for lesson changes and announcements; adding a lockdown procedure with a similar alert risks misinterpretation.
- Practical fix: install a distinct lockdown alarm with voice messages, blue call points (with protective covers), and mobile notifications for key staff.
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What changes April 2027?
From April 2027, Martyn’s Law will apply to most education settings. In practice, leaders should be able to show that:
- You have clear procedures for evacuation, invacuation and lockdown.
- You can communicate those procedures quickly and unambiguously to staff, pupils and visitors.
- You train and drill your procedures and review how they worked.
For government information on how Martyn's Law impacts education settings, click here.
A dedicated lockdown alarm helps you evidence those points: it’s a proportionate measure that supports planning, communication, and drills without overhauling your entire fire system.
Why a distinct alert is important
Fire alarms are designed for one instruction: evacuate now. If a similar sound is used for lockdown, staff may reflexively evacuate when they should be invacuating or securing in place. That can:
- Move people towards a threat instead of away from it.
- Create conflicting actions across the site (some evacuating, some locking down).
- Increase time-to-action while staff clarify “which alarm is this?”
Alarms for different behaviours must be distinguishable, ideally by using clear voice instructions that remove guesswork.
How a lockdown alarm helps
1) Clear, unambiguous voice messages
- Pre-recorded instructions (e.g., “Lockdown. Secure doors and stay out of sight. Await further instruction.”).
- Optional site-specific variants.
- Volume tuned for classrooms, corridors, halls and outdoor areas.
2) Distinct blue call points with protective covers
- Blue makes them visually distinct from red (fire) and green (emergency exit).
- Protective covers reduce accidental activations.
3) Mobile notifications to key persons
- Instant alerts to SLT, site staff and safeguarding leads. This is especially useful for off-site staff.
4) Supports drills and training
- One consistent, calm signal for practice.
- Drill mode prevents external notifications/escalations while still logging performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to install a lockdown alarm under Martyn’s Law?
No. The Act is outcomes-focused and doesn’t mandate a specific kit. However, you must be able to clearly communicate your procedures. A distinct lockdown alarm with voice messages is a practical way to achieve that.
Can we use our fire alarm system for lockdown as well?
Yes, if the signals are clearly different and cannot be mistaken for evacuation signals. Many schools choose a separate lockdown channel (often with voice prompts) to remove ambiguity.
What’s the difference between invacuation and lockdown?
- Invacuation: move people into a place of safety (e.g., from playgrounds to classrooms).
- Lockdown: secure in place (doors locked, out of sight, low profile) until the “All Clear”.
Will a voice message cause panic?
Clarity reduces panic. Short, calm instructions (“Lockdown. Secure doors and stay out of sight. Await further instruction.”) help staff and visitors do the right thing quickly.
If you’d like guidance on lockdown alarm options for your setting, please get in touch.
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