Keeping Students Safe in Every Situation

Children require not only require educational tools to learn, but also an environment that allows them to be their best. The security industry must put solutions and processes in place to keep students safe in every situation. Codes, driven by previous tragedies, regulate school security and keep building occupants safe. It’s the responsibility of the security provider to know the applicable codes. However, this is where many stumble.

An example is the use of retrofit security devices, also known as classroom barricade devices. Many of these devices are marketed to be less expensive, easier to install and more secure than traditional security hardware. However, they impede egress and might even have negative effects on life safety, fire protection, accessibility and protection from internal threats.

Moreover, these devices increase risk of physical or sexual abuse by providing a means for the attacker to delay quick entry into the classroom. As noted in the 2020 Kentucky Center for School Safety Report, “classrooms remain the most frequently cited location of a behavior event, making up 80.1% of overall behavior events, a figure that has remained relatively steady for several years.”

Given this, classroom barricade devices aren’t recommended by school safety organizations, code experts and K-12 security staff. The Security Industry Association (SIA) recently expressed its concerns about the use of these devices in schools, noting that they’re unnecessary and dangerous.

An Integral Role

Feeling safe isn’t the same as being safe, and security pros know that new solutions shouldn’t compromise safety. When recommending and installing security solutions, it’s crucial to consider all aspects of security products, including egress, emergency response and unauthorized use.

In doing so, security pros can become a trusted adviser to their K-12 clients. A good partner will understand the unique challenges for schools and important codes, to recommend products that meet the demands of safety and security. With this knowledge, security pros can help schools to avoid costly and dangerous mistakes.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. All schools are different and must comply with local regulations. To build a comprehensive security plan, locksmiths should work closely with school administrators and the security director, facilities staff, IT staff, law enforcement and door hardware consultants. This team approach also is recommended by the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), which is a group of education, public safety and security industry officials aimed at bringing effective security to K-12 schools.  

Potential Emergencies

Schools must prepare for several types of emergencies. These include violent events, such as an active-shooter situation; environmental emergencies, including tornadoes and hurricanes; and medical emergencies.

Social unrest, while not new to schools, also is a concern for school administration that should be included within safety plans. Paul Timm, vice president of Facility Engineering Associates and a certified physical security professional, recommends that schools:

• Include procedures for potential events, such as sit-ins, walkouts and protests in their emergency planning. After  the shooting in Parkland, Florida, there were student walkouts across the country. Some schools offered auditoriums for students to use in place of a walkout. Some even invited local state legislators so student concerns could be heard. It’s great to get students involved.
• Collaborate with local authorities to develop proactive plans. They might have information and resources to share. Plus, it’s crucial to stay connected at all times in case an event arises.
• Prepare teachers, students and the community to report suspicious activity. “See Something; Say Something” has become a mantra in ensuring school security. Make sure individuals feel comfortable and confident in their options to report what they see or hear. Schools will be in a better position if they have information coming in from students, parents, authorities and teachers.
• Educate teachers and students on what to do in the event of a civil disturbance. Even with other procedures in place, events can arise quickly, so teachers and students have to be prepared.

Develop procedures to notify all stakeholders — police, district personnel, parents, students and teachers. Everyone has to be aware of what’s going on. Students are always on their mobile devices, so include them in any mass notifications.

Assess Security

It’s important to understand the physical and cultural landscape to begin to plan for all types of situations. Schools should conduct a security assessment to uncover areas that are vulnerable and determine which solutions are necessary. Experts recommend focusing on the following:

• Deterrence: Identify areas that increase vulnerability. Is there sufficient exterior lighting? Is perimeter vegetation trimmed to prevent concealment?
• Detection: Review the efficacy of any security systems in place. This includes communication systems, video surveillance, electronic access control systems, visitor management software, burglar alarm systems or similar solutions.
• Delay: Examine the barriers that would slow perpetrators — windows, doors, locks, closers. Do perimeter doors close and latch securely? What sort of key-control system is in place?
• Response: If there’s an incident, who will help? Teachers often are the first responders at a scene. What type of training do they have? What tools are at their disposal? Do they know CPR or have access to a defibrillator?

After the team understands areas that increase vulnerability, systems in place, barriers and emergency response, they can develop a comprehensive plan. Layered security begins with defining the parameters of the school from the property perimeter to the individual classrooms and other shelter-in-place locations inside the building. As one layer is bypassed, another layer provides an additional level of protection.

Additional Resources

Safety codes and security best practices can feel overwhelming for security pros and school administrators, but great resources are available that provide best practices, guidelines and even templates to help to develop a plan.

The PASS School Safety & Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools provide best practices for securing school facilities. School administrators and locksmiths can use these to assess the security landscape and develop a plan for improved security and safety.

In addition, the iDigHardware.com website, written by Lori Greene, manager of codes and resources at Allegion, provides helpful information about door hardware and codes, including state-specific school security guidance and resources.

Academic achievement is a critical step toward building the educational and social foundation for success later in life. As an industry, we have the resources, time and talent to make a difference in the lives of children on our community. Let’s start with the mindset of our teachers and serve others as they served us. Together, security pros, school administrators, law enforcement and the community can create safe spaces for students to learn, socialize and grow.

Ken Cook is director of national school safety and advocacy, Allegion. He also chairs the Door and Hardware Institute’s Advocacy Committee and recently was awarded DHI’s Award of Merit for his industry advocacy work on school safety.