Campus security is a top concern for schools anywhere. Knowing how to secure entrances, manage visitors, and react to unexpected circumstances are all key action items for administrators. And while schools want to maintain a welcoming presence, they need to focus on preventative actions that can keep everyone safe, as well.
Don’t be caught off guard by an emergency situation. Read on to learn about nine smart upgrades for school campus security.
1. Limit How People Can Access Campus
By limiting the number of entrances to campus buildings, you can take control of your school’s security. Make sure there is a main entrance with a check-in station for visitors. All other entrances on the back or sides of buildings should be locked while school is in session.
With this approach, you can keep tabs on who enters and exits your building. You’ll give peace of mind to staff and students, as well.
2. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
In the event of an emergency, you want a simple and effective way to communicate news or instructions. Make sure you have an emergency communication plan that uses several different methods to disseminate information.
Issue text messages or phone calls. And provide messages on the school’s loudspeakers to ensure that everyone understands what is happening.
3. Use a Digital Check-In System
With a digital check-in system, you can make it easy to track anyone entering your building. And you can make the check-in process faster.
When a visitor arrives, they can show their ID and receive a physical badge that indicates when they entered the building. Perhaps most importantly, staff in the building can look for the badge as a visible indication that someone is permitted to be there.
4. Invest in Smart Security Cameras
Today’s security cameras can do everything from capture footage at night to send alerts when suspicious activity is present. These smart cameras can beef up security at entrances, in classrooms, and in hallways. It’s also wise to introduce cameras to parking lots.
5. Introduce Better Lighting
If your school campus has dark or dimly lit areas, it’s time for a lighting upgrade. Simply introducing stronger lights to entryways, walking paths, and parking lots can enhance security. You’ll help students and teachers feel safer, and you’ll help deter malicious activity.
6. Work with a Security Company
It pays to consult security experts when you’re trying to create a more secure environment. A professional team can audit your campus and suggest solutions that fit your budget.
When you’re looking at camera or alert systems, for instance, it’s best to choose a comprehensive solution rather than piecing together cameras. Visit MammothSecurity.com to find products and expert advice on anything from access control solutions to alarms.
7. Require Special Access to Staff Areas
Not all people need access to all areas of your school campus. In particular, offices and storage areas should not be open to everyone. After all, these spaces can host sensitive data, expensive equipment, and other personal information that shouldn’t be readily available.
With a keycard or code system, you can enable access control. It’s important to periodically check access to certain spaces, too, as employees leave or join your community.
8. Prioritize Routine Safety Drills
While robust communication systems and cameras can make a difference, equipment alone can’t improve security. You need to make sure that staff and students are prepared for different emergency scenarios.
Do routine fire and tornado drills, for example. Show students how to handle a lockdown situation. And be consistent with repeating these drills so everyone can be confident and calm.
9. Consider Adding Security Staff
Adding trained security professionals to your campus can help deter problematic behavior. They will have the training to take the lead in emergencies. And they can form a positive rapport with students and staff, helping everyone feel safer.
Build a Better Security Strategy
Even just a few simple changes or additions can enhance your school’s approach to security. Whether you’re adding lights, cameras, or security personnel, you’ll help students and staff feel secure on campus. Invest in digital check-in systems, do safety drills, and limit access to keep your school safe.
With a careful approach, you can enhance safety awareness and protect your school.