Safety and security are conducive to a positive learning environment. With the break for the winter holidays coming up, now is another good checkpoint to stop and assess how safe your campus is. There is time to make some changes during the period that the school is less chaotic. Here are some of the easiest ways to make sure that all schools across the nation are kept as safe and sound as possible.
One Point of Access
Lockdowns are one of the most common ways to guarantee that a school is secured. At least, this holds up in theory. Even so, it is essential to only focus on one central point of access. By all means, fire doors should be kept operational, but there should only be one set of doors that all visitors are directed towards when they set foot on campus. Buzzing in visitors at a vestibule can help verify that they have a valid reason to enter the building.
Log All Visitors
Next, be sure to keep an accurate log of everyone who comes to campus. Logs, badges, and sign-in/out routines help to keep all records up-to-date in case any unfortunate incidents should occur.
Monitor Every Entrance
Even though there should be one central access point, every school should have multiple entrances and exits. It is a principle of good building design. That said, every entry should be closely monitored as well. Top-of-the-line security systems can be foiled by simple human error or carelessness.
Lock Classroom Doors
While it is a headache for students and teachers alike, it’s a good idea to keep all classroom doors locked. Locked doors afford the authorities and other first responders more time to reach the school and get the situation under control.
Train Staff for Emergencies
Active shooters or other violent intruders aren’t the only emergencies you will need to address. Training all of your staff during professional development days can go beyond questions about the curriculum. Regularly conducting fire drills and training sessions for dealing with tornadoes, hurricanes, or other severe weather can keep everyone prepared for when the real thing happens, reducing panic at the same time.
Trust the Professionals at ARK Systems
Located in Columbia, Maryland, ARK Systems provides unsurpassed quality and excellence in the security industry, from system design through to installation. We handle all aspects of security with local and remote locations. With over 30 years in the industry, ARK Systems is an experienced security contractor. Trust ARK to handle your most sensitive data storage, surveillance, and security solutions.
Contact ARK Systems at 1-800-995-0189 or click here today. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!