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Sound security advice for schools

Chubb Security South Africa examines these critical issues faced by schools today and looks at ways in which schools can protect their students, their assets and their property.

Vandalism

Vandalism and graffiti account for the majority of individual criminal incidents within the school environment - but reports of incidents decreasing by up to 90% are common where CCTV cameras have been installed.

Arson

Statistically one in 15 schools will suffer a fire. 75% of all fires reported in schools are as a result of arson. Most arson attacks happen out of school hours, when the risk of damage to property is increased, but the likelihood of causing harm to people is low. When school hours are extended there is an increased risk that buildings could be occupied by staff and students when a fire breaks out.

To deter a would-be arsonist, professionally installed, managed and maintained CCTV systems can monitor access points and vulnerable locations around the premises and may provide valuable evidence. Intruder alarms and access control give early warning to a potential intruder.

Fire detection systems can be integrated into automatic fire suppression systems such as sprinklers, or water mist extinguishing systems. In areas where water damage would prevent such an option such as computer rooms, gaseous extinguishing systems flood the area with an array of gases to extinguish the fire.

It is also important that staff members are trained on the use of portable fire extinguishers and that extinguishers are positioned correctly and maintained to the appropriate standards.

Theft

One of the major risks schools continue to face is theft - particularly with high value items such as computers. Securing the room may not be sufficient alone to deter thieves and integrating the systems with other solutions such as CCTV and access control systems would go a long way to increase security.

It is also necessary to consider reception security and the management of visitors and contractors. Do you know that a visitor/contractor who comes into your school is who they say they are?

Personal assault

Within the classroom environment, assaults on teachers in schools are increasing in number each year. But it is not only teachers who face this threat. All staff, pupils, parents and visitors on the premises out of hours need to be protected. In addition to the CCTV and access control systems already covered, the introduction of panic alarms in classrooms or along corridors will allow individuals to more easily raise the alarm in the event of attack.

Weapons

It is a frightening thought, but more and more children are carrying weapons, and the threat of a serious incident is all too apparent. For schools concerned about such a risk, they could follow the example of many schools in the US and introduce metal detectors to deter pupils from bringing weapons into the building and grounds. These metal detectors take many different forms - the most common being the handheld wand.

Tips to enhance security at a tertiary institution

1. Buy the best system you can afford, cheap security is no security, and always use a South African Intruder Detection Security Association (SAIDSA) approved security firm.

2. Consider the basic security issues first - keep temptation at bay by keeping valuables out of sight - especially at night.

3. Ensure staff members are equipped in understanding how to deal with a fire - from using the various types of extinguishers through to evacuating the premises.

4. Train your staff on basic security principles - for example the need to challenge strangers on the premises, closing window blinds at night, locking cabinets etc. Ensure everyone understands entry/exit procedures.

5. Take a broad view of security - the more you integrate your approach, the more you save and the better your security will be.

6. Do not regard security as a cost - a good security approach can reduce your insurance premiums and improve staff productivity because they feel more secure.

7. Do not panic and turn your school into a fortress - it will not create a perfect learning environment.

8. Do not rely on an alarm sounder only. An alarm without a response is just a noise - ensure your alarm is monitored.

9. Do not rely on an old alarm to work without regular servicing. Regular servicing is advisable.

10. Do not assume that it happens to someone else. Always be prepared!

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