Unfortunately, there is no end in sight for the current pandemic. Still, life goes on, even if in heavily modified ways. Adjusting to massive societal changes is something schools have always managed to do, and in this day and age, campus considerations are becoming increasingly important. While it’s hard to guess what a post-COVID world will look like, you do have some measure of control over your own schools.
Hygiene Expectations
There is still plenty of debate over whether or not the new academic year will resume with in-person instruction as normal or will continue to emphasize distance learning as has been the new normal for the past four or five months. Regardless, high-touch access points should be converted to touchless solutions. Your facility, no matter the size, probably contains more touchpoints than you imagined. Changing the design of your campus will reduce the likelihood of germ transmission. Barriers are removed, and these changes can be made through retrofitting or new installations. Some examples of touchless access solutions include swing doors, touchless switches, touchless actuators, barrier-free washroom controllers, and antimicrobial finishes.
Access Control
However, this raises the question of how access control can continue to keep schools safe whenever in-person learning can resume – and how buildings can be protected while campuses are largely empty in the meantime. The Littleton Public School District in Littleton, Colorado presents a fascinating case study. Even with an integrated comprehensive security system in place, there could always be flaws that could be exploited. Access control solutions have to be able to evolve, and in Littleton, they have. The BEST Shelter System manufactured by dormakaba is wireless, so it is easy to retrofit into existing doors. It’s cost-effective and relies on cloud-based software to make lockdown procedures customizable. It is compliant with all codes and allows limited egress even during lockdown so that rooms and buildings can be exited. It’s scalable, versatile and, and available for cylindrical and mortise locks.
ARK Systems is Here to Help
Whether you need system design or installation, ARK Systems is here to help. The safety of all schools and campuses is one of our top priorities and whether we can make that happen for you through access control or suggestions on hygiene expectations, you know you have a team of professionals you can trust!
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!