As a best practice, the School Safety Preparedness Task Force recommends securing all interior doors with a Columbine lock, such that the door can be locked from both sides and unlocked from inside without a key, tool, or special knowledge. Download the Columbine-Style Locks Reference Guide
Category: Facilities Upgrades
Protecting and strengthening the safety of school facilities is a challenging, but worthwhile endeavor. This section provides resources to aid schools in facilities upgrades for school safety and security.
Multi-Functional Alarms, Pull Stations & Positive Alarm Sequence Reference Guide (NHFMO) [June 2019]
When schools replace, upgrade, or install fire alarms, they should consider having multi-functional alarms (e.g. separate fire and lockdown alarms) to clearly and quickly inform building occupants how to take action. The emergency voice/alarm communication system may also be used for other emergency signaling, announcements and for class changes. Download the Multi-Functional Alarms, Pull Stations …
Polling Place Safety Checklist (TSU) [May 2019]
School district campuses and facilities may from time to time serve as polling places. While the district endeavors to maintain the sanctity of the election process, the safety of students, faculty and staff remain the primary responsibility. As such, election officials will be asked to remain cognizant of the importance of a safe and secure …
Secure Lock Box Info Sheet (NHFMO) [May 2019]
Schools should consider installing a secure lock box in a safe location away from the building, such as near the driveway entrance, that allows the school to store critical access information and tools for predetermined, rapid response to school incidents. Attached is an information sheet from the NH Fire Marshal’s Office.
School Fencing: Benefits and Disadvantages (Hanover Research) [November 2013]
In the following report, Hanover synthesizes research on school fencing to support school district planning for the installation and repair of fencing around school grounds and play areas. The report discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of fencing as a school safety measure and the relative merits of different types of fencing for school campuses.
Fire Safety School Building Inspection Program (NH FMO) [March 2019]
NH Division of Fire Safety School Inspection Program RSA 153:14 was modified by the state legislature during its 2008 session to include a requirement for every fire chief to inspect each of their private and public schools within their jurisdiction once per year. The Bureau of Building Safety and Construction has developed a training program …
School Door and Window Labeling Recommendations (NH HSEM) [December 2018]
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in cooperation with the NH Fire and Police Chiefs Association, City of Manchester Police Department, NH Department of Education, and the NH Fire Marshall’s Office has endorsed a model system for the labeling or doors, windows, and other access points in NH schools. It is recommended that …
DOWNLOAD THE 2018 TASK FORCE REPORT
