Security design typically receives less planning and attention than other school safety measures such as fire suppression.
Rare tragedies like school shootings underscore the need for appropriate security measures in school systems, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. Implementing certain security features can be at odds with other building safety features needed to protect people from fire and other hazards, though.
In an effort to balance security and fire safety features within codes, standards, and planning, NFPA hosted a two-day workshop, “School Safety, Codes and Security”, last December. The meeting included a broad cross-section of stakeholders who influence the decision-making process of school design, administration, operation, and the critical planning elements that first responders have to manage when an active threat occurs.
The findings from that workshop are now available in an NFPA report, "School Safety, Codes and Security." Now, the challenge is to review the report and determine how and where codes, standards, recommendations and planning scenarios can be revised to ensure that security isn’t an afterthought, NFPA says.
This will require a comprehensive effort from the standards and first responder community, as well as from the school administrators consisting of faculty, staff, parents, and those who manage finances.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2020
Half of Manhattan’s new residential skyscrapers are empty
Excess comes as middle class housing shortage worsens.
Codes and Standards | Jan 28, 2020
Updated Engineered Wood Construction Guide now available
Provides guidance on building engineered wood floors, walls, and roofs.
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council earns ANSI certification
FenStar Certification Program ensures windows, doors, and skylights meet Energy Star specifications.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2020
Rent control policies backfire on goal of boosting affordable housing
Natl. Apartment Assn. study says rent control decreases housing supply, harms condition of housing stock.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2020
Potential energy savings from smart meters is largely unrealized
Most utilities underuse the technology that can help customers save money.
Codes and Standards | Jan 21, 2020
Contractors pay practices reviewed in new database
Fastest and slowest paying GCs revealed.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2020
Several states with ambitious climate goals will have to restrict natural gas as a fuel
Buildings would have to heat and cook with electricity.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2020
New solar-ready mandate affects commercial and residential buildings in St. Louis
All new buildings must have reserved rooftop sections for PVs.
Codes and Standards | Jan 15, 2020
Trump Administration blocks new light bulb efficiency standards
Move defies bipartisan 2007 law.
Codes and Standards | Jan 14, 2020
L.A.’s expedited permitting process credited with faster approvals on $1 billion project
Parallel Design-Permitting Process includes flagging elements for correction during conceptual design.
