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 | Oct 8, 2019
Zero Carbon Buildings for All aims for ambitious emission reduction targets
Organization makes commitment to net zero carbon for all buildings by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Oct 7, 2019
Tailgating remains a critical building security threat, say security professionals
Few buildings provide beefed up provisions to counteract threat.
Codes and Standards | Oct 7, 2019
New seismic standard to evaluate, retrofit existing structural steel buildings open for review
AISC seeks input through Nov. 4.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2019
Open source tool allows comparison of embodied carbon emissions from construction materials
Enables carbon-smart choices during material specification and procurement.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2019
AIA declaration: Climate change requires ‘holistic approach’
Must address interdependencies among people, buildings, infrastructure, and the environment.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2019
San Jose’s new building energy code is the most stringent among large cities
New regulations aim to make zero-emission electric buildings the norm.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2019
Building support for climate action depends on linking it to health, economic benefits
USGBC report finds most people don’t think environmental problems significant enough to prioritize action.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2019
OSHA has a new chief for its construction directorate
Former Army medical staffer Scott Ketcham has extensive OSHA experience.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2019
American Wood Council updates free Connection Calculator
Tool includes cross-laminated timber connection provisions and post-frame ring shank nails.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2019
Virtual reconnaissance of Bahamas finds some structures performed well during Dorian
Amid devastation, lives likely saved by resilient buildings.
