School Safety Essentials Every Institution Must Have in Place

Ensuring school safety should be a priority for educational institutions. According to Statista, the US had 25.8 children aged 12-17 years in 2022. The 0-5 age group included 22.4 million children. The numbers indicate that millions of American children go to school, and parents are always concerned about their safety.

Schools are responsible for the care and well-being of students. However, physical and psychological threats persist, making it important to implement comprehensive safety measures. In this article, we will share a few safety essentials every institution must have in place.

Access Control Systems

Foot traffic in educational institutions is high, with parents coming to drop off and pick up kids. There is always a chance of unauthorized entry into the premises. Having an access control system in place is the best way to safeguard the premises. Advanced technologies such as key card entry systems, biometric scanners, and visitor management protocols ensure safety.

These systems should be installed outside sensitive areas like classrooms, administrative offices, and laboratories. Additionally, institutions should limit entry points to ease monitoring. Requiring all visitors to sign in and provide identification upon entering the school is a good idea. Also, they should conduct routine checks of access points to ensure the proper functioning of security measures.

Outdoor Safety

According to EducationWeek, nearly a third of public school leaders in the US are concerned about the traffic patterns around their buildings. They believe that it threatens students’ safety as they commute to school. Outdoor safety, therefore, should be on top of the safety checklist of educational institutions.

Some simple solutions can help prevent mishaps. These include design elements like speed bumps, design lanes, and crossing guards. Also, do not allow parents to park their vehicles for too long outside the campus. Teenage children should not be allowed to drive to school as they are vulnerable to driving errors.

What role do parents play in ensuring school safety?

Parents can play a key role in school safety. They should stay in touch with school administrators about concerns and participate in safety meetings or committees. Additionally, they must commit to creating awareness among children at home. Their involvement helps foster a collaborative approach to creating a safe educational environment.

Surveillance Systems

Another must-have safety essential for schools is an investment in high-quality surveillance cameras throughout the premises. These act as visible deterrents, discouraging criminal activity and providing valuable evidence in case of incidents. Cameras should cover all critical zones such as entrances, hallways, and playgrounds.

Ensure that they are placed strategically to cover blind spots that may not be otherwise visible. Also, regularly check and maintain surveillance equipment to ensure proper functionality. At the same time, you must have clear policies regarding data storage and access to footage to protect student privacy.

Emergency Response Plans

An effective emergency response plan can be a lifesaver in case of incidents like fire and earthquakes. School fires are rare, but authorities should not overlook the risk. In September this year, a massive fire broke out in a vacant elementary school in Silver Spring. Fortunately, no one was around as the school was being demolished for construction. The incident highlights the importance of fire safety.

The only way to deal with such disasters is to be adequately prepared. Conduct drills for different scenarios at least twice a year. Institutions must have fire extinguishers in place and work closely with the firefighting department to conduct such drills. While teaching kids about fire safety is a good idea, firefighters should lead these drills to educate kids about the threats involved.

Besides the risk of burns and choking, exposure to the chemicals in firefighting foam is a concern. Although effective, firefighting foam contains forever chemicals that may cause AFFF foam cancer. Firefighters are at a high risk due to prolonged exposure to these chemicals in the line of duty.

TorHoerman Law notes that many firefighters have brought up the AFFF lawsuits against the manufacturers of firefighting foam. They are being blamed for not sending a warning regarding the risk of AFFF exposure.

How often should schools conduct safety drills?

As a rule, schools must conduct safety drills at least twice a year. These drills should cover various scenarios such as fire evacuations, lockdowns, and natural disasters. Regular drills enable students and staff to be aware of emergency procedures and respond effectively during an actual crisis.

Mental Health Support Systems

Surprisingly, mental health is an integral part of school safety. The CDC highlights the statistics regarding the deterioration of mental health among adolescents in the US. In 2023, 4 in 10 students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Even younger children are susceptible to bullying, anxiety, and depression.

Educational institutions must provide access to mental health resources to address such issues among students. They can offer on-site counseling services for students and train teachers to recognize signs and respond appropriately. Promoting awareness through open discussions about emotional well-being is another tangible step.

What are the mental health risks for school students?

Multiple factors can affect mental health among young children and adolescents. These include exposure to adversity, peer pressure, and exploration of identity. Sometimes, students bully others, making it hard for weak children to deal with this behavior.

Safety is as important as imparting quality education to schools. They should do their bit to create safe and inclusive environments where students can thrive and parents can be stress-free. Implementing these practices can help them achieve the goal of safety and peace of mind.