Massachusetts School Security

When the topic of school security crops up, chances are your mind immediately jumps to security as it relates to school shootings. However, school security envelopes a much broader scope.

At Action Lock & Key, Inc, two security measures we’ve found to have far-ranging applications in this arena are access control systems and electromagnetic door locks.

You can count on Action Lock & Key, Inc to provide practical locksmith and high security solutions for your Burlington home or business. These days, there’s so much more to school security than being sure doors are locked. Let’s explore some strategies.

Access Control Systems in Burlington Schools

According to the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), over 56 million children across the country attend school on a typical day. Nearly $2.8 billion was budgeted for security equipment and services for schools in 2022.

As part of this market, access control is one of the top security technologies utilized in schools, with good reason. Within a building or campus, it can regulate any person’s movement––where he or she has permission to go. This can be highly effective when used correctly. Different control systems, like keypads, swipe cards, fingerprints, or retinal scans, can be utilized at almost any point of entry, enabling efficacious protection.

Pros

This type of credentialing is highly effective for both managing the GPS of people and protecting materials as needed. It denies visitors, students, or staff access to areas unless they’ve been electronically approved. Also, an electronic log is kept with details of who goes where and how long they stay. This type of surveillance can be highly useful in many scenarios, both when used and when reviewing.

Cons

One of the primary drawbacks to access control is really the same one that can be applied to any security system. It has to be used appropriately and as intended to work. If someone entering a building who has approved access doesn’t close the door immediately, another person who isn’t approved can sneak in on the entrant’s heels. Deliberate and thorough training is always recommended with the implementation of any security system.

Electromagnetic Door Locks

Our Action Lock & Key, Inc locksmiths install, repair, and maintain electromagnetic locks in many scenarios—including schools. As its name implies, this locking device relies on the use of magnetism to lock and unlock a door. This force is one of the Earth’s basic and strongest forces, creating a force in the locking action that keeps a door locked even under stress.

There are several types of magnetic locks available, each with its own holding-force capacity. These types of locks are very different than the aftermarket magnetic strips that seem to be cropping up everywhere for school use. These magnetic strips should not be confused with security magnetic locks, as their efficacy can be questioned in varying scenarios and many violate fire and life safety codes. If you have any questions regarding our magnetic door locks, call and speak with one of our certified security locksmiths.

Pros

An advantage to this type of lock is its strength. Depending on the lock installed, it’s resistant to high levels of stress. Another advantage is its ease and versatility of installation. It can be installed on most types of materials––aluminum, wood, or steel. Yet another advantage to this type of lock is its cost-effectiveness.

Cons

Again, if users of these locks aren’t trained and using them correctly, like anything else they can’t be used to their potential. Another drawback is that a magnetic door lock needs continual power to stay closed to keep the circuit closed. If the power is cut in any way––power outage without a backup generator, visible cable cut––the door will open. Of course, this can be circumvented by utilizing a generator and burying the cables.

Add a Layer of Protection to Your School

At Action Lock & Key, Inc., we offer the highest technology and experience in security, especially in the ever-growing areas of access control and electromagnetic door locks. We are a trusted name for providing quality locksmith and security solutions to homes and businesses in Burlington, MA, and surrounding areas. Call us at 781-229-9992 or request service online today.