The horrific events that occurred on Valentine’s Day this year continue to impact the national conscious. On that day, the world heard about the tragedy of a lone gunman entering the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and killing 17 individuals. On that day, innocence was cut down by an individual willing to commit unthinkable acts of horror.

Debate continues to rage regarding how to prevent such events in the future. Undoubtedly, there were many failures that occurred on that day and before. Perhaps many things could have been done different. Questions are asked such as:

• Are guns the problem?
• Can legislation prevent this from happening again?
• Are we dealing effectively with mental health?
• Are we doing enough to secure our school?

Although there are many opinions regarding how to best prevent future school shooting, examining school security should be an area considered. While school security is important to consider, there is no all-encompassing security solution. Each school is different and each school should evaluate what measures might work effectively. The objective of school security is not to turn schools into prisons. However, some high schools have several thousand students attending and may not have the security measures necessary to deal with that many individuals. Providing security for that many individuals is a daunting task.

The solution to providing a more secure school ranges from the simple to the complex, from the inexpensive to the costly. Upgrading security is complex and it is not simply a matter of hiring new security guards and purchasing new equipment. School security and security in general involves identifying threats and risks, and preparing to respond to those threats and risks.

Many things can be done to enhance school security:

• Physical security assessments
•  Security training
• Security planning
• Policy and procedures created for security situations
• Conducting security exercises
• Security education

Of course, there are other things that can be done to enhance security, including a Security Awareness Program. A Security Awareness Program provides a simple method for educating the students and staff of the importance of security and reporting suspicious behavior. These programs offer an inclusive environment that allows everyone to understand security and allows them to participate in providing a safe and secure environment.

Something as simple as a poster series that raises awareness may be an effective tool for many schools. Good security awareness has as its objective incorporating an understanding of security to employees, staff, students, and anyone who utilizes your facilities. A safe and secure environment is promoted by educating these individuals on simple security practices. These programs keep security in the minds of everyone and encourage the reporting of incidents or strange activity. Ultimately, security awareness allows everyone to take a pro-active role in protecting themselves, friends, families, and staff. A simple security awareness program may go a long way in preventing a tragedy.

INA is a leader in assisting schools with security solutions. INA also offers security awareness posters that are effective in raising security awareness.

Samples of these posters are included below:

• INA Security Awareness Poster Sample

Contact INA today for all your security awareness and school security needs.