In 2021, schools in the United States experienced 23 school shootings. This equates to a school shooting every 8 days. Unfortunately, because of the shootings, parents have started to become more concerned about the safety of their children in schools. It’s important to know that academic institutions, among others, can be considered an essential environment as children usually spend more time every day with their teachers and peers. But with the recent school shootings in the country, it’s about time that the schools address the security threats to ensure the safety of all students. This is where school hardening comes into play.
However, in school hardening you have to understand several aspects. After the Parkland shooting in Florida, the concept of school hardening came into the spotlight.
School hardening aims to make it difficult for a potential assailant to enter the school and injure children or staff. The process looks different based on the school. It can include solely physical barriers and metal detectors or even arming children with weapons such as mini bats and rocks to use against an assailant.
Keep reading to learn about 5 school hardening products that can help keep teachers and students safe.
Florida School Hardening:
In February 2018, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School suffered a school shooting where 17 students and staff were killed and 17 others were injured.
After the shooting, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act was passed to allocate $400 million to schools to promote school hardening.
Many states and Congress have also allocated money to help protect schools.
School Hardening Products:
Children have the right to feel safe in school. Although school hardening cannot guarantee your child’s safety, it has become essential in this day and age.
With more parents becoming worried about their kids’ safety, schools should boost their security efforts during the opening of classes. For example, they should add advanced security systems along with security signages and other related back to school images around the premises. That way, the parents will have peace of mind knowing the schools take their children’s safety and security seriously.
But aside from these items, here are 5 school hardening products that can help protect schools from active shooters. These are often great products to keep teachers safe, as well.
1. Bulletproof Backpacks:
Bulletproof backpacks are a form of gun defense for children. It can only be the best safety element that parents can have control of. Once their children leave for school, they no longer know what happens to them. But with these backpacks, you can rest knowing your kids have something that can protect them against potential security threats. Just teach them how to use the bags properly to obtain a more favorable outcome.
However, it’s important to know that most only work to block the bullets of a handgun, and would not work against rifles or large caliber bullets. But despite the limitation, requiring students to use bulletproof backpacks can still provide an added layer of protection while they’re in school. Lastly, bulletproof backpacks are convenient as they work just like any other bag but with certain safety features.
2. Auto-Lock Doors:
In many active shooter situations, locked doors are enough to deter a shooter. They often continue onward to another area rather than attempting to break into the door.
Auto-lock doors can be manually activated by teachers when all students enter the classroom. An electronic system can also automatically lock doors, especially in the case of an emergency.
3. Bulletproof Doors and Windows:
During the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the assailant shot through the glass of locked doors. Manufacturing doors and windows with bulletproof glass would make it more difficult. However, the glass is not completely bulletproof, so the right weapons may penetrate the glass.
4. Barricades:
There is a myriad of products that can help teachers barricade their doors in the case of an emergency. These items prevent someone from entering a classroom. However, these items should comply with fire safety standards and allow staff and students to quickly exit in the case of a fire.
5. Security Cameras:
Security cameras, when actively monitored by staff, are a great way to view potential security threats. Spotting a strange individual or car can allow staff to act quickly and get law enforcement involved.
Final Thoughts:
With the increase of school shootings across the United States, school hardening has become more important than ever.
We covered 5 amazing products that can help staff and students stay safe in the case of a crisis.
For more articles the newest products that can keep you safe, visit our blog today.
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