Classroom Security Considerations (May 2018)
I'm hoping this piece sums up the concerns associated with classroom barricade devices and can be used as reference material when discussing options for school security.
SFM issues policy on school security
Here is one state fire marshal's answer to the school security question. What do you think?
WW: Is this panic hardware?? (no)
This type of lock is not panic hardware. We need to be aware of these claims and prepared to address them when questions arise.
Legalities of Classroom Barricade Devices
There has been a lot of discussion about whether classroom barricade devices are "legal," whether they are a violation of the ADA, and whether their use increases liability for schools that use them.
WW: Classroom Security
"He believes school officials could do more to prepare teachers for intruders, whether by investing in padlocks so they aren’t scrambling for ways to barricade doors..."
WW: 9 Years
I can hardly believe that iDigHardware is 9 YEARS OLD!
WWYD? School Security T.M.I.
I'm ready to create any documentation that you need to facilitate these conversations, but I need your help. What information should be included?
Why Compromise?
Let's help school administrators learn how to secure doors more quickly while keeping evacuation options open, rather than on how to make security cheaper while ignoring the potential consequences.
Decoded: Code Requirements for Classroom Security (video)
Our newest whiteboard animation video addresses the important topic of classroom security.
FF: State to City College: Uninstall 1,000 Fire Code-Defying ‘Barricade Devices’
Yesterday, I read an article about a college in California that purchased and installed 1,000 barricade devices at a cost of more than $200,000, as recommended by the local police chief. The college later removed the devices, as they are not compliant with the building code and fire code in California, or with the ADA.
WW: Lockdown Lowdown
Since it's Wordless Wednesday, here is a photo that Jim Phillips of SBS Associates sent me from a school walk-through. Luckily the school's security precautions kept these intruders out.
DoDEA Educational Facilities
The Department of Defense has issued a set of guidelines for schools called the Physical Security and Antiterrorism Design Guide for DoDEA Educational Facilities.
FF: Panic Protector
Jon Millsap posted this Fixed-it Friday photo on his Facebook page (Locksmith's Journal), and he gave me permission to share it here. What do you think? Yea or nay, and why or why not?
Legislative Update on Classroom Barricade Devices
On Tuesday, I wrote about a bill that was passed by the Utah Senate, which would allow classroom barricade devices to be used in Utah schools. Here's a follow-up.
WW: Classroom Door Intruder Lock – Homemade Science
I'm losing hope.
Utah State Legislation on Classroom Barricade Devices
Whether you live and work in Utah or not, a bill that is progressing through the Utah State Legislature could help to set a precedent that may eventually affect your jurisdiction (so please listen up).
Marshall County High School – Follow-Up
I just read an article in the Washington Post - Another school shooting: Are we numb to it? I don't know about you, but I am not numb.
WW: Another School Shooting
As another school shooting occurs, I struggle with what to write. Today is Wednesday, the day that I typically post a photo that leaves me wordless...
School Security Bill – Delaware
Lawmakers in Delaware are scheduled to vote this week on a bill that mandates certain security features in new schools and schools which undergo major renovations.
WW: Wisconsin Teen’s Door-Locking Device Offers Extra Safety In Active Shooter Situations
When this story was posted on Facebook yesterday, several people attempted to address the code issues associated with the teenager's invention. A commenter posted a link to one of my articles, and another commenter called my article "a fallacy"!
Local Codes, Rules, and Guidelines
Does your state Board of Education publish a set of guidelines like the ones used in Illinois? I'd love to see them!
Decoded: Code Requirements for Classroom Security
Our last whiteboard animation video for this year will address the 2018 model code requirements for classroom security...
Team Effort: Prioritizing Life Safety While Addressing Classroom Security
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...
Safe Schools
This week is National Safe Schools Week in the US, and many organizations have resources available to help improve the safety of our schools...
WW: School Entrance Security
Today's Wordless Wednesday photos were sent by Austin Bammann of Central Indiana Hardware. This is NOT the way I would provide security at the entrance to a school. :(
23 Fatalities in Malaysia Dormitory Fire
Security bars or grilles are common on windows in many developing countries and in other areas where security is a major concern...
LockDontBlock.org
Have you seen the new website from the Door Security & Safety Foundation - LockDontBlock.org?
Upcoming AIA-Approved Webinar
On Thursday, September 14th, Allegion will be offering a free 1-hour webinar on access control hardware - at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eastern.
FF: NFPA 101-2018 on Classroom Security
This post has a lot going on. First, since it's Fixed-it Friday and I don't want to disappoint anyone, here's a photo from Bill Stock of Johnson Hardware...
WW: Rope and Cleat System
I give up. Not really. I will never give up.
NFPA 101 Appeals and Testimony
As I've mentioned in previous posts, shortly after the NFPA Technical Meeting on June 7th, two appeals were filed. These appeals were submitted in favor of keeping the proposed changes to NFPA 101 that would allow 2 releasing operations instead of 1...
Why two-operation release is not an option – Joseph Hendry Jr., PSP, CLEE
Joseph Hendry Jr., PSP, CLEE has written the guest blog post below, to share his experience in law enforcement regarding human behavior in an emergency. This relates directly to the question of whether NFPA 101 should continue to limit egress doors to one releasing operation or should allow two operations to release the latch.
Federal lawmakers pressed to make real changes in K-12 security
From Security InfoWatch, an article on a recent congressional briefing by advocates for safe and secure schools...
FF: You Get What You Pay For
I have run out of words. Is this the best we can do to secure our classrooms? :(
Cost Savings vs. Life Safety
Promising to cut "red tape," business-friendly politicians evidently judged that cost concerns outweighed the risks of allowing flammable materials to be used in facades...sound familiar?
New Code Changes for Classroom Doors
Now that the NFPA 101 vote has passed, the 2018 model codes will be pretty consistent with regard to classroom security. I pulled together information from the IBC, IFC, and NFPA 101 for this article...
NFPA 101 – The Votes Are In
As many of you know, yesterday was the NFPA Technical Meeting where NFPA members voted to decide whether NFPA 101 should allow two releasing operations for classroom doors, or continue to require one releasing operation to unlatch the door for egress...
A Tale of Two Schools
I read the two news stories below on the same day, which struck me as ironic. When it comes to security and safety, you can take the easy, fast, and cheap approach, or take the time to carefully consider the issues and alternatives and invest in a suitable solution...
Vote for Life Safety
NASFM is certainly aware of the need to protect our schools and businesses from senseless acts of violence, however we feel strongly we must carefully consider the solutions being proposed...
Classroom Security Risk Transfer – Paul Timm, PSP
On a fairly regular basis, someone sends me a video clip or a link to a news story, asking, “Have you seen this classroom lockdown device?”
FF: Convenience vs. Security
After a lockdown system was installed at this elementary school, a piece of pipe insulation was glued to the entrance door leading to the day care center. Why?
Fire Destroys School in Mesquite Texas
Following up on my earlier post about school security and safety, here's a report from Fox 4 News about a school fire that occurred just yesterday...
Classroom Security AND Classroom Safety – Why Compromise? (June 2017)
The graphic that will appear with this article in Doors & Hardware illustrates a potential application for existing classroom doors if the 2-operation language is approved...
Violent crimes in public schools: Why parents aren’t being notified
With these conditions in so many schools, I don't understand why any district would take on the potential liability associated with failure to meet their duties of care...
I need you.
Let's not look back on this moment in history and think, "If only we had done something..."
2-Operation Follow-Up
When a proposal was made to add a reference in Chapter 7 to the exceptions for 2 operations, the Technical Committee on Means of Egress almost unanimously opposed this change...
WW: Exit Bolt
My husband: "Do other people cry on Wednesdays or is it just you?"
WWYD? 1 Operation, or 2?
I need your help. The topic of today's post could affect life safety for decades, and I hope you will read it and leave some feedback...
Looking Back: Nickel Mines PA School Incident
From the moment a gunman began shooting 10 girls in an Amish schoolhouse last year, 2½ agonizing minutes ticked by before state police were able to force their way into the barricaded building...
Chardon High School Shooting – 5 years later
It's hard to believe that today is the 5th anniversary of the shooting at Chardon High School, where 3 students were killed and 3 others were wounded...