With summer approaching and educational facilities preparing to close for the holidays, it is essential to ensure security is in place. Here, Scott Copeland, Category Manager at IronmongeryDirect, outlines some of the actions that can be taken to secure school buildings to help prohibit theft, damage and vandalism of the facilities.
Despite local ‘School Watch’ initiatives, unfortunately, many education facilities fall victim to criminal damage over the summer break when buildings are empty. Not only does this present a health and safety risk but fixing the damage caused can also take funding away from other vital services in the school. Therefore, it is vital to take the steps needed to secure premises over the summer.
Padlocks and Code Locks
One of the most universally recognised types of security is the simple padlock. Whilst unassuming, padlocks can provide heavy-duty protection to key areas on campus, for instance, locking up sports cupboards or other storage units. The Squire Combi All Weather Padlock is suitable for use outdoors and with over 10,000 code possibilities and a die-cast alloy lock body, this padlock supplies tough protection to individual storage locations.
For interior doors, consider applying code locks. The Arrone Push Button Code Lock is a light-duty code lock suited to low traffic areas such as storerooms. The holdback function is ideal for doors that need to be left open for extended periods whilst the facilities are in operation, but also provides security when needed.
Mortices Locks and Latches
When looking to improve security, it is essential to ensure that all locks and latches are fitted faultlessly. An aspect that is often overlooked, yet weak or damaged locks and latches can leave a building vulnerable to forced entry and vandalism. ERA Deadlocks come in a range of case sizes and finishes, for maximum security. The ERA 5 Lever Deadlocks are BS approved mortice locks that can be fitted in addition to a mortice latch to guard against unwanted entry over the summer months. An alternative to mortice locks, sashlocks provide the security of a deadlock and a mortice latch in one device. The Altro 5 Lever sashlock is a medium-duty lock that is ‘Certifire’ approved and with Easi-T technology the latch bolt can be quickly reversed without having to open the lock case.
Security Cameras and Alarms
Security Cameras and Alarms are often the first steps taken to act as a deterrent to vandals or intruders however, the systems are not always optimised for the setting. ERA offers many types of alarm to cover both indoor and outdoor censors with sirens. Particularly on large campuses, additional alarms can be costly. The ERA External Replica Sirens with a flashing light are ideal for secondary locations that may not already be covered by the system.
While every facility is unique, there are universal systems that can apply to all buildings that can prohibit theft, damage and vandalism. By taking extra measures to secure premises over summer the hope is that students can return to clean and safe environments at the beginning of the school term.
To find out more about IronmongeryDirect and its range of over 18,000 products, please visit www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk .
