Safety Precautions and Security Drills for Public Schools

Over the past few years public schools across the United States have heightened their security in response to the increased awareness of potential intruder threats. Schools are constantly revamping their security programs, installing the latest technologies, and integrating new procedures to deal with emergency situations. We’ve outlined some factors to consider in creating a school security program:

1. Educate school personnel:

Today schools often manage and develop safety programs to respond to natural disasters and fires as well as intruders. Teachers, students, and staff often participate in fire drills, and various code drills to deal with potential security breaches or other emergency situations. Guest briefings on the proper protocols and informational pamphlets can be helpful in educating school personnel to properly deal with unexpected situations.

2. Planning:

In the case of a natural disaster, fire, or intruder invasion it is important for security personnel to have a list of priorities and actions in mind. Whether it comes to protecting physical facilities or students, security guards assigned to their roles should know when and where to perform their most important first-response tasks. Exits should be accessible, need they be used, and the location of all students and staff should be fully disclosed.

3. Communication:

It is common for security guards to have 2-way connections to each other via radio; however, it is also important for staff to be easily able to communicate to security guards in case they have updated information or concerns during an emergency situation. Professional emergency responders should also be directly accessible to guards and staff. When multiple sources of information are coming in at once is of utmost importance for there to be a single, comprehensive communication outlet.

4. Detection and Deterrence:

Security cameras, CCTV, and video monitoring are an industry standard for public schools. But in order for video monitoring to be effective, there must be trained and alert staff manning the control center. Motion sensor can alert security guards of movement in potentially risky areas around a school. Security cameras should also be properly marked along with warning signs in order to deter potential criminals before an emergency situation even takes place.

5. Daily Updates and Briefings:

Security guards, emergency responders, and public schools should always work together and let each other know of any changes in equipment, personnel, protocol, and facilities. In the event of a disaster, all responders should be aware of the layout of the building and should be familiar with the other responders. This is the best way to avoid delay and confusion when tensions may be high.