It’s essential for schools’ safety that they’re secure places. They should be protected for all staff and pupils. From installing secure entrance solutions to ensuring that both the inside and outside of the premises are equipped with CCTV cameras. There are various steps you can take to make your school safer.
Secure entrances
We’ve helped a host of businesses in the education sector equip their premises with secure entrance solutions, both manual and automatic. Whether you’re looking to invest in robust automatic door systems that comply with safety legislation or gates and barriers for parking facilities, 24/7 protection is guaranteed. All security measures work best when paired with other security measures.
Exterior lighting
Installing security internal and external lighting enhances the safety for those on your premises, both on foot and in vehicles. It’s also an efficient way to make your school safer by putting any trespassers in clear view. Motion-activated sensors detect when someone approaches the area, enhancing the security offered. This automatically makes the school a less desirable target.
Lock unoccupied areas
Ensure entrances are securely locked at the end of the day or use self-locking closing mechanisms for optimal protection. This is important for areas that house sensitive information, as it prevents unauthorised individuals from breaking in. Have someone patrol the school at the end of the day to ensure that all possible entrances are securely locked.
Visitor management
Visitor management is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of your school. It allows you to keep tabs on anyone who enters or exits the building. Staff and contract labourers will need to be verified before being granted access. You’ll be able to restrict their “stay” times and perform DBS checks on relevant individuals.
Cyber security
Cybersecurity is also important to consider. Ensure that training sessions are provided on how to safely use technology. Pupils and staff alike should be aware of cyber attack signs and know what not to do while it’s in operation, such as which sites to avoid. This prevents sensitive files from being accessed and ensures that expensive equipment won’t become damaged.
Security guards
Keep eyes on your premises at all times by employing security guards. In an emergency, they’ll be able to react quickly in potentially threatening situations, ensuring that your school remains protected.
Refine emergency procedures
Do your staff and pupils know how to react in emergency situations? It’s essential that drills are carried out in order to refine procedures, whether that be a fire drill or knowing what to do if a trespasser makes their way onto the premises. These procedures will need to be adapted every so often, especially if your school undergoes any substantial changes.
CCTV
Like security guards, installing CCTV in your school will ensure complete protection. It will be important to use high-tech video analytics to keep watch over the building. Set them up in particularly high-risk areas, perhaps looking out onto a car park or an entrance, ensuring nothing obstructs their view. If your school is broken into, the police will be able to use the footage as evidence, increasing the chances of them solving a crime quickly.
Access control
As highlighted in one of our previous blog posts, the different types of access control, access control is crucial for securing schools. These advanced systems will keep buildings safe by limiting physical access to certain areas through the use of biometric scans, key cards, secure usernames and passwords for technology. Not only will this prevent trespassers from entering, but you’ll also be protected against internal threats, controlling which members of staff will be permitted access.
Install an alarm system
Equip your school with an alarm system, which will sound if someone tries to access the building, triggering the motion sensors. The shrill tone will cause the crook to flee, as well as alert all those nearby to the scene. This then prevents them from journeying further through the school.
Whether you’re in the educational sector or otherwise, our members of staff are on hand to ensure that you get the best, secure entrance solutions for your premises. Get in touch with us today to find out more.