Active Shooters and School Security

Sadly, our nation’s schools are not only tasked with educating today’s children; they’re also tasked with protecting their lives. Now more than ever, schools need to be prepared to deal with the possibility of an active shooter situation. Here are some actions items for schools to consider.

Integrating all Systems

When it comes to dealing with an active school shooter scenario, the best electronic defense is integration of the school’s various security systems: electronic locks, alarms, security cameras and access control systems. When everything is integrated to work together, only one system needs to be monitored in an emergency. This is important for those on the ground, and equally important for the monitoring center that receives your system’s signals and dispatches police.

We offer many campus security integration options at Guardian Security. Brivo is a cloud-based access control system for educational campuses that integrates seamlessly with your video surveillance system – plus, it boosts emergency response planning by providing lock-down features, emergency notifications and real-time incident information.

Effective integration goes beyond electronics; it involves people as well. A school should have active shooter response roles clearly defined for all of its staff members, from administrators to teachers, to custodial and support staff.

Updating all Systems

Integrating is key, but there’s one rule of thumb: “You can’t integrate until you update.” The older the school, the more it is likely to be in need of electronic security updates. To be as prepared as possible for an active shooter situation, a campus should discontinue any outdated systems and upgrade as necessary. A comprehensive assessment of campus security systems can be performed to determine what changes need to be made.

One update we highly recommend is incorporating a mass notification solution. The Siemens Fire Alarm and Mass Notification System is a fantastic option for schools that need a responsive, intelligent fire detection system. There is no campus too large for its effectiveness, and its high fidelity sound is unmatched.

Assigning Responsibilities to Staff

Effective integration goes beyond electronics; it involves people as well. A school should have active shooter response roles clearly defined for all of its staff members, from administrators to teachers, to custodial and support staff. Every adult should know what his or her responsibility is in the event of an active shooter situation at the school. Some roles may involve the electronic security system, while other roles will involve physical action and decision making. In any case, the accountability factor of staff plays a crucial role.

We highly recommend these measures to schools serving all populations: public, private, elementary and secondary. Schools in all of these categories have been threatened by active shooters in recent years; no one type of school is immune to the possibility. To discuss your school’s security improvement goals and learn how electronic security can help in an active shooter situation, contact Guardian Security.

About Guardian Security

Guardian Security is the first choice for security in the Pacific Northwest for public buildings, office buildings, warehouses, homes, schools, hotels, and hospitals. Our customers have included local and national names that you know and trust.

Matt Smith
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