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Security tips for schools and parents collecting learners from places of education

Nowhere seems to be safe these days – not even the local school, pre-school or primary school.

In view of this, Chubb Security South Africa has some sound advice for administrators and parents alike on how to be vigilant and ensure they do not become part of the statistics of crime.

Chubb Security has the following advice for school and other education administrators when it comes to installing adequate security measures for their properties:

* Install adequate lighting and make sure outside lights can be remotely controlled from inside the premises and via the burglar alarm system.

* Consider installing demand lighting that is activated by a motion detector. This is particularly important during the winter months.

* Cut down bushes in and around the entrance to the premises of the school - these act as good hiding places for would-be criminals.

* Increase the view - try not to have high walls and tall hedges that obscure your view of school property.

* It is preferable to have automatic gates installed so that parents do not have to leave the safety of their vehicle in order to access your premises.

* Alternatively have a boom-type entrance that is opened and closed by a security guard. Make sure the security guard has access to a remote panic button that is linked to a security provider.

* Obviously a preferred type of set-up would be a CCTV-type installation where all access is monitored. This, however, would be dependent on funding available.

* In the case of a créche or pre-school, fit a wrought iron gate or an expanding grille gate to the front door entrance.

* Programme all emergency telephone numbers into the school's telephone system eg, the security company, SAPS, ambulance, fire department etc.

Additional tips to enhance security at a learning institution

1. Buy the best system that can be afforded, 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 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 the approach is integrated, the more money can be saved and the better the security will be.

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

7. Do not panic and turn the school premises 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 the 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!

Chubb suggests some of the following tips for parents who deliver and collect their young children to and from either créche, pre-school, primary or high school on a daily basis:

* Be aware that wearing expensive jewellery and sunglasses and having attractive items visible on the car seats and the dashboard may prompt criminals to follow potential victims to their destination, which in this case is the school.

* If a parent feels he/she is being followed, Chubb's advice is to not proceed to the school but to drive to the nearest police station.

* Never drive with a handbag visible in the car, as this is another invitation to be followed to your destination, as well as for loiterers at traffic lights to smash and grab belongings.

* Do not drive while talking on a cellphone - not only is this illegal but it can distract the driver from realising that he/she is being followed. In addition, it is also an invitation to criminals to smash a window and grab the phone.

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