Building Security
Last updated:Arson prevention and refuse control
Does the school have an effective means of arson prevention and control of refuse?
Arson prevention is essential to a schools safety and security. Regular recorded checks of the premises should be undertaken to ensure there are no signs of attempted arson. Paper accumulation should be disposed of quickly and waste bins sited away from buildings and secured to ensure they cannot be pulled alongside buildings, either for starting fires or to provide access to climb on to low roofs. Waste material especially wood, cardboard and paper should be safely stored away from the buildings and disposed of regularly. Over filled wheelie bins should be compacted down and dampened to reduce the risk of arson. Flammable materials should always be locked away.
Door Security
Can classroom doors to the outside be secured easily, without a key from the inside?
A simple thumb turn or barrel bolt is very effective and most modern doors have a thumb turn feature. For older doors a simple barrel bolt at the top of the door out of reach of children can be utilised to effectively secure the door from the inside. The use of keys is not recommended unless keys are kept in a key box near the door. This security measure is important to guard against unauthorised access from the outside. Please remember fire doors cannot be locked whilst the building is occupied.
Lighting
Is the external lighting around the site in good working order and effectively sited to illuminate exit doors, main routes and pathways and car park areas?
Dusk to dawn lighting is cheap to run and effective for school sites. Generally, P.I.R (Passive Infra-Red) activated lighting may be more appropriate to domestic settings where buildings are more likely to be occupied at night.
Maintenance
It is important to regularly inspect the premises and grounds to check on the state of the premises, any repairs needed and actions recorded. Any areas where there are tell- tale signs of illicit activity should be noted and action taken. This includes the build-up of litter, cans, cigarette ends, any drug paraphernalia etc.