Is our school as safe as we think and hope it is? Here’s your chance to decide for yourself. Back in 2013, Homeland Security issued a list of recommendations for schools to use as guidelines for keeping their school safe. Take a look at their guidelines and see how we measure up.

ACCESS CONTROL

• The facility limits building access points.
• Designated access points are monitored to control facility access.
• Signs direct visitors to designated building entrances and exits.  (See photo in slideshow)
• Exterior doors to gyms, maintenance areas, kitchen, and delivery areas are secured when not in use.
• Visitors are required to check in with the front office upon arrival and departure.
• Visitors are provided with school issued identification badges when on school grounds.
• Policies are in place for those with and without appointments or official school business.
• Vendors and contractor personnel are escorted throughout the facility.
• A key control program is established that monitors keys, entry cards, and duplicates.
• Key control program is audited annually.

BUILDING EXTERIOR

• Policies are in place that restrict access to bus-loading zones.
• Bus-loading, unloading, drop off zones and fire zones are clearly marked.
• School designates areas for use of parking lots (e.g., staff lot, student lot, visitor spaces).
• Parking system incorporates an identification system (e.g., placards in windshields).
• Appropriate perimeter barriers or gates are installed and secured when not in use.
• Windows are locked securely.
• Window hardware and frames are regularly inspected for security weaknesses.
• Facility has visual surveillance capability (e.g., designated surveillance points, cleared lines of sight).
• Clear zones adjacent to buildings are free of vegetation and other obstructions.
• Barriers are installed to protect doors and windows from small arms fire and explosive blast effects.
• School grounds are adequately lit.
• Vandalism and graffiti is documented and removed.
• Mechanical, electrical, and other equipment are surrounded by protective enclosures to prevent unauthorized access.
• Access to the roof is restricted.  (See photo in slideshow)
• Speed limits are posted.

BUILDING INTERIOR

• School front office is clearly marked.
• First aid/school nurse office location is clearly marked.
• Critical utility systems and equipment are secured and locked.
• A positive inventory is kept on chemicals in use or used in science classes or laboratory areas.
• Custodial and storage closets are secured and locked.
• The number of containers and trashcans in hallways, atriums, and lobby areas are minimized.
• Unassigned lockers are secured.
• Doors and stairwells are numbered.
• Stairwells, hallways, and restrooms are adequately lit.
• Smoke detectors have vandal-resistant features (e.g., tamper alarms or protective cages).  (See photo in slideshow)
• Doors and locks are in good condition.
• Easy access to fire extinguishers.
• Adequate access to first aid supplies (e.g., automated external defibrillators (AEDs)).
• Blast fragment retention film is on windows.
• Security information and training includes training on how to identify suspicious packages.
• Faculty and staff have been trained to appropriately respond to and report threatening/suspicious phone calls.
• School maintains, reviews, and updates a code of conduct/school handbook.  (See photo in slideshow)
• Students do not have access to the school without direct staff supervision.
• Curricula and programs aimed at preventing harmful behaviors are implemented (e.g., social problem-solving, life skills, anti-bullying, mentoring programs, character education).
• Photo identification badges are issued to all faculty, students, and staff.

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

• Systems are installed that provide two- way communication between faculty, staff, administrators, and security personnel.
• Communication system is installed that provides communication with all people at the school, including faculty, students, staff, emergency response teams, and visitors.
• A notification protocol is developed that outlines who should be contacted in emergencies and how.  (See photo in slideshow)

REPORTING PROCEDURES

• School has a single point of contact for reporting threats, threatening behavior, or concerning behavior and is available 24/7.
• There are multiple ways someone can reach the point of contact for reporting potential threats (e.g., email, telephone, online, in-person).
• Reporting can be anonymous.
• There are clear policies in place for collecting and acting on information about a threatening or potentially threatening situation.
• Policies explain how information will be handled confidentially and appropriately.

SECURITY EQUIPMENT

• Security camera tapes or recordings are retained for an allotted time period.
• All emergency response equipment and supplies are checked on a regular basis.

SECURITY PERSONNEL

• A school security director is designated to develop, implement, and coordinate all security-related activities.
• School security personnel include an armed trained police officer or school resource officer.
• School security personnel are stationed at a single school.
• School security personnel are a visible and regular presence during school hours of operation.
• School security personnel are deployed during normal school hours of operation and special events.
• Security personnel check for unauthorized vehicles in parking lots or on school grounds.
• Halls, common areas, and gyms are monitored for suspicious items (e.g., backpacks, briefcases, boxes).
• Security personnel are deployed to assigned areas to regularly inspect sensitive or critical areas (e.g., auditoriums or under stages where items such as weapons or explosive materials can be hidden).
• Faculty and staff monitor hallways, stairwells, and restrooms during school hours.
• If the building is used after school hours, security personnel are present.

CYBERSECURITY

• School maintains a well-trained computer security staff.
• School faculty and staff are required to use passwords and unique login information to access electronic files.
• Security plans for computer and information systems are established.
• Faculty, staff, and students are trained in safe and secure computer use.
• Cybersafety and cyberbullying programs are provided for students.
• Video security system is adequately protected against hackers.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

• A comprehensive school emergency operations plan has been developed.
• Plan takes into consideration numerous circumstances and criteria for response (e.g., lockdown, evacuation, shelter-in-place).  (See photo in slideshow)
• Plan contains an updated map of the school’s floor plan that includes room numbers, evacuation routes, and utility shut offs.
• Plan contains directions that provide for the needs of students, staff, and visitors with disabilities and other functional and access needs.
• Plain contains action checklists for teachers, administrative staff, and other staff located throughout the school to follow during incident response.
• Plan includes components for post-incident response/recovery (e.g., stress management, mental health services, infrastructure restoration, post-incident evaluation, business continuity plans etc.)
  School conducts regular exercises/drills of emergency plans.