Page 80 - Security Today, March/April 2023

Facility Security
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campuslifesecurity.com | MARCH/APRIL 2023
By Monique Merhige
Lessons Learned: How to Improve Facility Security with the Right Emergency Response System
Facility security has many facets, from protecting employees, assets, students, and visitors to avoiding cybersecurity threats and safe- guarding institutional data. A cohesive security program consists of having the proper safety protocols and processes in place along with implementing the latest physical security technology. Facility manag- ers must utilize strategies and tools to better secure their buildings from theft, vandalism—and, in the worst case, active shooters.
With active shooter incidents on the rise, facility managers need to be proactive in their action plans to improve safety and can’t waste time. In 2022, there were 647 mass shootings that took place across various venues that included schools, grocery stores, malls, hospitals, bars, hotels, places of worship, stadiums, and movie theaters, showing us that nobody is immune to this type of violence in our society. Wherever we go, there is always a risk lurking over our heads and creating a sense of fear in our daily lives. In fact, there have been 38 mass shootings in the first 23 days of the new year in the U.S., showing us that this trend is sadly continuing.
Schools Need to Make the Grade when It Comes to Security
When it comes to schools, there were 51 school shootings in 2022 in the U.S. that resulted in injuries or deaths. Schools are extremely vulnerable to these types of incidents due to the number of visitors on school grounds and the challenges that come along with tracking them. What can we do in the security industry to help our society tackle this huge monster? One thing is to focus on implementing new technology that helps feed the first responders crucial information like the lockdown location, etc. to save lives. There needs to be an easy way to provide first responders situational awareness so they can respond quickly, as “Time Equals Life” in an active shooter situation.
By implementing a lockdown & emergency response system, schools can help protect children, staff, and first responders from death and injury. Teachers today are no longer required to just provide lesson plans and teach our children; but have now taken on the role of protector and—in some cases—can act as the first responder in an incident. Teachers need to be trained on the latest lockdown and emergency response systems to success- fully lock down their classrooms and ensure the safety of their students.
“The 3 pillars of survival during an active shooter attack are preparation, communication, and notification,” said Lt. Joseph Pangaro, President at True Security Design. “Having situational awareness quickly is the only way to save lives.” It’s crucial for teachers to get the help they need in the classroom when they need it without having to look for a cell phone. By preparing in advance, schools can make the grade when it comes to security by preparing their staff and giving them comfort knowing that they have the power to communicate and notify the right people with a simple bush of a button.