Most classroom barricade devices currently on the market do not meet the model code requirements for egress, fire protection, and accessibility, particularly when layered over existing hardware.

I was recently asked to write an article for Domestic Preparedness, on behalf of several industry organizations and individuals who share concerns about the methods used to secure classroom doors.  This article is now available on the Domestic Preparedness website, and includes insight from the following industry leaders:

  • Ron Coté, technical services lead for life safety at the National Fire Protection Association
  • Jim Narva, executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals
  • Curt Decker, executive director of the National Disability Rights Network
  • Tim Eckersley, Security Industry Association board member and Allegion’s senior vice president and president of the Americas
  • Jerry Heppes, CEO of the Door Security and Safety Foundation
  • The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools
  • Paul Timm, vice president of Facility Engineering Associates
  • Robert Boyd, executive director of Secure Schools Alliance

While I have written several articles on the subject of classroom security, this one was a little different.  I needed to accurately summarize the concerns of others who I greatly respect (no pressure!), add statistics and links to other resources which support these points, and share enough background for a new audience to become familiar with what has occurred over the last few years.  This article represents the views of many, not just my concerns or those of the security industry.

The methods employed by schools and other facilities with the intent of keeping building occupants safe affects each and every one of us.  I hope you will continue to inform and educate school administrators, facility managers, and others who are in a position to make decisions about how to secure doors against unauthorized access.

To read the article in Domestic Preparedness, click here.

There is more information about school security, including a video about classroom locking options, on the School Security page of iDigHardware.

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