How do you go about creating a safer school environment for your learning community? It’s certainly about more than a set of locks or a camera here and there. It’s far more complex and strategic than the individual solutions or assets themselves.
That’s why at Eastern DataComm, we encourage our customers to think in terms of a ‘School Safety Ecosystem’ (SSE), where policies, procedures, training, and technology work hand in hand.
When these pieces come together, they best safeguard your campus and create a district-wide culture of emergency preparedness that ensures students, staff, and guests know what to do and when. By understanding how each piece fits into the larger picture, schools can build a robust framework that prioritizes safety for everyone.
What Is Your School Safety Ecosystem?
The School Safety Ecosystem is a holistic way of thinking about the security of your school community that emphasizes the importance of blending different technologies and strategies. This approach helps schools create a cohesive communications plan. It provides clear notifications and empowers quick responses when emergencies arise.
When we take an ecosystem perspective, we prioritize technology solutions that facilitate fluid communication because we value effectiveness, integration, and efficiency. Specifically, we value those that suit our individual school-specific needs, those that offer real-time notifications, and those that promote teamwork among everyone involved. User-friendly solutions and those that reduce the chance for human error are of the utmost importance. These are the solutions that make use easy when stress levels are high and every second counts.
Given the rise of violence on campuses and ever-evolving threats to the safety of learning environments, schools need to assess their current systems and identify areas for improvement. The next steps are to review available solutions, like those we’ll share below, and consider how these solutions might address those areas of concern within their own SSE.
Video Surveillance
Video surveillance systems are one of the primary physical security tools to keep campus safe. Their mere presence helps to deter potential threats. Additionally, using these systems assists with resolving issues by monitoring your school’s buildings and grounds 24/7/365.
When you have video surveillance systems in place, you discourage malicious behavior. Additionally, should a crime or other unwanted event occur, you’ll have evidence for corrective action or when legal action is warranted, court proceedings.
On its own, your video surveillance system is an integral part of a School Safety Ecosystem. However, when combined with access control systems and emergency notification systems, it strengthens your ability to respond to emergencies more effectively and efficiently.
Enhancing Video Surveillance Without a Complete Overhaul
As video surveillance and video system security challenges arise, our team continues to work with customers to keep their schools and districts safe while keeping education budgets at the forefront of concerns.
That’s why we partner with industry-leading manufacturers like Verkada, who understand these challenges as well as we do. For example, Verkada’s Command Connector offers an alternative to costly rip-and-replace approaches that require you to start from scratch by leveraging existing camera hardware.
If you’re considering advancing or streamlining your video surveillance system, you can look to the Eastern DataComm team to help you increase efficiency. Best of all, with over 35 years of experience, we respect your budgetary guidelines so that the solution you choose addresses your most critical needs.
Environmental Sensors
Environmental sensors are technology tools that monitor a variety of conditions in the school environment. They track a myriad of conditions like temperature, detect vaping, and monitor air quality in areas like gymnasiums, classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and cafeterias. These sensors enable you to ensure your students, visitors, and staff are safe and secure. Environmental sensor solutions act as another essential communications tool, providing alerts to school officials to apprise them of potential health and safety risks in real-time.
Integrating environmental sensors with other security technologies gives you a comprehensive picture of your school community. Ultimately, environmental sensors give you a chance to respond more efficiently and proactively to incidents and enhance overall safety.
At Eastern DataComm, Our Environmental Sensors Include Features Like
Safety Risk Monitoring:
- Tamper detection
- Temperature and humidity monitoring
- Motion detection
- Aggression detection
- Gunshot detection
- Occupancy monitoring
- Noise monitoring
Health Risk Monitoring:
- Carbon dioxide
- Temperature and humidity of food and beverages
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Air quality index
- Presence of particulates
- TVOC
- Vape detection
- THC detection
- Carbon monoxide
- Smoking detection
- Barometric pressure monitoring
- Formaldehyde level monitoring
Leverage environmental sensors to support your entire school community’s safety and well-being.
Access Control Systems
Access control systems are essential in managing who enters school facilities. By controlling access points, schools can prevent unauthorized entry and ensure that only approved people have access to specific areas.
These systems enhance security during emergencies. Access control solutions help set clear visitor protocols. Implementing modern access control solutions allows schools to create a safe environment that meets their unique needs.
VoIP Phone Systems
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems are vital for communication in today’s schools. They provide clear call quality and work well with other safety technologies. VoIP systems can automate responses, reducing the risk of human error and enabling lockdown or protective emergency procedures at the touch of a button.
It also bears mentioning that recent FCC guidelines mandate certain capabilities for multi-line telephones, so you’ll want to be sure your VoIP system complies with federal regulations as well. To learn more about those guidelines, you can visit this resource that our team has developed on the subject.
The most effective VoIP phone systems allow schools to quickly connect with first responders and send out emergency notifications. With features like 911 compliance and integrated alerts, VoIP systems enhance the overall safety framework you develop within your SSE.
Wired/Wireless Networks and Infrastructure
A reliable communication network is essential for keeping our schools safe. Both wired and wireless systems are part of the core of the school safety ecosystem. Essentially, they form the backbone of the system. Strong infrastructure allows information to flow smoothly. When you have high-quality cabling and strong wireless connections, you’ll have the stability your school needs for quick communication.
A strong network supports the technology used within the School Safety Ecosystem. It’s what helps staff respond quickly in emergencies and keeps daily communications running as planned. Wired/wireless network solutions and their infrastructure create a foundation from which a secure environment is built.
Cellular Repeater Solutions
Cellular repeaters have a very important role in the ecosystem. They enhance mobile communication by amplifying cell signals throughout school buildings. Wherever you might find yourself with a bad signal or weak reception, these devices ensure that mobile phones function optimally.
Cellular repeaters aid in the prevention of things like dropped calls and slow data transfers. Simply put, cellular repeaters contribute to the overall reliability of communication systems during emergencies and for day-to-day communications.
Paging Systems, Bell Systems, and Synchronized Clocks
Effective communication is vital during the school day and especially so during emergencies. Paging systems, bell systems, and synchronized clocks ensure that messages are delivered clearly and quickly.
These systems can be integrated with emergency procedures so you can deliver clear instructions during urgent situations, helping to keep everyone informed and safe. Plus the reliability of synchronized systems adds predictability to daily routines, which is crucial in stressful situations.
Emergency Notification Systems
Let’s be honest, not all emergency notification systems are created equal. Some rely on a single mobile or smart device application, while others send text messages that might not reach school visitors, substitute teachers, support staff, new student teachers, transfer students, students with disabilities, or brand-new students.
Comprehensive solutions like Eastern DataComm’s LENS (Lockdown and Emergency Notification System) offer rapid response capabilities. With features such as one-button alerts and automated notifications, LENS ensures that all stakeholders are informed during critical events.
The integration of various communication methods—visual, auditory, and mobile—creates a holistic approach to campus safety, ensuring that everyone, from students to emergency personnel, receives timely and accurate information.
Safety Starts with a Comprehensive Perspective
Building a strong School Safety Ecosystem involves integrating various technologies. When you combine an understanding of your own school community’s needs and the right strategic use of technology (like those mentioned above), your school can foster a secure environment that prioritizes wellbeing.
This comprehensive approach not only protects students and staff, but also cultivates a culture of preparedness that empowers the entire school community.
Our Team Is Here to Help Yours
At Eastern DataComm, we’re dedicated to helping you keep your school community connected and protected. Contact us for your complimentary school safety audit.
Together, we’ll identify your strengths and vulnerabilities and discuss how to enhance those areas with the right-fit technology.
And if you haven’t already, be sure to get your copy of our guide, Building a Safer School Ecosystem, here.
