The Top Ways to Secure Your School from Threats
Protecting schools poses a unique challenge and is a growing concern among educators, students, and parents.
As attacks appear more frequently and with greater loss of life, it’s imperative to create an overall secure plan that leaves schools less vulnerable to threats. The fact is that leaders in K-12 schools need better access to information and resources if they hope to create a more secure facility. While there is no such thing as a perfect solution, there are specific measures that can be implemented to keep both students and faculty safe from threats.
Through major advancements in video surveillance technology, security cameras offer advanced imaging and analytical features. Gone are the days of pixelated images, thanks to ultra-high-resolution cameras with clear images, monitoring activity on school campuses has never been simpler.
Below are a few recommendations from Dahua that educational leaders can take to better secure their campus:
1. IT and Cybersecurity
The first step is to ensure that the current IT Infrastructure in place is strong enough to support the implementation of video surveillance equipment. It is also important to weave cybersecurity best practices into this plan to ensure there are no vulnerabilities within the system. Simple steps, such as setting automatic cloud software updates, utilizing strong passwords, and granting system access only to those who need it can go a long way to closing vulnerabilities.
2. Entrances and Hallways
A camera placed at the entrance is always a great first step towards solidifying the security of a school. Equipping entrance cameras with AI facial recognition is an easy way to ensure that only those meant to access the campus are granted entry. A cost-effective yet powerful dome camera, such as the Dahua 5MP IR Vari-focal IP Dome, provides a visual reference of who is coming and going. That same 5MP IR Vari-Focal IP Dome also features corridor mode that flips the image 90-degrees to follow an object as it passes under the camera. This feature is ideal for hallways, where pixels are often wasted capturing the surrounding walls, savings on bandwidth and storage.
3. Classrooms and Playgrounds
Never miss a thing with 360-degree panoramic cameras. By strategically placing a single panoramic camera, educators can consistently monitor an entire classroom. Outdoors, a single 180-degree multi-sensor camera can cover the same distance as multiple single sensor cameras for improved situational awareness. These cameras can be discretely placed on playgrounds, in parking lots, and at the perimeter of the campus.
4. Command Center
At the heart of every security solution is the command center where surveillance footage can be monitored, and software can analyze the video streams. A video management system comprised of an NVR and monitor allows for live monitoring of events and playback of recorded video.
As schools continue to face new challenges, administrators must educate themselves on new and innovative ways to protect their students and faculty. With specialized equipment schools can secure themselves on a budget, without creating a prison-like environment.
Learn more about Dahua’s Intelligent Solutions for Education here.
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