Whether it's severe weather, an active security threat, or an unfortunate accident, an emergency can happen in your building at any time. Will you be prepared? To give everyone the best possible chance of staying safe, make sure to consider the following:
Communications Standards
In a crisis, communication is essential to identify the problem and the best response. Your building probably has some communication channels already, such as a two-way communication system, to issue alerts and talk with others in your facility and law enforcement. However, there are additional issues to consider with communications:
Is there a backup for contacting first responders and others in your building if your primary communication system fails?
If there’s potential for an emergency, but it hasn’t happened yet, how do you communicate to prevent the crisis?
Who knows the proper protocol if there is an emergency? Who has the authority to access the communication?
What happens if there’s a false alarm?
The answers to each of these questions will be different, such as response to a fire, active shooter, and other crises. Still, covering the protocol for as many situations as possible is essential to be prepared for the worst.
Having a backup plan in case of communication failure is probably the biggest issue to solve. Having additional ways to communicate an emergency, such as a button to push, a 3rd party providing security services, or an additional communication method, such as a cell phone or intercom system, can go a long way in saving time and lives.
Clear Signage & Labeling
In an emergency, people in your building must quickly know where to exit the building or communicate where they are. Of course, work to have exit signs and emergency protocol signs for individual rooms visible and accessible. One particular sign to make sure is available is the room number. Often, rooms have a number or code for security purposes and to identify rooms so responders specifically know a crisis is occurring or people are trapped. Having this room number displayed in the room will help victims identify where they are located so they can ask for assistance. Law enforcement often knows these rooms based on building plans you share with them, but having the number posted outside the room will help them do their rescue jobs more efficiently.
You may also want to review signage around items such as AED units or fire extinguishers. In times of crisis, a few seconds can change everything, so make sure people can find what they need quickly in a time of panic. If something might block the view of the signage or the device from certain angles, remove it so there’s always a clear line of sight from anywhere in the room. If these devices aren’t in the room, make sure there’s signage to direct people where to find them.
Classroom/Small Room Security
Depending on the crisis, being in a small room can be a great asset or a detriment. For example, in an active shooter situation, a properly secured room will make it a safe place for people to stay until responders arrive, but it can also act as a trap if the shooter can enter or aim their weapon from the outside. Additionally, a room with one exit can be easy to guard, but if that exit is blocked, it can be challenging to leave during a crisis such as a fire. Take these considerations as you review your room security plans:
How many windows are in the room? Are they something people could escape through if needed? Do they give visibility to the entire classroom or just a small section?
How secure are the doors and the door locks? Are they sturdy or easy to break with enough force? Can responders open them quickly if needed?
If people need to stay in a room for extended periods, are there supplies to help them through the situation? Items to help blockade doors and windows? Things to break glass or other hazards?
If there’s a crisis in a room, can a teacher or staff member easily contact the office or authorities?
There’s no way to account for every situation that may arise, but knowing the capabilities of each room and its inhabitants can go a long way in saving lives.
Emergency Education
Education about what to do in a crisis is probably the most essential item on this list, as teaching and reinforcing what to do will give an increased chance of making the best decision they can in the moment. That’s why it’s crucial to go over your protocols of what to do with your staff as often as needed so everyone knows their role and responsibilities, even if they only have seconds or minutes to react. In these situations, people will look to them for leadership and guidance, so ensuring they can act on instinct and knowledge rather than freezing in place will help give those around them confidence to stay calm. Whether it's through practice drills or reminders during staff meetings, give your staff as many opportunities as possible to learn and relearn what to do in any emergency.
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Security is and will always be an issue for our schools and educational institutions as we look for the best way to protect anyone who enters our buildings. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone in this fight. Reach out to others in similar situations, law enforcement, or any of our vendor partners below for recommendations and best practices to help design your emergency response plans. If we work on solutions together, we can work to protect each other and build a better future for all.
Check Out Our Vendor Partners!
Centegix
CENTEGIX innovates technology to save and enrich lives. This is accomplished through our award-winning CrisisAlert™ solution which enables anyone to get help with the push of a button. CrisisAlert empowers confident human action in any incident – from the everyday to the extreme. Our easy-to-use solution allows staff and administrators to immediately handle any situation, anywhere on the premises. Our wearable badge ensures that staff never have to worry about finding help because help will always find them. When staff feel safe and secure, they are free to focus on being productive, every day.
Per Mar Security
Per Mar Security Services is the largest family-owned, full-service company in the Midwest. We are committed to providing you with comprehensive security solutions, superior customer service, and protection you can trust. For more information about Per Mar, please visit our website at www.permarsecurity.com.
Rassbach Communications
Rassbach Communications is a family-owned company based in Wisconsin, since 1957. Our business focuses on all aspects of wireless communications for manufacturing, educational, institutional, public safety, retail, agricultural, healthcare clients, and more.