• Survey locks, fences, exterior lights and other physical security devices to ensure that they are in place where needed and in proper operating condition. Establish a monthly inspection of your security perimeter and key protective features of your facility.
• Establish and follow strict visitor control procedures such as mandatory sign-ins, name badges, escorts, etc. In addition, all doors should be locked while school is in session, with a staff member monitoring who enters and exits.
• Review your procedures for issuing facility keys and access cards. All staff, including parent volunteers and part-time or seasonal staff, should be screened before being issued building access. Keep lists of who has been issued keys/cards and have a procedure for handling a situation when a troubled employee is terminated without returning them.
• If you are considering building a new facility or renovating a current one, make sure that security and disaster resilience is a large factor in the building plans.
Keeping your building secure from outside criminals or unauthorized personnel is a paramount responsibility. Assess your facility’s current security features and determine where improvements should be made.
