WHY A SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM IS ESSENTIAL FOR SCHOOLS

While many schools in Katy, TX, and across the nation have taken steps to tighten security, these measures vary widely. In 2019, following the Santa Fe school shooting, Texas lawmakers approved almost $1 billion. As many of you know, this money was to go to schools to invest in security systems, active shooter alarm systems, door-locking systems, metal detectors, and other security measures. 

In October 2022, Texas Governor Greg Abbot authorized the transfer of $400 million to improve Texas school security measures. This funding can be applied to silent panic alarms to improve the response times of first responders.

Has your school district implemented these advanced security measures? One of the systems vital to protecting students and staff is a security alarm system. Let's examine what these systems offer and their role in school security.

SEE ALSO: Do you Protect Your Campus with Video Monitoring 

SCHOOL ALARM SYSTEMS FOR PROACTIVE SECURITY 

Effective alarm systems secure schools from intrusion, theft, fire, and natural disasters. Installing perimeter alarms provides a first line of defense essential to school security. Should these be breached, an intrusion event triggers the school alarm. Depending on the situation and site, this may prompt flashing lights or a siren, which, in many instances, is enough to scare a trespasser off the grounds. 

It also ensures that security personnel and administrators are alerted and can take immediate action. When integrated with an access and door-locking system, an immediate school lockdown can ensure the campus is protected. Sensor alarms at entrances and exits also send alerts when doors have been left ajar or the locks have been jammed. This proactive measure is critical in our current environment. 

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIRE AND INTRUSION ALARMS

These systems can sound different types of alarms for various emergencies. For example, a fire alarm sound differs from an intrusion alarm. Today, many schools have separate active shooter alarm systems. This is because the last thing you want children and staff to do is evacuate the building as they normally would during a possible fire. 

The gunman responsible for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in 2018 pulled the fire alarm, bringing students and staff out of the building before he started shooting. 

ALERTING AUTHORITIES 

The primary purpose of an alarm system is to alert people onsite and first responders that an emergency is occurring. Different sensors detect a possible emergency, such as door and window contacts, glass break sensors, motion detectors, and smoke detectors. When activated, a sensor sends an alert to the alarm panel, the central monitoring station, or onsite security. We also recommend that schools be equipped with panic buttons, providing the fastest notification to law enforcement.

We know it’s a lot to consider. That’s where ASAP Security Services comes in. Our team has been serving Texas since 1947. To learn more about security alarm systems or to schedule a complimentary consultation or site survey, contact ASAP Security Services today.