9 Tips for Maximizing School Safety

From school shootings to bullying, many issues threaten the safety of students, teachers, school staff, and visitors. Going to school should not be dangerous, and students should not fear for their safety when they spend time in class. 

School officials should request a school safety assessment from competent analysts to solve these issues. By assessing a school’s vulnerabilities, the different threats it faces, and their potential consequences, it becomes easier to take appropriate measures to improve safety and security. Start with an assessment, and then make a plan.

Here are tips for maximizing school safety:

Lock gates during the day

Some schools could benefit from being surrounded by fences. These can help keep intruders off the school property while ensuring students don’t risk wandering off during recess.

It would also be important to keep the school gates locked during the day and evening and only unlock them when students and school staff get in and out at the start and end of the day.

Monitor and track visitors

Whether or not the school has security fences and gates, it’s essential to ensure individuals who don’t belong in the school can’t come in and walk around as they please.

Visitors should be identified, tracked, and closely monitored when they enter the school property. School staff will always want to know who is visiting the school, why they’re here, what they’re doing, and when they’re expected to leave. Managing visitors is a simple way to improve school safety.

Implement a weapon detection system

Implementing a gun detection system is one of the most important tips for maximizing school safety. Weapon detection systems use AI-powered technology to detect weapons and other threats. These non-invasive systems can effectively replace metal detectors and pat-downs, allowing students to enjoy a more positive experience.

Whenever a threat is detected, the system will alert security staff so they can respond immediately to keep the school safe.

Set up surveillance cameras

Setting up surveillance cameras inside and outside the school can be another efficient way to maximize safety. A surveillance system can perfectly complement a weapon detection system. The simple fact of having cameras around can be enough to deter violent or illegal behaviour.

But if an incident should happen despite all the security measures in place, the footage captured by the surveillance system will show you what happened, when, and who was involved.

Establish an anonymous reporting system

School officials should consider establishing an anonymous reporting system to maximize school safety. Such a system educates students, teachers, and school staff about potential signs of violence or self-harm and allows them to report something they have heard or witnessed safely.

Anonymous reporting could help prevent countless tragedies, and it could allow some students to be provided with the help they need before they commit acts of violence against themselves or others.

Develop a threat management system

However, an anonymous reporting system will only be effective if an efficient threat management system complements it. School officials and law enforcement should collaborate to assess the threats being reported to them and to develop a plan of action so they can intervene before it’s too late.

Although prevention is key, schools should coordinate with first responders to ensure everyone is ready to face a dangerous and violent situation.

Conduct regular safety drills

Schools should conduct safety drills regularly so students, teachers, and everyone else know how to react in an emergency. Fire drills remind students of the proper evacuation procedures in case of a fire. Disaster drills should also be conducted if extreme weather conditions are a concern.

As for lockdown drills, they are necessary to teach students and teachers what they need to do in the event of an attack by an armed assailant. They are practical solutions to school shootings.

Provide students with mental and emotional health resources

Many students who turn to violence or self-harm have a history of depression or desperation. Often, they feel isolated from their peers, or they are victims of bullying.

Providing these students with the mental and emotional health resources they need can help improve school safety and prevent tragedies.

Create a positive and inclusive school climate

Finally, schools can help maximize safety by taking measures to foster a positive and inclusive school climate.

Bullying and violence are not tolerated in a school where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and respected. School officials must determine how to promote positive relationships and improve the school’s climate. Above all, they must ensure students know they can ask for help whenever needed.