Unfortunately, some of us come to expect the worst safety conditions in our learning environments. Today headlines are filled with shootings and scenarios that tantamount crisis. Truthfully, it seems that most of us merely hope that the time between such incidents is prolonged as long as possible. While these stories seemingly surface more often, or are proliferated by the media, locking technologies are advancing rapidly. By now, a majority of us have inferred that with better security comes lesser the opportunity for these circumstances to occur. Possibly the most important aspect of this conversation is geared towards our students. Protecting students in schools is undoubtedly the most important aspect that humanity may consider. So what types of security systems should be used in the academic system? We’ll break down a few things you should consider in the locks that should be used and the doors they should be installed on.
Locks
High-security locks are necessary to protect entry ways that lead to students, faculty and administration. These entry ways need to be outfitted with locks that can withstand a lot of torment. The reason why is simple. Usually intruders don’t have time to pick a lock in these scenarios. Instead brut force is initiated. For academic entryways, we recommend state-of-the-art deadbolt locks. We’ll list three we recommend here.
Medeco Logic Deadbolt
Medeco supplies some of the best high-security locks on the market. The Medeco Logic Deadbolt is one of them. The lock exceeds the ANSI Grade 1 standard for an auxiliary lock. It’s resistant to wrenching, prying, bumping and hammering attacks. It also has a one inch throw hardened steel bolt to prevent crowbar attacks. Here’s a recap of its features.
• ANSI Grade 1
• Controlled Access-electronically programed keys
• Data of entry and exit, user and guest
• Electronic rekeying
• Advanced Medeco Software
• Solid brass collar spins under pressure to prevent wrench attacks
• Large thumb turn provides ease of use by physically challenged individuals.
• Steel shroud over bolt protects against “ice pick” type attacks
Abloy Protec2 Single Cylinder Deadbolt
In 2001 the Abloy Protec system was created. Not a single documented picking attempt has been known to succeed on this lock. In 2012 they introduced the Protec2 Single Cylinder and it packs a punch. It’s the highest grade: ANSI Grade 1. The rating is based on extreme physical attack resistance. Some of the other specs are as follows. (We should mention that the user reviews are some of the best.) We’d suggest this lock to anyone.
• ANSI Grade 1
• Housed in steel body and hardened steel cylinder for maximum resistance to drilling
• H2X extreme 2″ hardened bolt can withstand 2 tons of force
• 1/4” (6mm) thick steel screws to prevent angled prying
• Steel bolt shield against ice picks
• Reinforced steel strike box with 2″ anchor screws
• Solid rotating collar so wrenches and pliers are ineffective
Schlage Single Cylinder Deadbolt Lock
This lock is very standard in many facilities and holds up to extreme tampering, prying, bumping and ice picking conditions. Schlage has been around for 90 years. This lock is as impressive as those 90 years, and is great for academic security settings.
• Brass finish
• 2-3/8″ to 2-3/4″ backset
• ANSI Grade 1
• Biggest adjustable bolt available
• Pick, bump and pry resistant
• Guaranteed to fit all standard doors
• Lifetime limited finish and mechanical warranty
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For classroom doors we recommend one locking system. Why one? Because it’s completely unequalled in performance. Not only in performance, but the lock is very cost efficient. That lock would be the GL87 Arrow classroom lock:
GL87 Arrow classroom lock
The GL87 Arrow classroom lock works in a user-friendly way. The outside lever is locked or unlocked by key. A locked clutch function allows the lever to turn freely; yet, this will not retract the dead latch until the outside lever is unlocked with a key. Inside the lever is always unlocked and retracts the latch when turned. When the door is unlocked, the door remains operable from both inside and outside. Here are a few certifications it has received:
• UL/cUL listed
• ANSI/BHMA A156.2, Series 4000, Grade 1.
• Federal Specification FF-H-106Cu
• ANSI A117.1 Accessibility Code
Doors
High security doors are extremely important. We’ll argue far for to make this point: a lock is only as secure as the object that it’s placed on. High security doors are primary protectors. It’s important that your door meets regulations and standards for your building and setting. Briefly consider checking up on the following basics:
• Installed Cylinder Guards
• Strike Plates (working)
• Non-corroded hinges
• Re-sturdied and fortified door frames
Schools, universities and academic settings should always outfit their buildings with the best security systems available. Time and time again we see compromises in security. We feel that prevention is within grasp. With more light shed on these locking innovations we can only hope that local and national governments bring things up to date when their re-educated on locking devices.
