Top 10 security measures that all schools should take

The following is a list of 10 security considerations that we feel all schools should investigate

1. Communication

What systems do you have in place?

Staff mobile phones?

Distress alarms?

2. Access Control

Limit the flow of people by using access control

Consider assigning access control pass cards to students, too. Your passes can double up as student I.D.

3. Signage

You need to have clear signage highlighting what to do in an emergency, emergency exits and if you are monitoring by CCTV

4. Secure the perimeter

Ensure you have a gated entrance, perhaps a security gate that requires a keypad/swipe card entry to access

5. CCTV

It is important to think about the placement of CCTV cameras, as cameras and their cables could be prone to attack.

6. Security lighting 

Security lighting should also fall into the design considerations for CCTV implementation. E.g. Flood lights that are triggered by infra-red detectors.

During Winter it gets darker earlier, therefore, security lighting outside is a good idea.

7. Know thy visitor

You should know at all times who is on the premises, especially visitors. Consider I.D. cards for visitors

8. Data access

You still need access to your data in an emergency and/or if the power is down.

You can get an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) unit which means you can still work or access your records on the grounds

9. Educate staff and students

on emergency procedures. It’s a good idea to review and remind them on a regular basis

Practice!

Just like in a fire alarm practice, you may also want to practice what happens in other situations. 

Justifying security costs:

Damage to your fine reputation

A fall in enrolment, and potentially disruption from learning  

Lower morale from staff and students

Disruption to learning - especially if it is a loss of equipment 

Get in touch today for your free school security audit