Schools may no longer be the safe havens we once considered them to be. Security on campus is a major concern for staff, students and parents. And recent headlines dominated by news of school shootings and other acts of violence can make it difficult to think of schools as secure spaces.
Thankfully, more and more school systems are adopting security measures to improve the safety and security of students and teachers. While schools can’t prevent every violent act, they are increasingly making sure they’re prepared to handle security issues that might arise.
Whether you’re a parent, a student, or a staff member, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your school’s safety policies and procedures. The more informed we are about safety and security, the safer our schools will be.
Why Is School Safety And Security Important?
Staff and students’ physical safety is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to school safety and security. Unsafe schools also make it difficult for students to learn and achieve at their highest potential.
Caring for students’ basic safety needs is one step we can all take toward improving school security. While installing metal detectors or security cameras won’t solve every school safety issue, they’re small steps to take to make students feel more secure.
More secure schools foster happier, more comfortable students. And students who are less concerned about their physical well-being can focus more on learning and achieving.
How Can We Make School Safety And Security Better?
While states vary on security requirements for schools, a recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) noted the following measures have helped provide safer school environments for our children and staff.
These include:
- Controlling building access with systems, security cameras, and CCTV
- Security and fire alarm systems
- Metal detectors
- Emergency preparedness plans (including lockdown procedures and exercise drills)
- School security staff
- Partnerships with local law enforcement and county officials
- Safety and risk assessments
- Security and crisis training programs
Implementing the above measures are crucial for better school security. But it’s also important that we continue to work together as a community to recognize dangers, be proactive, and build a safer environment for our children’s education.
School Safety And Security Solutions
At Security Alarm, we strive to provide Southern Illinois schools with the best in school security technology. We have over 35 years of education security experience.
Here are just a few of the services we provide to keep schools safe:
- Keyless entry systems to restrict access to school and campus buildings
- Panic buttons connected to local fire and police departments
- High-definition security cameras to help keep an eye on suspicious activity
Our goal is to provide systems that put the safety and security of our children and teaching staff first.
