FBI: Active Shooter Incidents in the United States, 2024
A few years ago, I shared a document from the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools which cautioned against the use of classroom barricade devices. In today's post I have some updated statistics.
US Glass: Proposal G88-25
Proposal G88-25 is intended to add a new standard - ASTM F3561 - to the International Building Code (IBC) requirements for schools. What are your thoughts on resistance to forced entry?
Mike Olsen: Cybersecurity IS School Safety
In preparation for the upcoming conference, From Education to Action: School Security Summit, Christin Kinman shares a preview from one of the speakers, Mike Olsen of 360 Security Services.
Breaking Down Silos: Moving From Education to Action
Christin Kinman of Allegion has organized a fantastic event - please share it with your network of teachers, school administrators and staff, risk managers, security directors, parents, and beyond!
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 19
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Lieutenant Kelly Martin, of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
FF: NOOOOO!!!
Robert Lucius of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, taken in a high school. My heart sank when I saw this "fix." Think it's a fire door? WWYD?
WWYD? Shades on Fire Doors
I recently received a question from a wood door manufacturer, about whether it was acceptable for end users to install shades to cover vision lights on fire doors. What are you seeing in the field?
DOORCHECK: K–12 Exterior Door Labeling Guide
I recently received a very clear and concise guide for door numbering from DOORCHECK, and I'm sharing it here with their permission. Take a look, and let us know what you think!
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 18
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with the Jason Stoddard, Director of School Safety and Security for the Charles County Public Schools.
Decoded: Locking Stairway Doors in Schools
In this month's Decoded column for the School Security + Safety edition of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I address several considerations for securing stairwell doors.
WW: If you know, you know.
Joe Phillips of Allegion sent me this Wordless Wednesday photo of a fire door assembly in a school, that has been equipped with brackets for the installation of a barricade device. #wordless
Campus Safety: Functional Locks or Security Illusions?
I recently updated an article for Campus Safety Magazine, and I am sharing a few of the statistics and sources with you in today's post. You might find some of them surprising.
Locksmith Ledger: Codes in Context
If you're a frequent reader of iDigHardware, you've heard me mention the work of the BHMA CGIA. Check out this article published in Locksmith Ledger for more on this important industry organization.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 17
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with the Tall Cop, Jermaine Galloway, about substance abuse in schools.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 I-Codes
In the January/February issue of Door Security + Safety magazine, I have an article giving a preview of two important changes that have been approved for the 2027 I-Codes.
Case Study: Securing the Perimeter
Today I'm sharing a case study by Christin Kinman of Allegion, which includes some great examples of how to address school security concerns without compromising on safety.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 16
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Kevin Wren, school safety advocate with the Cook and Boardman Group.
WW: Locked in the Classroom?
When classroom barricade devices were introduced, I felt confident that the codes developed over the last 100+ years would continue to protect building occupants. I was (partially) wrong.
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.