In many parts of the U.S., school is back in session. As students and teachers get ready for a productive year, it’s worth considering how to address safety concerns. Schools deal with real concerns like vandalism, assault, and drug use every day. If worst comes to worst, schools might also face life safety threats, like mass casualty events. Everyone on campus should be able to focus on learning, not worry about whether they’re in any danger. A back-to-school security plan keeps everyone on campus safe and allows institutions to prepare for the worst-case scenario while hoping for the best.
Protecting the Exterior
Check all doors, frames, and locks: Sometimes, criminals have an elaborate plan to gain entry to a building, but they often just walk in through a door that’s been left unlocked. It’s crucial to ensure doors are left locked and that there aren’t any broken latches. Doorframes should also be intact without any openings that could allow someone to break in.
Test electronic access control systems, magnetic locks, and keycards: Having security equipment is an important part of any back-to-school security plan, but the system is only useful if it works. Testing your access control system helps guarantee that your building is protected from unauthorized visitors. The same is true for keycards.
Examine perimeter gates and fencing: Fences can greatly increase the security of a school campus, but they’re only useful when fully undamaged and without any gaps that someone could breach. Thoroughly check your fences and gates to make sure they’re in working order and can effectively control who enters your school campus.
Visitor Control
Test visitor management system: Managing visitors can be a logistical challenge for schools, but having a plan in place makes it easier. Teach staff members visitor protocol, then take a look at it internally. You should test ID scanners to verify that they’re operational and train front office employees on what to do if someone doesn’t have required identification.
Review sign-in policies and visitor badge printing protocols: When a visitor arrives on campus, how do they sign in? Does your campus require them to wear a sticker or badge with identifying information? Having answers to these questions is important so that staff members are able to confidently direct visitors, regardless of if they’re a new employee.
Designate a single, clearly marked primary public entrance: Streamlining entry is a smart choice that will help keep everyone on campus safe. Rather than a visitor potentially slipping through the cracks and sneaking in, having one door for them to use ensures that they’ll be screened and identified before entering your campus.
Surveillance Strategy
Test all security cameras: Security cameras are essential for safety and can significantly reduce the crime rate at schools. They must function properly for them to benefit your campus. Test the pan, tilt, and zoom features on your cameras to ensure that they’re working, and check storage for all cameras to guarantee there’s room to record.
Test panic buttons and public address (PA) systems: Many schools have equipped classrooms with panic buttons that allow teachers to summon immediate help if something is wrong. If your campus has these buttons, it’s important to test them regularly. Your PA system is crucial for safety during an emergency, and it should remain operational.
Confirm exterior and hallway lighting is fully functional: Studies show bright lighting can deter criminals. They know authorities are less likely to catch them when it’s dark outside. Because schools aren’t open 24/7, exterior and interior lighting can keep your campus secure even when no one is present.
Finding A Security Partner
Whether your school needs a basic system to ward off intruders or something more technologically complex, Integrated Security Consultants is available to help. Our experienced team specializes in video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, fire alarms, and more. We work with you to find security vulnerabilities. Then, we create solutions. Do you want to schedule a free, no-obligation walkthrough? Call 813-254-0033 or contact us online.