Responsible actions
How fast can your school lock down?
Detex Corporation
Unfortunately, it is an accepted fact that schools occasionally must go on lockdown. What that term means in individual schools varies as much as the size of school districts across the nation. Some schools define a lockdown as securing all exterior school doors. Others add all classroom doors to the exterior or the cafeteria, library and gymnasium. Whatever the term means to an institution, one key question remains foremost in the minds of school administrators, facility and security directors: What is the safest, fastest, easiest and most cost-effective means of locking down a campus?
There are as many answers as there are security manufacturers. However, one way that has been overlooked by many security door consultants is the use of panic exit devices with electrified dogging, a low-cost alternative to electric latch retraction. When installed throughout a school facility, the use of electrified dogging accomplishes several things. It enables all of the devices to be "energized" by one control switch that can be situated in a centralized area of the building. This action keeps the doors in push/pull configuration via the electronics. In case of a required lockdown, one switch can be activated that de-energizes all devices. All panic devices revert to secure mode, effectively locking every door equipped with this type of device.
When electric dogging is applied to classroom doors, a teacher, perhaps in the height of a crisis, does not have to remember where the key is and how to lock down a device on a classroom door. The administrator, taking the responsibility off the shoulders of the education staff, makes the decision and takes action to lock down.
Select the September 2009 issue RSN number 155 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Bullet-Resistant Doors
Overly Door Company
Bullet-Resistant Doors have been tested in accordance with UL Standard for Safety 752 bullet-resisting equipment for weapon protection levels 1 to 8, as well as National Institute of Justice Ratings I-III. Standard and custom-size units are available in both single-swing and pair configurations. Glazed doors are available.
Select the September 2009 issue RSN number 150 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Electronic Cylinder Locks
Videx
CyberLock electronic cylinders for single- and multi-space parking meters bring access control and an audit trail to parking meters simply by replacing the meter's existing mechanical lock cylinder with an electronic cylinder. Each cylinder is designed to the exact dimensional standards of the mechanical cylinder it is replacing. With the system, parking-enforcement officers have access to all the meters on their routes with one pre-programmed electronic key. Keys can be set with dates to begin and end operation, eliminating worries about lost keys.
Select the September 2009 issue RSN number 151 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Emergency Backpacks
RETA Security, Inc.
Emergency Backpacks can help schools be prepared with vital emergency supplies for shelter-in-place, lockdown and evacuations. They can be stored in classrooms and other strategic locations. The affordable, 22-piece backpacks provide important items such as first-aid supplies, blankets, a wind-up flashlight and water.
Select the September 2009 issue RSN number 152 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Security Center Unifies Security Operations, Transforming the Operator Experience
Genetec
As a unified security platform, the Security Center seamlessly blends the IP video surveillance, access control and license-plate recognition systems within a single innovative solution. It consolidates and standardizes the common aspects of security operations and makes them easily accessible via a unique client application called the Security Desk.
Select the September 2009 issue RSN number 153 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Security Product Overview
Secura Key
The company has released a three-minute flash video production that provides an overview of its various product lines and capabilities. The video discusses Proximity, Contactless and legacy card and reader technologies, panels and software, asset management and data collection products.
Select the September 2009 issue RSN number 154 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
