January 2010 - Staff should be trained on school's crisis management plan.  This would include proper protocol that should be detailed in the event of a
school lock-down.  Failure to properly execute a lock-down can result in increased physical harm or casualties.

December 2009 - Create a School Safety Team that is comprised of parents, students, and staff.  Team should stay abreast of school safety and security best practices and communicate recommendations to school administration.

November 2009 - Issue two-way communication devices (such as walkie-talkies to all staff to ensure immediate internal/external communication in case of emergency or lock-down.

October 2009 - Assign a School Resource Officer whose responsibilities include reviewing student social networking sites.  Threats of violence towards staff and students alike have been detected and prevented through periodic review and supervision of student accounts.

September 2009 - All exterior doors should have at least one permanent or non-removable hinge.

August 2009 - There should be one, secure point of entry for all visitors to enter the school.  This secure area should be monitored by staff.

July 2009 - Staff should be trained on school's crisis
management plan.  This would include proper protocol that should be followed in the event of a school lock-down.  Failure to properly execute a lock-down can result in increased physical harm or casualties.

June 2009 - Create code words that can be announced over the intercom as a distress signal thus sending the school into lock-down.  Only staff should be aware of the code words and their associated meanings.

May 2009 - Develop a receptive, systematic, on-campus policy for when parents visit the school or meet with teachers.

April 2009 - Secure interior and external roof access points (ladders, awnings, canopies, etc.).

March 2009 - Establish a systematic, mandatory threat and incident reporting system (with anonymity available) that provides complete information on accidents, discipline problems, vandalism, child abuse,
or security threats.

February 2009 - Precise emergency evacuation plans should be posted near the entrance to each room in the school outlining the evacuation route that should be followed from that location.

January 2009 - Promote student responsibility for safe schools by dedicating a bulletin board to keeping staff, students, and parents aware of school security issues such as social engineering and other modern areas of vulnerability.

December 2008 - School staff should be trained to recognize and address cyber and/or electronic bullying and threats.

November 2008 - Maintain a list of all chemicals and substances both in the science lab and the janitorial closet.

October 2008 - Track all visitor badges numerically or with a unique identification system.  Place the badge or visitor pass number next to the person's name on the Visitor Log.

September 2008 - Provide and promote ongoing security and safety awareness training for your students and staff.  This training should occur a minimum of once per semester.

August 2008 - Identify a primary Incident Command Center and a backup, off-site Incident Command Center (ICC).  The off-site ICC should also be capable of handling a full student body evacuation.

Sign Up for Our Monthly Security Tips!