In any school security assessment, the first places to look are building entrances. They are the first line of defense against unwanted and potentially dangerous individuals. While administrators weigh the pros and cons of having a welcoming environment versus a prison-like profile, steps must be taken to protect students, teachers, and support staff.
Sonitrol Great Lakes offers the following tips for improving security at your school building entryways:
Establish one main entrance and put up signage identifying it as the main entrance. Maintain visible signage on campus and on all doors directing visitors to the main entrance door. Some schools also post notices advising that individuals who do not follow visitation procedures may be charged with trespassing.
Reduce the number of doors which may be opened from the outside. This does not mean chaining doors or creating a fire hazard. It does mean using doors that cannot be opened from the outside, but which from which those inside can exit in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Reconfigure main entrance design so that there is a secondary set of secure doors and all traffic is funneled into the main office before they can gain access into the school. To improve security further, make the initial exterior door buzzer controlled with a camera and intercom, thereby requiring visitors to be buzzed in the first door, funneled through a second door (which could also be buzzer controlled, if appropriate), and only then provided access into the main building.
Secure custodial and cafeteria entrances and delivery doors during and after school hours. Have personnel keep a log of deliveries to include the name of the vendor company, name of the delivery person, license plate of vehicle, date and time of arrival and departure, and associated information.
Require all school doors to be closed and secured from the outside while cleaning personnel and after-hours staff work inside the building during evening and night hours.
Train students and staff not to open doors to strangers, other students, or even adults they may know, and do not leave doors propped open.
Electronic access equipment is another important addition to entryway security. In addition to card and biometric access controls, security technicians can add a clock/timer feature to allow or prohibit access during specific times. Sonitrol Great Lakes has been securing schools for more than 50 years and has the expertise and access to the latest technology to help keep your students and staff safe. Contact us for a no-obligation school security assessment.
