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School Safety Improvements for All Budgets

 

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Low Cost Safety Improvements

Here are several school safety improvements that you can implement at your district and schools for little to no money.

Classrooms (Including Portables)

  • "Hard corners" identified and clearly marked in every classroom
  • Doors and window coverings (permanent i.e. paper, retractable, etc.)
  • Classroom door locks (from inside)
  • Science labs, etc. have all chemicals, hazardous materials, and other items (knives, scalpels, etc.) securely stored and locked

School Buildings

  • Signage advising visitors to report to the main office
  • Working locks on all exterior doors and windows—locked at all times (Prevent entry, not exit; Unlocked doors should be staffed.)
  • Keep hallways clear of obstructions
  • Gates on perimeter; Fencing locked
  • All windows and doors numbered and clearly marked (with tape, stickers, etc.)
  • Safety drills and simulations
  • Visible student and staff IDs (on lanyards)
  • Cover, protect, and secure utilities (gas, electric, communications) against tampering
  • Monitor restrooms, stairwells, buses, etc. for graffiti, etc.
  • Replace non-operational lights (bulbs, fixtures, etc.)

District

  • Thorough and current situational response protocols (Reunification plans for evacuation events)
  • Periodic meetings with local law enforcement and first responders
  • Community engagement/communication
  • Bully/threat reporting tip-line and response protocols

Medium Cost Safety Improvements

Here are several school safety improvements that you can implement at your district and schools for a mid-size investment.

Classrooms (Including Portables)

  • Glass glazing/bullet-proof film on windows and doors
  • One-to-many alerting system ('panic' button)
  • Indicator locks (visible to tell if door is locked or unlocked)
  • Covered paths to portables
  • Lockdown kits (essentials i.e. bottled water, first aid, etc.)
  • Door barricades

School Buildings

  • Glass glazing/bullet-proof film or windows and doors
  • One-to-many alerting system ('panic' button)
  • Visitor management (require photo ID, print ‘visitor’ sticker, etc.)
  • Campus fencing and gates
  • Natural barriers (landscaping, etc.)
  • Drive identification (numbering driveways) for first responders
  • School Resource Officers (SROs)
  • Natural access control (buses separate from parent drop-off)
  • Reinforce/protect fire alarm pulls from misuse
  • Blind spots in hallways and stairwells equipped with parabolic mirrors (or similar surveillance device)
  • After-hours alarm system (notify key personnel of break-ins, fire, etc.)
  • Back-up generator (in case of power outage)
  • Carbon monoxide detectors

District

  • Social media monitoring
  • Dedicated communication devices (radios, etc.) for safety team personnel
  • Mass communication platform
  • Safety assessments at every school campus and facility (gap analysis)
  • District-wide safety training (ALICE, etc.)
  • Clear or transparent backpacks
  • Background checks for all school personnel (including volunteers)
  • Social-emotional curriculum

High Cost Safety Improvements

Here are several school safety improvements that you can implement at your district and schools for a large investment.

Classrooms (Including Portables)

  • Safe rooms

School Buildings

  • Video surveillance with 24/7 recording
  • Metal detectors
  • Exterior door alarms (notify when open)
  • Gunshot detection technology
  • Command/control rooms
  • Visitor management ('mantrap' background check, issue visitor badge, security escort)
  • Student and staff ID badges to grant access to building, sensitive areas, etc.
  • Removal of exterior and internal door hardware that can be tied or chained to prevent rapid exit or first responder access
  • Vehicle screening, inspection, and monitoring (in parking lots, etc.)
  • Facial recognition technology

Recommend Content

For additional tips and best practices related to improving the safety and security of your schools, check out the below resources.