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.
Last-Minute Training Opportunity – DOIT
Over the last 10+ years, I have met many people who are committed to the safety and security of schools, and I just realized that two of my favorite school safety advocates are presenting a webinar this week! Read more in today's post.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security
As the use of technology in schools grows, there are both positive and negative implications to be considered. In the third episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Jeff Bean about this topic.
FF: Wall Mag
This one's going to be a tough fix...a wall magnet in a school corridor that is missing a crucial component. Without the electrified hold open to release the door during an intruder situation, the security of this wing of the school is compromised.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security
It's our responsibility to study past tragedies in hopes of improving future outcomes. In the second episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Guy Bliesner about the shooting that occurred at Rigby Middle School.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security
In the past 10+ years, I have been blessed to meet many people who share the mission of school security and safety, including Paul Timm of Allegion and Michele Gay of Safe and Sound Schools. Hear from Paul and Michele on the first episode of this new podcast.
WW: Another DIY Barricade Device
I received this Wordless Wednesday photo from Paul Timm of Allegion, another example of a school district's efforts to implement a means of locking doors quickly in case of an active shooter situation. But what about other hazards?
Update: Panic Hardware Infographic
I recently shared this resource on panic hardware, and there were several suggestions from readers of iDigHardware that resulted in some changes to the infographic. Thanks to all who weighed in - here's the updated version.
Locksmith Ledger: Classroom Locks 101, by Ken Cook
If you specify or provide door hardware, work for a school district, or advise school administrators on their safety and security methods, the article in today's post is a valuable tool for understanding the various considerations and options.
WW: School Exit
Joe Hendry of Navigate360 sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken in an occupied school. This door serves the means of egress from the administrative office area. I'm wordless.
Infographic: Recommended Lock Functions for Classrooms
There isn't one lock function that works for every school - in some schools, only staff members with keys are able to lock the classroom doors, and in other schools anyone can lock the doors. WWYD?
School Security Best Practices for Openings
A new educational resource for school security and safety is now available, which provides a combined overview of industry recommended best practices for door openings as recommended by security organizations, federal reports, and past incident reports.
Follow-Up: Locked Stairwell Doors
Last week I answered a quick question about locking stairwell doors, and Jim Elder of Secured Design raised a great point in a comment on the post. Here is a follow-up related to the release of locked stairwell doors upon fire alarm activation.