Know it’s locked.
I recently heard from an architect who was looking for an occupied indicator for a restroom, and I was surprised to hear that he didn't know about the indicator options from Schlage.
7 Steps Infographic
Today I'm sharing a resource on security and safety that I think will be really valuable for schools and other types of facilities - an infographic that is available in both digital and printable formats.
WWYD? Classroom Acoustics
Is compliance with the ANSI-ASA S12.60 standard required for any school projects? What is the current practice for classroom doors? Sound gasketing? STC-rated assemblies?
Code Update: Requiring Lockable Doors
An important change has been approved for the 2027 IBC - doors serving schools, day care centers, colleges and universities will be required to be lockable from the inside.
FF/WWYD? Locked Classroom Doors
As a child of the 70's and 80's, and now a mom of three young adults, I once resisted the idea of keeping classroom doors locked during class, but times have changed. WWYD?
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 15
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Emma Mann, student ambassador for Safe and Sound Schools and Vanderbilt University student.
NASFM: White Paper on Classroom Door Security & Locking Hardware
NASFM has recently updated their guidance document on classroom security due to a change in one set of model codes - those of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Letter from the President
Today marks the start of Safe Schools Week, and at Allegion, school security and safety are at the core of our mission. Read our president's perspective in today's post.
WWYD? Alternative Function For Classrooms?
I recently received these photos, taken in a university classroom, and I'm hoping that some iDigHardware readers will share your thoughts on using this function for classroom doors.
Campus Safety: School Storm Shelters
One of my articles that was recently published on the website of Campus Safety Magazine emphasizes the critical need to integrate storm shelters into schools across the U.S.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 14
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Missy Dodds, survivor of the Red Lake school shooting and parent ambassador for Safe and Sound Schools.
TBT: Daily Inspections in Schools
I mentioned in a recent post that NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code mandates daily inspections of all exit facilities in schools, including stairways and doors. Is this requirement being enforced?
Childhood Safety Act
A new state law has passed that will affect the safety of Ohio's schools, and could raise awareness of life safety requirements in other states as well. Read about it in today's post.
Security and Safety of Door Openings: 7 Steps to Code Compliance
Building occupants' feelings of insecurity may lead to the use of security measures that can negatively impact safety. Following the guidelines in today's post will help to ensure a balance of safety and security.
Security Journal Americas: Safety, security, and convenience
Do you know the 4 D's of physical security? An article in Security Journal Americas written by Karen Keating of Allegion addresses these key considerations - deter, detect, delay, and deny.
Barricade Devices – Unintended Consequences
Last week I wrote about comments left by a barricade device manufacturer here on iDigHardware, and I was reminded of a tragic example of the misuse of non-code-compliant security.
Update: Allowing Barricade Devices by Law
Today's post is an update about a set of bills in the Massachusetts State Legislature that would have allowed temporary door locking devices, AKA barricade devices.
Yes…I’m offended, but I’ll be OK.
Today is my birthday and I'm going to take this opportunity to say a few words about a topic that is extremely important to me...my integrity.
High School Secure Entry Vestibule
On a recent field trip with the members of Allegion's Early Careers Program, I saw a fantastic example of a secure entry vestibule in a high school. Check it out in today's post!
Allowing Barricade Devices by Law
Urgent: A set of bills that will allow temporary door locking devices is successfully moving through the Massachusetts Legislature. How will this law affect life safety and accessibility?
FF: Un-Dogging for Lockdown
A while back, I taught a class at a large university and was fortunate to have access to their fantastic training room. As with other doors on campus, they had a lockdown strategy.
Indicators – When, where, and why?
In his latest post, Mark Kuhn explores lock status indicators...where are they required by code, and when are they just a good idea? Where do YOU specify or supply indicators?
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 13
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with ME! - Lori Greene, Manager - Codes & Resources at Allegion.
Webinar: Ensuring Safer Schools for Students of All Abilities
Don't miss the upcoming webinar presented by two of my favorite school security and safety professionals: Michele Gay of Safe and Sound Schools, and Paul Timm of Allegion.
WW: Classroom Exit
Joe Hendry of Navigate360 sent me today's WW photo, taken in a school classroom. Clearly, it is a marked exit that is blocked, but is this exit required? Tell me what you think.
Door and Hardware Institute “School Safety” on Daytime
DHI was recently featured in an interview on DayTime addressing school security and highlighting the guidelines available from the Door Security & Safety Foundation. Check out the video in today's post.
American School & University: Secure and Accessible
Tysen Gannon and Devin Bowman, of AD Systems and TGP, teamed up to address how multiple layers of security in a school create safer learning spaces for students and staff.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 12
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast, he talks with Antoinette King of Regional Sales East, author of the Digital Citizens Guide to Cybersecurity and founder of Credo Cyber Consulting.
TGP: School Solutions Hub
I'm sharing a new resource in today's post - TGP's School Solutions Hub. Check it out for answers to your questions about creating safe learning environments in educational facilities.
Creating Safer Spaces: A Deep Dive into Bullet-Resistant Glass
Do you have questions about bullet-resistant glass? A recent article by David Vermeulen, North America Sales Director, TGP addresses some of the considerations for these applications.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 11
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast, he talks with Don Hough, Dept. Assoc. Director for the School Safety Task Force at the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security - CISA.
“I Love U Guys”
We are thrilled to announce that Allegion is now a Mission Partner of The "I Love U Guys" Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to school safety and crisis response.
Decoded: Classroom Barricade Devices
This month’s Decoded question is a common one related to classroom doors in educational facilities: Are classroom barricade devices allowed by the model codes and accessibility standards?
FF: What’s the weakest link?
Barricade devices that attach to the inside lever handle of the lockset rely on the connection between the lever and the lock. And I'm sure that's not even the weakest link in today's photos.
WWYD? Locked Classroom Doors
Some states and local jurisdictions have already adopted requirements for classroom doors to be lockable. Should the model codes require locks on classroom doors? WWYD?
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 10
In the tenth episode of Paul Timm's podcast, he talks with John-Michael Keyes of I Love U Guys, a foundation dedicated to school safety, preparedness, reunification, and the joy of youth.
FF: Hex Key Dogging
I received today's Fixed-it Friday photo from Jim Elder of Secured Design, LLC - it was taken in an elementary/middle school. While this seems like a simple and common fix, it can severely impact security.
Classroom Security Function Panic Hardware
I recently saw a photo in a door and hardware installer's group on social media, with a question about the purpose of the cylinder on the head of the panic hardware. Was it supposed to lock the latch? Or control the locked/unlocked indicator?
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 9
In the ninth episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Dr. Melissa Reeves, Ph.D., NCSP, LCMHC about the mental health of students and the value of a behavioral threat assessment model.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 8
In the eighth episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Chuck Wilson of PASS about school security planning. Visit today's post to listen to the new episode in the series.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 7
In the seventh episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with James Marcella of Axis Communications about technology for school safety and security, and the value of K-12 advocacy in industry organizations.
FF: Another Barricade Device
Today's Fixed-it Friday photos illustrate another barricade device used to secure a classroom door. I don't recommend this method or any other device that impacts egress, is non-compliant with the ADA, and is untested for security.
Campus Safety Update on Barricade Devices
A report on the tragic 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School has been released, and an update in Campus Safety Magazine discusses the use of barricade devices during the incident, while also explaining the challenges and unknown effects of the devices.
WW: Ratchet Strap
No...just no. This is not an effective way to lock a classroom door. ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 locksets that have been tested and certified for strength and durability will provide the necessary level of security as well as code compliance.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security
In the sixth episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Mo Canady of NASRO about the role of school resource officers - Beyond the Badge: NASRO's Mission to Enhance School Security.
Lauren Reese: A Survivor’s Perspective on School Safety
This article from the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) shares the experience of Lauren Reese, a survivor of the 1999 shooting at Columbine High School. Visit passk12.org to download the PASS Guidelines and other valuable resources.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security
When an attempted school shooting is resolved without violence, there is much that we can learn by studying the incident. In the fifth episode of Paul Timm's podcast, he talks with Molly Hudgens about her experience at Sycamore Middle School.
Safe Schools Resources
To mark America's Safe Schools Week, today's post includes some resources that have been developed by Allegion to help ensure that our security solutions align with the highest standards and effectively address the evolving challenges faced by educational institutions.
WW: Barricade Devices
I have shared my concerns about classroom barricade devices dozens of times, but today's Wordless Wednesday photos from Mark Berger of Securitech have inspired me to review the issues once again.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security
One of the security challenges that schools are currently facing involves false reports made to emergency services. In the fourth episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Jin Kim about this topic.