Schlage CO-220 Standalone Classroom Lockdown Solution
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Decoded: Safe and Secure Schools
My next Decoded article focuses on safety requirements to consider while addressing school security. And while we're on the subject, Safe and Sound Schools is conducting their 4th survey on the National State of School Safety, and I invite you to participate.
FBI Study on Active Shooters
One of the speakers at last week's NFPA School Safety Summit was Katherine Schweit, a Supervisory Special Agent for the FBI. Agent Schweit spoke about the FBI's Active Shooter Initiative, and the published study that was recently released.
WWYD? Elopement in Schools
Even if we only consider the space with the smallest occupant load - the classroom, the codes do not give us many options for preventing a student from eloping. If the classroom has an exterior door that is required for egress, it can not be locked in the direction of egress....
Fire Risk in Schools
Between 2013 and 2017, an average of 4,859 structure fires occurred in educational facilities each year, and only 39% of the schools where fires occurred had sprinkler systems. Read more...
WWYD? School Security Bill
These school security requirements could eventually be incorporated into your state's school security legislation. What additions or changes would you like to see?
Lawsuit Filed Over Lax School Security
Among the allegations is that Sandy Hook Elementary School had security policies and procedures in place that teachers weren't able to follow on the day of the killings. Classroom doors could only be locked from the outside with keys...
Peebles High School: Hero teacher had to ‘batter down’ fire escape door to rescue pupils
News reports indicate during a serious fire that occurred last month in a Scotland high school, the lockdown system prevented immediate egress.
School Security: Know Better, Do Better
I have to admit...I was very disappointed when a document from the U.S. government referenced security methods that could conflict with the adopted codes. But there's a new (and improved!) edition of the K-12 School Security Guide!
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.
Life Safety vs. School Security
It has been two years since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Security has become a priority for many school districts, and I do believe that schools are more secure now. Added security won't be able to prevent every school-related incident, especially when so many of the "intruders" have actually been members of the school community - often students...
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 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 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.
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?
School Security & Safety in 2022
I hope 2022 will be the year that the experts are heard and their advice followed, with decision-makers choosing proven security products rather than untested methods that don't comply with the codes established over 100+ years.
Breaks on Impact, by Rob Botman
It has been a while since I've posted about the hazards of traditional wired glass, but the problem has not gone away. Although the US codes have changed, there are millions of existing pieces of this glass in schools and other buildings. Canada has seen several lawsuits lately - 1 worth more than 5 million dollars, and what's particularly interesting is that some of the glass in question met the code requirements in place in Canada at the time of installation, but facilities may still be held liable for wired glass injuries because they should have been aware of the hazard and addressed it. I am posting the article below with permission from the author, Rob Botman. The article first appeared in Glass Canada, and a reprint can be downloaded by clicking here. There is additional information about the requirements for glazing on the Glass tab above.^
WWYD? Security vs. Convenience
Many school security experts advise schools to keep classroom doors locked at all times, but is that feasible? How do we overcome the challenge of security vs. convenience? WWYD?
The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio schools can’t use barricades to keep gunmen out
Will lawmakers uphold the codes that have been protecting us for decades, or will they change state laws to satisfy the parents and teachers who are pushing for a change that would sacrifice free egress in favor of inexpensive locking methods?
School Shootings – A Closer Look at the Statistics
Every school shooting is disturbing, but seeing a number like 74 shootings is enough to drive schools to use any methods possible to protect students and staff from the imminent threat of an intruder. As we've discussed before, many of the security devices being employed by schools are not code-compliant, and/or not a good long-term solution.
WWYD? School Security
In addition to providing support and training on door-related code requirements, my job also includes participating in code development - helping to propose changes to the codes that affect our business, and reviewing proposals from others. There is currently research underway that may propose to add school security requirements to a national code...
PASS Guidelines Recognized by State, Federal School Safety Commissions
In recent months, the PASS guidelines have been recognized by several state and federal organizations aiming to improve school safety and security. Read more about it in today's post.
School Security on Election Day
Were schools in your city or town used as polling places in last week's election? What precautions were taken to maintain security and safety while allowing access to all registered voters?
Balancing Life Safety and Security in Educational Occupancies
This article - about balancing life safety with school security - is the cover story for the Spring 2022 issue of Life Safety Digest. Feel free to share it with school administrators or others who may need it!
Recent News
Georgia school shooting: A hero emerges - Christian Science Monitor
Door Security and Safety: Continuing the Conversation (video)
I recently shared an announcement about a webinar with 5 panelists who discussed school safety and classroom security. In case you missed it, today's post includes the recording of that webinar.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission
The first meeting of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission was held this week, and information was shared which will help us to understand the role played by physical security and design features of the building.
School Crime Stats – The Good News and The Bad News
The National Center for Education Statistics has just published an updated report for Indicators of School Crime and Safety through 2015. The good news is...
Upcoming School Safety Events
If you're looking to learn more about school safety and security, there are some upcoming opportunities for training and networking - from Safe and Sound Schools, PASS, Allegion, and me!
21 News Investigates: School Barricades
Remember when Ohio's state codes were changed in order to allow classroom barricade devices? Almost 5 years later, questions are being raised about safety.