In the wake of school shootings, governments at the local, state, and federal levels have put significant attention and resources into making schools safer to avert future tragedies. All too often, however, schools use these critical resources to implement more rigid security measures, such as hiring school resource officers (or “SROs”), installing surveillance systems and security devices, and even arming educators and faculty with guns.
While emphasizing visible and physical safety measures is a reasonable approach after such devastating tragedies, adopting these measures to prevent school shootings has not proven to advance safety in educational institutions. Additionally, measures like recruiting SROs and installing metal detectors create a less welcoming environment for students.
It is therefore important to look beyond conventional security measures and invest in proven, evidence-based solutions to make school safer. While approaches like violence prevention programs, peer mediation interventions, and teacher training are vital cornerstones, infrastructure improvements can also help prevent school shootings and keep students safe.
Rethinking and Renovating How Schools are Designed
Four years after the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, administrators and architects have evolved their thinking as to how schools are designed. In 2019, a story about a $48 million upgrade of west Michigan’s Fruitport High School went viral due to the design’s emphasis on school shooting prevention. While the renovation won’t be complete until 2021, the new design emphasizes curved hallways intended to reduce sightlines for shooters. Additionally, jutting barriers throughout the school are designed to help provide shelter in the instance of an attack.
“If I go to FPH and I want to be an active shooter, I’m going in knowing I have reduced sightlines,” Fruitport Superintendent Bob Szymoniak told The Washington Post about the curved hallways. “It has reduced his ability to do harm.”
Every school will prioritize a safe environment before it can be a place for learning. However, in an era when educators struggle to afford school supplies and raise money on their own, tighter budgets demand more financially approachable investments.
Securing the Most Vulnerable Point of Entry: Glass Windows and Doors
There’s no question that glass windows and doors are the most vulnerable point of entry in schools. Over the years, there have been many developments to help reinforce glass and prevent unwarranted, forced entry. The most advanced of these solutions are products like DefenseLite™ and BulletShield™.
DefenseLite mounts onto existing window glazing as a retrofit security shield and provides significant protection against forced entry attempts. DefenseLite is a heavy-gauge architectural-grade polycarbonate and extruded framing system that’s 250 times stronger than glass alone. Independent tests have subjected it to a number of blunt force objects, like hammers, batons, and hatchets, yielding amazing results.
DefenseLite blends seamlessly with the existing window glazing, making for an invisible layer of protection without moving parts or unsightly reinforcements. While this infrastructure upgrade can certainly improve the level of protection in schools, DefenseLite’s ballistic counterpart BulletShield delivers the ultimate solution.
In addition to keeping intruders out, BulletShield also keeps bullets out. It serves as a UL-rated retrofit ballistic shield designed to protect against both natural and human disasters. Unlike other bullet-resistant window treatments, BulletShield has become a leading security glazing solution for schools, as well as other vulnerable applications like courthouses, government buildings, and police stations. Independent testing shows that BulletShield provides UL 752 ballistic ratings, preventing breaches from 9MM, .44 Magnum, and AR-15 bullets.
Barricading Systems and Lockdown Solutions
Alongside reinforcing glass windows and doors, barricading these points of entry offers additional protection for schools and educational institutions. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security recommends having systems in place to lock and barricade doors when sheltering in place against active shooters. The fact remains that manufacturers do not create all barricade systems equal.
There are a number of emergency lockdown solutions on the market today, such as The Sleeve from Fighting Chance Solutions as well as Nightlock’s Lockdown units which affix to door frames to prevent access.
These systems are effective in deterring forced entry on inward or outward swinging doors, on doors made of both wood and metal.
These barricade systems withstand tremendous force from anyone attempting to enter and integrate easily with additional reinforcements like DefenseLite and BulletShield.
If you’d like to learn more about how to prevent school shootings with infrastructure improvements like DefenseLite and BulletShield, reach out to use via our Contact Page, or give us a call at (866) 933-3456.
