All school security systems share one preventable vulnerability.
Every day, we see them in the classrooms, offices and hallways, without ever really paying attention to them. Then, when those security systems are actually needed, who knows or readily remembers exactly where they are or how to use them?
There is only one way to prevent this potential problem and assure that school administrators and staff will know exactly where to go and what to do if an emergency situation presents itself. You have to train well and retrain often. Here are some tips for training school staff on using your security alarms.
1. Choose the Right School Security Alarm System
A well-designed system will be easy to use and difficult to disable. For instance, a wired system is all too easy to disable simply by cutting a wire. Wireless systems can’t be disabled that way, and the best systems offer smart features that are simple to use, including the ability to determine where an emergency situation is on campus so that workers don’t waste valuable time looking.
2. Assign a Safety Manager
The safety manager might be the school principal, the head custodian, or a security guard, but there needs to be a single person “in charge” of the system. That person will oversee training, answer questions, assure that the system is properly maintained, regularly test the system, etc.
3. Create Clear, Concise Documentation and Make It Available
Documentation is essential. Make documentation clear, easy to understand, thorough, and readily available to all school employees. The best policy is to give all workers a handbook containing the detailed documentation, along with a “quick start” guide listing only the most important how-to information that can serve as an easy reminder in an emergency.
4. Provide Initial Training and Reinforce It Regularly with Supplemental Training
When the system is new, a school-wide training session needs to be held to demonstrate how it works, explain its features and functionality, and train everyone. This is the best time to hand out your documentation so that your staff has a chance to ask questions.
5. Conduct Regular Drills
No matter how good the documentation and initial training is, people will forget. They will forget what features they have access to or even how to operate the system. Regular drills do more than refresh employees on how to use the system, they also serve to keep safety and security on the forefront of everyone’s minds.
6. Develop an Onboarding Process for New Employees
Part of the process in onboarding new hires should include training on the school security alarm system. Be sure that they receive copies of all your documentation and have a chance to participate in a drill to see how it all works in actual practice.
A well-trained staff is better equipped to manage security incidents and respond effectively to emergencies. By giving your staff the knowledge and tools they need to operate and maintain your security systems, you empower them to take an active role in safeguarding your schools and maintaining a secure environment.