Reducing the Risks

School security measures that can help reduce the risks of terrorism while also reducing the risks of other types of school security incidents:

  • School safety web training systems
  • Visitor management software
  • Properly trained and armed school security and/or law enforcement personnel assigned to schools
  • Training in pattern matching and recognition
  • Involvement of law enforcement, fire service, emergency management and public health officials in school crisis planning
  • External school security assessments conducted by a firm with anti-terrorist qualifications
  • Proximity card systems
  • Training in visual weapons screening
  • Security laminate film
  • Drills which require independent judgement of staff
  • Ballistic laminate film for key glass areas
  • Duress button systems
  • Virtual tours of school facilities for use in emergency situations
  • Emergency notification systems
  • Portable radios for key staff
  • Fencing
  • External numbering of doors
  • The use of Knox boxes to provide keys to first responders
  • Thoughtfully implemented school security camera systems

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • dormitory with green roofs, solar panels, balconies, and labeled architectural annotations

    2025 Residence Hall Design Trends Focus on Sustainability, Flexibility, Community, Technology, and Well-Being

    With the most technically advanced Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) at the helm, residence hall design trends for 2025 look to focus on flexible spaces, health and wellness, sustainability, community, and digital technology.

  • Rush-Henrietta Central School District’s Sperry High School

    A New Perspective: Using Adaptive Reuse Concepts in K-12 Planning

    In the face of increasing pressures on construction timelines, budgets, and material availability, the renovation and reuse of pre-existing structures for new purposes can help bridge the gap between modern school programming and outdated school infrastructure.

  • Fellowes Launches New Textile Collection

    Fellowes Contract Interiors recently partnered with Momentum Textiles & Wallcoverings to launch a new line of high-end-design, cost-effective textiles, according to a news release. Part of Momentum Textiles’ Kickstart collection, the new selection offers high-quality and versatile textiles for both smaller budgets and the early design phase of larger projects.

  • Greenheck Receives Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

    Air movement, control, conditioning, and distribution equipment solutions provider Greenheck recently announced that it has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract, according to a news release. The HVAC Systems contract will allow Greenheck the opportunity to expand opportunities in government procurement and other public agencies in North America.