6 things schools can do immediately when thinking about security
A school security expert shares six things schools can do immediately to protect against active shooters.
Mar 12, 2018
PITTSBURGH — With school security at the top of the minds of many following last month’s tragic attack on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, here are six things to discuss when thinking about school security as recounted by a school security expert who lives not far from the school.
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Access control. If you can’t control access, anyone can bring any kind of guns into our schools. Stand-alone metal detectors are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Wand scanners could be deployed tomorrow. Backpacks and cases need to be scanned or opened.
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Limit and alarm entrances to the schools. No school is secure if there are multiple entrances, and if anyone can enter the school undetected. All exterior doors should be locked 100 percent of the time, not propped open, and doors should be checked weekly to make sure they close effectively.
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Actively monitor security cameras. Cameras should be set up for active monitoring on every egress door, so that if a shooter somehow gets in, they can be discovered at the first shot and then isolated so that students are removed from the immediate area. Students could have been prevented from putting themselves in harm’s way, or even rescued.
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Leverage gunshot detection solutions. Gunshot detection software can alert at the sound of the first round fired.
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Color photo ID badges should be issued to every student and worn at all times. They cost almost nothing and instantly help to keep people out who should not be in the facility.
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Bullet-resistant backpacks and white boards. Though they can’t stop a gunman, these products can help children and staff protect themselves when all else fails.
Dagostino Electronic Services offers a full line of security solutions and can provide a no obligation security evaluation.
Our school security solutions include:
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Access Control
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Video Surveillance
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IP Cameras
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Electronic Visitor Management
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Emergency Mass Notification
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License Plate Recognition
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Digital Signage and Lighting
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Biometrics
Contact us today at 1-800-864-4166 or email sales@descomm.com.
*Information courtesy Caroline Ramsey-Hamilton via securityinfowatch.com.
