What Schools Should Do to Prepare for Terrorism

We used to think of schools as safe havens. Then we began to worry about strangers or estranged family members who might come to schools to look for children. Next we began to worry about violence from students in our schools, especially after the 1999 Columbine High School shootings in Colorado. School districts throughout the nation responded with heightened safety procedures -- procedures that were put into use during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on Americans. Then came the terrorist attack against a school in Beslan, Russia in September 2004.

Because of these dangers, we are still tasked to do more to protect our schools.  Many school districts have safety committees in place, but it's important to make sure that current crisis planning policies address terrorism.

Staff Expectations
Teachers and support staff should be trained on updated procedures. Other issues:

• Provide adult supervision inside and outside the school before, after, and during school
• As a group, review and test crisis preparation guidelines for both natural disasters and acts of violence
• Each person should know his/her role during lockdowns or evacuations

Facilities Management
Measures to take include:

• Clearly defining the perimeter with fences, gates, signage, etc.
• Using security technology for monitoring purposes, including in parking areas and areas around the school
• Reducing entry points to one door where staff can see visitors and question strangers; verify the identity of any vendors or service personnel
• Improving procedures for after-school and evening building access
• Securing roof hatches and access to roofs
• Locking windows at the end of the day
• Keeping school transportation facilities security up-to-date
• Preventing access to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, boiler rooms, utility controls, and chemical and cleaning product storage areas
• Creating strategies to prevent access to sensitive data on school computers
• Making plans for safe relocation of students with advice from local fire, police, HAZMAT, and emergency management officials
   
  Emergency Supplies
• Enough food, water, and other supplies for students and staff kept at school beyond normal hours
• Reasonable number of emergency health kits and medical supplies
• A 3-day stock of medications for students who require medications at school
• Functioning communications devices, including two-way radio units, cell phones, any related batteries, public address system, fire alarm system
• "Shelter in Place" kits (made of items such as personal cleaning supplies, candles, matches, etc.) if part of your school's plan

Suspicious Activities
These activities might not be a problem alone, but watch for people who might have bad intentions:

• Curiosity about security, entryways, and barriers
• Wanting information such as bus routes, building site plans, or attendance lists
• Watching security drills
• Use of cameras, video recorders, or note-taking at non-tourist locations
• Increase in anonymous phone or e-mail threats

Be Vigilant
Ask for a copy of the on-site emergency plans at your child's school. Don't like what you see? Get involved and help make them better.