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18 SECURITY TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE • February/March 2016 www.SecurityInfoWatch.com Here are some low or no cost actions schools can take right away, and that integrators can provide support in: • Engage in periodic facility assessments. Schools should periodically use facility assess- ments to identify, evaluate and report on the condition of their building. Facility assess- ments evaluate existing conditions and identi- fy any deficiencies where schools can improve. With this information, schools can identify existing problems, develop budgets for future maintenance and capital renewal projects, and track deferred maintenance backlogs. • Identify grant funding information and support tools for crisis management. Karen Evans, CEO at Sielox, a leading provider of integrated access control and video surveil- lance solutions, noted that following Sandy Hook, it took about a year for districts to allocate or request budget funds for security upgrades. The immense pressure schools face in paying for traditional expenses like books and learning tools oftentimes competes with the funding needed to provide a safe, secure learning environment. Identifying available funds are one of the number one concerns for school officials hoping to upgrade building security, but integrators can point schools to grants and other funding to help them pay for the security systems that will provide peace of mind. Integrators can also help direct schools to professionals to assist with security grant applications. "The major consideration is a lack of money, so pr ior itizing technolo g ies and placement is a huge concern," said Mike Bradley, CEO at ECD Systems, a leading provider of integrated solutions and ser vices including security, fire alarms, integrated communications and video sur veillance, among others. He noted that because schools can't afford to put access con- trol on every door or cameras at each entryway, schools must pick the critical locations, imple- menting in phases to help manage costs and allow schools to scale up over time. COVER STORY: CAMPUS SECURITY "The major consideration is a lack of money, so prioritizing technologies and placement is a huge concern," — Mike Bradley, CEO, ECD Systems Understand other key best practices that have emerged since Sandy Hook W hile schools continue to face violence and threats, simple measures can be taken to ensure that when a crisis hits, schools are fully prepared. Schools should avoid untested, new technologies such as bulletproof backpacks and whiteboards, and make-shift door barricades. While the development of these new tools may be well intended, their use could put staff and students at an even greater risk. Having the right equipment or plans in place is a starting point, but can only go so far if schools aren't following best practices. Indus- try standards include: • Establish integrated emergency commu- nications. Any successful lockdown requires the collaboration and participation of all involved parties, from teachers and prin- cipals to first responders that can provide help. "With this in mind, many consultants recommend that some form of a communica- tions system to immediately alert respond- ers and individuals in the school during a crisis is most important to deploy first," said Evans. Public address systems, messaging via networked computers, electronic signage, and other devices can alert everyone to a dangerous condition and that an emergency lockdown must be performed. Implementing an interoperable communications platform allows schools to quickly communicate with first responders, alerting them of an inci- dent, sharing necessary information, and providing immediate access to the building to react quickly to an intruder. "What I took from Sandy Hook was that the administrator was extremely on the ball and keyed the intercom's all call microphone, which broadcasted what was happening in the office," said Ernie Gauvin, Special Systems Technician with 29 years of at a school district in Arizona. "From what I understand, that saved lots of lives because the staffs knew what was happen- ing and were able to respond." • Install institutional grade products. When it comes to door hardware and secu- rity solutions, schools should invest in solu- tions that are designed for specific purpose, use, and abuse, and expected lifecycle. Solu- tions should address everything from access control to unexpected fires. • Train and drill all staff on policies, procedures, and technologies. Teach- ers and staff members often are the initial