Every student and staff have a right to a safe education. Luckily, with the development of new security technology, schools now have access to cutting-edge safety measures and school door lock systems that keep students safe.
Access control, like a door fob entry system, is an important tool for improving safety and security on campus, and technological advancements enable schools to replace outdated keyed locks with high-tech keyless substitutes, keeping dangers outside of the building and classrooms and giving students and staff control over their own safety. However, in order for these systems to be effective, they must be kept up-to-date and properly maintained.
Below, we’ll look into the importance of keeping your school’s access control systems updated, the benefits that updated security systems provide, and when you should consider upgrading your school’s security system.
Keep reading to learn more and find out why Action 1st Loss Prevention should be your first call when your school’s access control security system needs a professional upgrade.
The Importance of Keeping School Door Entry Systems Up to Date
Schools have perilous exterior access points and confusing interior layouts that create dangerous situations. With responsive technology that complies with the standards set by various school safety organizations, updated keyless lock systems manage these vulnerabilities.
The Federal Commission on School Safety (FCSS) establishes the normative criteria for all-inclusive school safety measures. The FCSS advises giving teachers the authority to shield students from harm and provide them with safety. In addition, the FCSS also mandates that every classroom have locks that can be opened from the inside using a key, code, or other credentials.
To allow for a safe exit during an emergency evacuation, locks should be openable from inside the classroom using a single motion, according to the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Additionally, authorized faculty members should always be able to unlock the door from the hallway outside.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which establishes industry standards for the integrity of keyed and keyless locks, delves further into the locks themselves. Some locks, such as the majority of keyless locks, surpass ANSI standards, thereby enhancing everyone's safety inside the school.
The importance of maintaining effective school door locks is highlighted by the fact that these standards are constantly changing as threats and technology change. As a result, faculty, staff, students, and visitors are at risk if these standards are not met.
Benefits of Updated Access Control Systems for School Campuses
Schools are responsible for safeguarding all aspects of the school campus, including staff, students, visitors, learning spaces, data, equipment, and more. As a result, it’s vital that all access control systems are kept up to date to ensure effective security.
Here are some of the advantages of keeping your school’s access control systems updated:
Video Surveillance
School cameras in gyms, cafeterias, sports fields, parking lots, and all entry points can significantly increase campus security. Video security is maximized by high-definition surveillance cameras with pan, tilt, and zoom options.
Better visual recognition may be made possible by a high-definition camera, and a wide viewing angle may enable the capture of a larger, more complete image. To take video security to the next level, be sure to pick smart cameras that can identify people on watch lists and alert the security staff if their presence is detected.
Improved Access Management
The majority of schools with numerous access points find it impossible to effectively manage them all. Due to a lack of qualified employees in the security staff, they are frequently forced to focus their efforts in high-risk areas. The remaining access points are now exposed to attack and unprotected as a result.
Instead, a school security system could instantly alert local law enforcement or security staff of any breaches or other personnel, allowing them to respond to security lock breaches quickly. Instead, based on a person's designation within the system, access control systems enable custom-tailored access.
Automatic Door Locks
Authorities with experience of violent incidents in schools confirmed that some of the incidents were brought on by a malfunctioning door lock system. It takes less time for school staff to manually lock doors and reduce required protocols when there is a high-quality security system with lockdown plans that automatically activate campus door lock systems.
It is strongly advised to use a mobile-capable access control system because it enables instantaneous activation of lockdown plans from mobile devices. It gives users the time to respond quickly using a device that is practically always available, making it an incredibly effective tool in circumstances where a few seconds can make the difference between life and death.
Mass Notification System
Some states have passed legislation requiring emergency alert systems in school buildings due to an increase in violent school incidents. The purpose of school security systems, which frequently take the form of wall-mounted buttons, is to enable law enforcement to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible. Mobile app versions are becoming more and more popular due to their practicality.
When an immediate response is required, mass notifications enable law enforcement to react quickly and effectively. In addition to alerting law enforcement, the access control system can also inform parents, administrators, and staff members, enabling them to make the appropriate preparations for emergency times.
Update Your School’s Access Control System with Action 1st Loss Prevention
Sadly, schools are not impervious to danger. Fortunately, lock systems can be custom tailored to each school's requirements. If you’re thinking of updating your school’s access control system, be sure to start with the areas that are most exposed, including any entrances or exits, as well as rooms like computer labs that house expensive equipment.
At Action 1st Loss Prevention, we care about the safety of the students and teachers in our neighborhoods and believe students should feel safe in their learning environment.
Our number one priority is to provide our customers with high-quality security solutions backed by a higher caliber of customer service and professionalism. With the help of our state-of-the-art access control systems, we can provide your school with the most cutting-edge and intelligent security solutions to keep everyone in your facility safe and secure at all times.
Are you looking to upgrade the access control system in your school? Contact Action 1st Loss Prevention today to schedule a free consultation.
