In today’s world, having a secure lobby entryway can be the first line of defense against unwanted visitors.
Many schools, especially in the K-12 range, are building and using entry vestibules as an added security measure. These are smaller entry rooms that visitors must pass through before entering the staffed main office.
With secure-entry vestibules, visitors cannot enter the main office until they’ve been authorized by the main office staff. They can use speakers to contact the main office staff, who can then decide whether to unlock the doors to let them in. These entry vestibules often have glazed glass walls to enable front desk staff to get a clear view of any visitors.
Across the country, newer school campuses are being designed and constructed based on solid security principles. Lobbies, for example, are designed in a manner that allows staff to control how visitors are greeted, and access is controlled though a variety of physical barriers, such as walls, doors, and casework and furniture layout. According to Campus Safety Magazine, these sites have built-in security simply due to their design.
There are many older schools, however, that are not nearly as fortunate and have wide open lobbies that essentially allow a visitor to walk from the entry door to the lobby right onto the campus.
To further add to the problem, front office staff have been reduced due to budget cuts, and frequently lobbies are left unattended for periods of time, allowing immediate access to secured parts of the campus. Facility improvements can reduce the open effect and assist in controlling visitor movements and entry.
If funding is available, front lobby remodeling should be considered. Wide open corridors can be closed with storefronts that provide the necessary fire safety measures while ensuring unauthorized persons are not permitted through the lobby without being properly vetted.
Additionally, glass storefronts with required panic hardware can greatly assist in making a school much more secure while still maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere.
Sonitrol Great Lakes has been protecting schools for more than 50 years across the region with the latest security products reflecting advanced technologies. Contact us to learn about our school security design assessment services.