The security of educational institutions is extremely important in today’s world. Each year, about 30,000 criminal offenses are reported on U.S. campuses.
Every campus needs the most up-to-date safety and security control system to monitor the safety of buildings, residential areas, delivery zones, and more. Life safety and security control systems support the safety of our nation’s campuses, so students and everyone else on campus can focus on learning and feel secure.
With over 95 years of experience, Lemberg is a trusted advisor for educational institutions planning to install the latest safety and security technology. We recommend making the following seven focuses your top priority when implementing campus security measures and building management systems.
We should note that all of the following priorities are based on the use of smart buildings that can be integrated with many types of data communication systems. The end goal is to create a robust set of solutions to support the safety and security of all students, staff, visitors, and data.
Download our Ultimate Guide to learn about how data communication construction can help implement the best life safety and security system for your school.
1. Control Building Access Points
The first priority for promoting campus safety is to control access to buildings and determine the levels of access various groups will need. For example, a facilities manager needs different access from a teacher/professor, and a student needs yet another level of access.
Identify all groups of people who will need access to various areas of the campus and set policies for which zones they are allowed to enter. Monitor all day-to-day access and archive it so you can refer to it later as needed.
Implementing a Building Management System (BMS) is the most effective approach to oversee and manage access, as well as integrate and monitor data from various environmental and access systems. This system offers in-depth building intelligence, advanced analytics, and comprehensive control.
2. Secure Sign-in/Sign-out
Track who enters any campus building by using a digital card-based access system. Maintain organized records and if possible, activate alerts that will trigger a notice to security staff when secure access is violated.
While some school security systems only register who enters the building, tracking all exits is also important, as this can give you complete insight into who is in the building at any given time.
3. Intercom/Video Systems
Enhance the safety and security of your campus by implementing intercom and video systems in student housing areas, visitor zones, and delivery areas. These school security solutions, which can offer instant voice and visual identification, can allow delivery workers to pass through temporarily while still keeping the building and its occupants safe.
At Lemberg, we are proud to offer comprehensive data communication services. We take a strategic and consultative approach to your specific structured cabling, security, safety and communication needs. Learn more here!
4. Buzz-in and Keycard Systems
When you use a buzz-in and/or keycard system, each individual person who attempts to access a building is instantly checked for allowed access. This provides a higher level of building safety and security for your school or university.
Buzz-in systems require a second person who can visually check the identity of the person requesting access. Only when the person’s identity is verified will they open the door. An automatic keycard system requires personal credentials for access, commonly used in employee and student access areas, such as residence halls and labs.
5.Installing Life Safety and Security Features
Adding life safety features throughout campus can give students and all people on the school grounds a feeling of security. These features allow people to instantly call for help in an emergency. They include things like:
- Blue emergency phone boxes
- Panic buttons
- Alarm systems
- Areas of rescue and refuge
These safety zones are tied to first responder teams like campus police and fire rescue. Their most common uses are in public safety, student safety, parking lots, streets, intruder alarms, and designated areas of rescue.
For example, at Tufts University, a combination of different types of panic buttons keep people safe in administrative buildings and inside residence halls. If someone presses the button, either a silent call will alert emergency responders or a loud alarm will sound.
6. Magnetic and Time-Controlled Locking Doors
Another way to secure campus buildings is to use magnetic and time-controlled locking doors. This prevents leaving doors standing open and maintains tight control over access points.
Use these automated door systems to set time periods when certain groups are allowed access, like janitorial employees, students, visitors, cleaning crews, and so forth. Buildings stay locked when desired and human error is minimized.
Learn more about Lemberg's comprehensive life safety and security services, where we design, implement, and maintain cutting-edge security solutions.
7. Training/Warranty Programs That Complement Features
We strongly advise any campus that uses building security and control systems to invest in training and warranty programs that complement the equipment and features they’re using. This includes staying up-to-date with all necessary software upgrades.
Every school security system comes with instruction on its use. Technical support is also available for any questions that come up. Sign up for maintenance schedules and agreements, as well as the ability to ensure component availability well into the future.
Find The Best School Security System for Your Campus Needs
With many options available in the market, it's tempting to opt for the most budget-friendly life safety and security system. However, when it comes to the well-being of students, faculty, and visitors, cost should not be the sole determining factor. You should instead choose the system that makes the most sense for your specific campus needs.
Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best security system for your educational institution:
- Tailored Solutions: One size does not fit all when it comes to life safety and security. Educational institutions have unique layouts and requirements. It's crucial to partner with a provider that can offer tailored solutions designed to meet the specific demands of your campus.
- Comprehensive Features: Your chosen security solution should encompass a wide range of security components, from access control to surveillance and emergency response. It's not enough to have a basic setup; you should have a system that provides complete coverage and functionality.
- Scalability: As your institution grows or changes, your life safety and security needs may evolve. Look for a system that can adapt and expand to accommodate these changes, ensuring that your investments remain relevant in the long run.
- Integration Capabilities: Modern security systems should be able to integrate with other technologies and platforms, which may facilitate a smoother operation and allow for a more holistic approach to safety and security.
- Reliability and Support: You can't put a price on the peace of mind that a reliable system offers. Ensure that your chosen provider not only offers a robust system but also provides dependable customer support for maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades.
Investing in the right school security system is an investment in the future of your educational community. Always make an informed purchase, and don’t assume it will come built-in with certain features; always ask the provider to confirm. And never focus so much on the price that you miss out on security components vital to the safety of your students, faculty, and visitors.
Lemberg can help you create and implement a comprehensive access and control security system for your educational institution. We are happy to provide a site assessment to determine and create the right customized solution that fits your budget and needs.
Through our comprehensive data communication services, we provide system integration, including cameras, door access, alert systems, and so much more. Reach out to us today!
