Security and Safety

As a Principal, one of my top concerns is the security and safety of our students and staff. The tragedy that happened at Virginia Tech has had a tremendous impact on all of us. We mourn with the families and we pray that nothing like that will ever happen again. Since the events at Virginia Tech, there have been a number of schools in our area who have had to evacuate and/or cancel school because students have made threats. I know the only true security is found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gives us hope and comfort and the promise of a better day to come.

I also know there are practical steps we can take to make sure that we do everything we can to keep our school as safe and secure as possible. We can spend thousands of dollars and invest a great deal of resources into the security of our building (and we are) but there are certainly more common-sense steps for school security. The following are just some examples of steps that our organization and perhaps yours should evaluate when thinking about security.

• Keep all outside doors locked.
• Signs should be posted to indicate that visitors must sign-in in the school office before proceeding to any other area.
• Make sure all doors are in good shape and close properly.
• Check the intercom and/or video surveillance/alarm system.
• Be sure that all staff members know the polices and procedures for security.
• Make sure all staff are aware of people who are entering and moving around the complex.
• Designate someone to make a periodic security check.
• Be sure that all teachers and other staff know to securely close all exterior doors.
• Make sure to check all bathrooms and other unsupervised areas.
• Use common sense and don't take unnecessary risks.
• Be aware of what is going on.
• Be sure there are various modes of communication for all key people.
• Think through as many scenarios as possible and plan your resposnes accordingly.
• Don't hestiate to call authorities.
• Use governement agencies to evaluate and recommend ideas concenring security.
• Practice. Practice. Practice your preocedures. Invite "experts" to observe your procedures during mock emergencies.
• Sahre ideas with other organizations. Try to find "best practices" whenever possible.
• Make sure all areas are properly illuminated during the day and night.

We have formed a group called ERPT. ERPT stands for Emergency Response Planning Team. Our group has been evaluating the security and safety of our facility and we have found that there is so much more we can do. This group has been meeting for five months now and we have already established new protocols as we investigate what works best for us.

There is no question that we must all work together and explore every issue concerning the security of our students. God has given us precious gifts in our children and the security and safety of these gifts is a priority that must never be taken for granted. May God bless our efforts and yours as we tend to His flock.

What do you think? What security measures are needed? What is practical and affordable?

Jim Richards