Schools today have a lot of options when it comes to security. Some choose a duress alarm system,while others opt for onsite security guards or depend on their phone system in the event of emergency. When it comes to facing the wide range of threats that today's schools are subject to, duress alarms clearly stand on top. These systems are quite a bit more affordable than paying for onsite security personnel, and are much more reliable than phone systems (even cellular ones). How can you choose the perfect alarm system for your school?
1. What Special Circumstances Could Affect Your School?
First, take stock of all of the potential events that your school might need to be prepared to face. All schools have the potential to face medical emergencies, accidents, and security threats. Add to that mix the chances of severe or threatening weather events, the importance of assuring visitors' safety when guests are on campus, and other situations, both planned and unplanned, that you need to prepare for. Don't forget any factors that could be particular to your school, such as dangerous stairwells, students with special needs, or high-risk students, such as those with behavioral issues.
2. What is Your Budget?
No discussion in education is complete without budget considerations. Duress alarm systems are affordable, and are suitable for a wide range of events, including medical emergencies and accidents, severe weather, on-campus security threats, and even executing safety drills like those for fire or tornado. These systems can also replace more expensive systems, as well as eliminating the need to hire new security personnel in light of a recent uptick in on-campus violence across the nation and around the world. Many districts may also qualify for security grants and other non-traditional methods of funding.
3. Who Needs to be Trained to Use the Security System?
Duress alarm systems are also quite easy to learn how to use. You will need to train all of your administrative staff, as well as teachers, faculty members, lunchroom staff, maintenance staff, and janitorial staff. Most schools will also need to provide some basic training for part-time staffers, such as substitute teachers, and perhaps teachers' aids and even bus drivers, if they are frequently on campus and in charge of student safety.
4. What Features & Functionality are Important?
In addition to basic alarms that can be triggered in the event of an emergency, some duress alarms come with the ability to transmit information about who is in trouble, as well as the exact location where the problem is on campus. This can eliminate a lot of wasted time finding the people who need help. Wireless systems mean that wires can't be cut to disable the system prior to an intrusion. There are also duress alarms available with features like Man Down and No Response. Depending on the campus' needs and the types of workers you have on staff, such as maintenance professionals or laboratory workers who spend long periods of time working alone in potentially dangerous environments, these additional features can be life critical.
Request a quote for a duress alarm system or call today to find out what features and prices are available to you and your school.
