School Building Safety & Security Checklist | Security Alarm School Building Safety & Security Checklist | Security Alarm
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School Building Safety & Security Checklist Posted on August 5, 2021 by

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As a school administrator, the safety of your students and staff is always on your mind. Regularly reviewing your foundational security systems gives you the assurance that everything is in good working order and can be counted on to keep your school, and its precious occupants, safe.

We created this checklist to help you verify your security systems are up to date and functioning properly. We recommend bookmarking this page so you can refer to it periodically for system review and security planning.

ACCESS CONTROL & INTRUSION SYSTEMS

Few things are more important for school safety and security than controlling access to the campus. To verify your access control and intrusion detection system are up to the task, check for the following things.

CHECK FOR THE FOLLOWING:

  • Your access control system is modern and gives you complete control via smartphones and tablets from anywhere, at any time.
  • This feature provides both convenience and safety. For instance, in the event of a lockdown, securing the building is as easy as pulling up the app and hitting a button. At that point the entire school is locked down, allowing no one to enter or exit the building.
  • Your intrusion detection and prevention system allows for panic buttons to be placed in strategic locations throughout the building including the front office reception desks.
    • In addition, wireless panic button technology (pendant alarms) enables staff members out on the playground or sports field to press the button in the event of an emergency, and authorities would be immediately dispatched.
    • You’re periodically testing the sensors and alarm transmission on your intrusion detection and prevention system to ensure all parts are working correctly.
    • Your access control system makes it easy to deactivate key fobs or cards that have been lost or were not returned by terminated employees.
      • Conducting an annual review of key card or fob access is ideal. This often works well at the end of a school year or before the start of the new school year.
    • You are allowing your access control software to update regularly by being logged into the system.
      • To ensure this consistently happens, it’s important to get in the habit of consistently logging in so that any changes made and any updates available will be applied to the system.
    • You are backing up your data.
      • If your system crashed and the data was never backed up, you would be forced to begin manually importing information including names and user codes. Don’t take that risk.
    •  Where keyed locks are used, a master key control system is in place to monitor keys and duplicates.

    VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

    Video surveillance goes hand in hand with access control, deterring unwanted access and dangerous activities while capturing a record of all that transpires. To verify your video surveillance system can keep your school safe, check for the following things.

    CHECK FOR THE FOLLOWING:

    • Your surveillance system includes cameras that completely cover your campus, both inside and outside.
      • Parking lots, playgrounds, and halls are all spots that we generally see as vulnerable areas in schools. For that reason, we suggest installing cameras in these locations as well as around all entry points and main offices.
    • Your cameras allow for clear facial recognition and crisp, 24/7 video footage.
      • Before the new school year begins, log into the system and pull up each camera to ensure that they are cleaned and focused. It doesn’t do any good to catch an event on camera when the footage is too blurry to see.
      • Also, remember to periodically check to make sure that the device is recording properly.
    • Your camera servers are located in a secure location so they can’t be harmed or tampered with.
    • Your cameras provide a time and date stamp on the footage.
      • If you were to ever want to use video footage in a court of law, it would be important for the time stamp to be correct and present.
    • Your camera housings are resistant to tampering, vandalism, and exposure to extreme temperature or moisture.
    • Your cameras have an uninterruptible power supply- possibly connected to the building’s emergency power supply.
    • You have a flash drive available in case you need to export and save important surveillance footage clips.

    FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

    A fire alarm system is the final element of an effective safety and security system. To verify your fire alarm system will keep your school safe in an emergency, check for the following things.

    CHECK FOR THE FOLLOWING:

    • You have a comprehensive fire alarm system with associated sprinkles and easy-to-access fire extinguishers.
      • Fire extinguishers should be located throughout the school and easily accessible.
      • Manual pull stations are visible and accessible throughout the school.
      • There are no obstructions to sprinkler spray patterns.
    •  You regularly check your panel for messages and alerts.
      • Check for low system battery alerts and “trouble” or “alarm” notifications.
    • You have your system inspected regularly and keep records of your inspection history
      •  Not only is it typically mandated that you have your fire alarm professionally inspected, but it is also beneficial for the health and safety of all occupants. If your pull stations or heat detectors are not functioning, you need to know that.

    SECURING SCHOOLS WITH COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY SYSTEMS IN SOUTHERN, ILLINOIS

    This checklist is by no means an exhaustive list, but we believe it will give you a framework for monitoring your basic safety and security systems.

    If you have questions, please reach out to us. We are happy to help in any way we can. Whether it’s with basic questions or a request for assistance in completing any of the tasks above, please contact us online or give us a call at 618-589-4024.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

Excellent
I have owned a security system for my personal residence for a number of years. From the installation to the follow up, the experience has been nothing short of a fantastic. I just recently added cameras to my system and again had the same positive experience. I know first hand that this company and their employees care about the customers they serve and they invest a lot of time and money back into the communities that they serve. Their competitors do not even begin to compare.
We have Security Alarm here at the church. We are well pleased with them. We do not have any issues with their security company. Once in a blue moon, there may be a technical issue. A simple phone call and they resolve the issue.
We like Security Alarm, we have had very little problems and what we did have they fixed. The only problem we have is when we travel, we have trouble seeing our cameras on our computer, could be the computer though and we can see them on our phones with no problem. Thanks, Larry
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Outstanding company….have delivered each and every time that I asked for install, addition, basic service call, etc…..feel well taken care of…..dc
The entire experience was great. Meeting with salesperson Ryan C. who didn’t try to sell us things we didn’t need. The installation crew who cleaned up as they went along and answerd all the questions about operating the system. Top notch all around. Would highly recommend Security Alarm to anyone wanting peace of mind concerning the family and home.
No concerns. Their response is immediate 24/7
We have used Security Alarm for over a decade. Won't even try anyone else!
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I have been with Security Alarm for many years. They respond promptly and efficiently when my alarm has been activated. The system protects my entire home and gives me a feeling of security.
Response from the owner:Thank you, June!
Fast friendly service. Good value for services
Adam Morlan visited our residential properties today in flora to inspect our fire alarms and smoke detectors, and he received numerous compliments from our management team at each location regarding his respectful and polite demeanor. He efficiently completes his tasks while maintaining a respectful attitude. He is a great worker and definitely recommend security alarm for your system!
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The guys were so nice and explained everything to me. They were here at the time I was told. Can't say enough good things about them!
Security Alarm set up was great. On time and very professional. Took the time to walk me thru the system. System is working great. Feel safer already
Response from the owner:Thank You Tim for taking the time to leave a review!
Excellent service for many years. Very satisfied with them! A++++
We’ll pleased with our protection & service with Security Alarm
We were having trouble with our 17 year old keypad and called for service. Within a day they were had replaced it at an extremely fair price
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave this review, Donald!
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Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Kendra!
Security Alarm is professional, responsive and very reasonable!
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Have never had issues with them. Always courteous on the phone
Response from the owner:Thank you, Neil!
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Response from the owner:Thank you for your loyalty to us!
Always quick to help with any issues
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Mary!
I have confidence in Security Alarm and if I have an issue, they are always quick to resolve the problem.
Response from the owner:Thank you Vicki!
The technicians (Curtis and Jeff) arrived as scheduled, had the installation diagrams as discussed with Larry during the sales presentation and immediately began working on the planned installation. These gents came prepared with proper tooling, equipment and most impressive was a strong desire to satisfy the customer. The install was timely, they ensured their quality of work was satisfactory and cleaned up their work areas after the system functionality was verified. Great technicians!
Response from the owner:Gene, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review! We are so thankful for our techs and the amazing work and customer care that they give.
Great quick service !
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This company has been in business for many years with the loyalty and care that is usually part of family owned business. They are prompt in responding when there is need and knowledgeable in their field. It is good to have them located in Salem, IL.
Response from the owner:Thank you! We appreciate your business throughout the years!
Security Alarm handles our security at the office. They have always been on top of things if we have an alarm go off. I have set it off on accident and they are quick to call and check on me. very professional and anytime I call with a question or problem it is taken care of immediately.
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Wonderful business to wok with!
They are dependable and great to work with!
Stephen Moss
Airport Manager
PKJY Airport
Response from the owner:Thank you, Stephen!
Installed motion detectors, glass break detectors and panic alarms..they always worked.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Karen!
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Response from the owner:Thank you, Russ, for taking the time to leave us a review! We SO appreciate it!

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