School alarm system plays an important role in school security. This blog will introduce its components, benefits and cost considerations.
The Threats Schools Face
School violence exists in various forms. For example, bullying affects approximately 21% of students aged 12-18. And, active shooter incidents receive significant media attention and have increased over the past 30 years. More and more, violent incidents involving other weapons also occur. Meanwhile, vandalism and parking lot theft show higher security risks. Car break-ins and property damage cause significant financial impact through repairs and increased insurance premiums.
However, campus security systems are essential for providing a safe learning environment. Therefore, installing modern security facilities is necessary. The National Center for Education Statistics reported a significant increase in security measures between 2009 and 2020. It shows that security camera usage is rising 49% and ID badge implementation is increasing by 22%. Among these, 97% of US schools implemented locked or monitored doors. And 98% used visitor management procedures.
What Are School and Campus Security Systems?
School and campus security systems are comprehensive security measures. It designed to protect the personal safety and property of school faculty and students as well as maintain campus order. These systems typically contains multiple components, including access control, surveillance, and school alarm systems.
School Access Control
Access control systems play a crucial role in school security systems. They are primarily responsible for managing and controlling personnel entering and exiting the school. The system uses advanced access control equipment and identification technology to ensure only authorized personnel can enter the campus.
Schools can adopt various identification methods, such as fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, and IC card identification. These methods not only improve identification accuracy but also greatly enhance campus entry and exit efficiency. When someone attempts to enter, the system immediately verifies their identity. If verification passes, the access control equipment automatically opens. If verification fails, the system alerts security personnel for handling. This effectively prevents unauthorized personnel from entering the school and ensures the safety of teachers and students.
Additionally, the school access control system has recording capabilities. It can detail record each campus entry and exit, including time, name, and access method. These records provide reliable reference for investigation and analysis when needed.
Flexible Lockdown System
Door security is a key component, combining sensor alarms and smart locks. The working principle of sensor alarms and smart locks are closely connected. Sensor alarms use built-in sensors, such as sound, vibration, or photoelectric sensors, to monitor environmental changes in real-time. Once it detects abnormal situations like sudden noise or illegal intrusion, the sensor alarm immediately sends electrical signals. After receiving these signals, the smart lock compares them with preset security parameters. If it confirms a security risk, the smart lock quickly activates alarm devices. For example, it will sound alarms or flash lights and lock down relevant areas to ensure school safety.
Furthermore, ideal school door locks should:
- Allow staff to control locks from inside classrooms without opening doors
- Accommodate students with disabilities
- Require minimal training to operate
- Allow emergency responder access
- Comply with building regulations
Security Camera System for Schools
Different types of cameras suit different campus areas. Bullet and dome cameras provide clear footage for indoor and outdoor use. Panoramic cameras offer up to 360-degree coverage to reduce the number of cameras needed. PTZ cameras excel at monitoring large outdoor spaces with superior low-light performance and zoom capabilities. Regardless of type, these cameras can integrate with video management software to enhance situational awareness and real-time response capabilities.
School Alarm System
Smart sensors play a unique role in school safety, particularly in privacy-sensitive areas where cameras are prohibited. This helps create safer spaces while maintaining privacy in areas like restrooms without recording audio or video.
Smoke detectors can detect e-cigarette vapor because it contains propylene glycol and glycerin, which trigger smoke detectors.
Additionally, air quality monitors can detect air quality hazards and even THC smoke. They not only monitor particulate matter and harmful gases in real-time but also analyze air chemical composition. More importantly, some advanced air quality monitors can even detect specific substances like THC smoke. When THC smoke is present in the air, the air quality monitor quickly captures these harmful components and alerts through display screens or other indicators. This way, we can timely understand air quality conditions and avoid health hazards.
Cybersecurity for School Security Systems
33% of large districts continue providing remote learning, but currently only 70% of K-12 districts implement cloud security measures. The rise in cyber threats has made cybersecurity an essential component of school safety. Therefore, schools must prioritize cybersecurity and take measures such as:
- Encrypting network communications
- Scheduling regular security testing
- Restricting access to confidential data
- Ensuring physical security of IT infrastructure
- Providing cybersecurity training for staff and students
Proactive Response That Includes Students
Student participation is also part of the school security system. Schools should encourage students to immediately report security risks when discovered. Meanwhile, schools should also organize safety drills to improve students’ ability to respond to emergencies.
School Security Officers
School security officers are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the entire campus’s security environment, ensuring there are no safety risks. Moreover, they conduct regular security checks and patrols to promptly identify and resolve issues.
The Benefits of An Integrated Security System for Schools
Burglary Precaution
Surveillance cameras provide comprehensive coverage of the campus to monitor abnormal situations in real-time. There are alarm devices to warn of illegal intrusion. Smart access control management helps control personnel entry and exit to effectively prevent theft incidents.
Reducing Fire Risk
The school’s integrated security system is equipped with smoke detectors to monitor fire hazards in real-time. The system connects to automatic sprinkler devices, which respond immediately once fire is detected.
Monitoring Campus Violence
The school’s integrated security system comprehensively monitors campus violence situations through surveillance cameras distributed throughout the campus.
Protecting Health
The school alarm system also connects to air quality monitors to track environmental changes in real time.
What to Look for in A School Alarm System for Door Access
First, we must consider the system’s security. Door access sensors must accurately identify authorized personnel to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering campus. This requires sensors to have high sensitivity and precision to quickly respond and accurately verify personal identity. Additionally, the system should have anti-tampering features to prevent malicious damage or bypass attempts.
Second, we need to focus on system reliability. Door access sensor alarm systems need to operate 24/7, therefore they must possess high stability and durability. Sensors should function normally under various harsh conditions, such as high temperatures, humidity, and dust. Furthermore, the system should have self-diagnostic and alarm capabilities. Once there is a malfunction, it should be able to detect and repair it promptly.
We also need to consider system convenience. Door access sensor alarm systems should be easy to install and maintain to minimize impact on daily campus operations. Sensors should be designed to be compact and lightweight for installation on various door types. Meanwhile, the system should have remote management and monitoring capabilities. This helps school administrators check access status and receive alarm information at any time.
Additionally, we need to focus on system compatibility and scalability. Door access sensor alarm systems should seamlessly integrate with video surveillance to achieve information sharing and linked control. Besides, the system should be scalable to meet potential future access control needs of the school.
What Are the Cost Considerations for Schools Looking to Upgrade Their Security Systems?
When schools develop their budgets, they need to consider both direct and indirect costs. For example, during the upgrade process, some areas may need to be temporarily closed, which will affect the school’s daily operations.
Finally, when making decisions, schools should consider long-term benefits. Although upgrading security systems requires certain investments, it is a long-term investment that can provide continuous security protection for the school.
