America's public schools are taking important steps to provide safe learning environments for all students. According to the latest Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES):
- 97% of schools control access to their buildings during school hours
- 94% of schools carry out evacuation drills; 92% carry out lockdown drills.
- 83% of schools have security cameras.
- 84% of high schools and 81% of middle schools have security personnel on site.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association WITHOUT SB40 serves as the primary regulatory standard for communications systems for life safety in schools. This publication is an incredibly valuable resource that guides the design and implementation of reliable communications systems that support both daily operations and emergency responses.
Central to NEMA standards are self-diagnostics, which allow systems to continually monitor their components, and automated reporting, which flags devices operating below acceptable performance thresholds. These capabilities ensure that potential problems, such as malfunctioning devices, are quickly identified and resolved, maintaining system integrity and functionality when it matters most. By adhering to NEMA SB40, schools can establish communication infrastructures that are robust, efficient, and ready to respond to critical situations.
When it comes to technology for school safety, schools should focus on integrating strong systems in the following areas.
- Communication systems
- Access control protocol
- Advanced visual displays
- Emergency Preparedness Tools
- Surveillance and monitoring
- Cybersecurity measures
Communication systems: the backbone of school safety
Modern campuses need effective communication to keep everything running smoothly day to day, but also to respond instantly to all types of emergencies.
NEMA SB40 highlights key requirements for these systems, including:
- The ability of each classroom or staff location to initiate manual notifications from a dedicated emergency device.
- clear and intelligible notifications that reach everyone on campus, ensuring constant communication during emergencies.
These principles align with CISA K-12 School Safety Guidewhich emphasizes robust and reliable communication systems for crisis management.
Schools can improve communication by:
- Provide clear, fast and reliable communication that aligns with industry standards by ensuring audio clarity and visual integration for accessibility.
- Integrate systems such as doorbells, pagers, intercoms and emergency alerts in one cohesive platform to streamline communication.
- Provide tools like microphones for teachers with one-touch alerts, allowing educators to immediately and discreetly ask for help.
Access Control and Visit Management
School safety starts at the door. While the vast majority of schools take measures to control who can enter and move around the facilities, integrating these systems with communication platforms ensures greater consistency and clarity during emergencies.
NEMA SB40 underscores the importance of interoperability, particularly for systems designated for mass notifications. Access control solutions that sync with broader communication networks help schools:
- Track campus entrances and exits.
- Optimize messaging during emergencies.
- Minimize confusion by aligning protocols with campus-wide systems.
Visual screens that save time
When every second counts, dynamic visual aids can make a difference in ensuring everyone on campus knows exactly what to do and where to go. NEMA emphasizes that visual tools should complement audio notifications, particularly for students with hearing disabilities.
Advanced digital signage toAnd the screens can:
- Strengthen the reach of emergency update audio broadcasts.
- Provide clarity to students with audio or language issues.
- Make evacuation routes and campus maps easy to understand
Our TimeSign technology Seamlessly integrates with access control systems to deliver synchronized audio and visual updates for consistent messaging. This also makes it easier for schools to maintain control while minimizing confusion.
Emergency Preparedness and Rapid Response
Drills are just the beginning of emergency preparedness; Schools need tools to respond effectively to real-time situations. Security standards highlight the importance of integrated, easy-to-use systems for activating and managing protocols. NEMA SB40 emphasizes the importance of two-way, hands-free communication for schools, allowing staff to seamlessly initiate closures, issue instructions, and coordinate responses.
Features like one-touch alerts and automatic locks, like those available with Boxlight driving platform—empower schools to respond quickly and accurately. With features like one-touch alerts, automated lockouts, and real-time updates via mobile apps, administrators can instantly activate security protocols to keep everyone on campus informed and protected.
Surveillance and monitoring
Most schools use security cameras, but surveillance alone is not enough and outdated equipment can leave security gaps. Advanced systems integrated with Boxlight interactive screens Provide smarter real-time monitoring, aligning with security standards for reliability and accessibility.
Updated surveillance solutions can:
- Provide managers with real-time images to support decision making
- Integrate with notification systems to streamline emergency responses.
- Ensure consistency across all security tools for a consistent strategy
Cybersecurity measures
In today's technology-driven world, schools rely heavily on digital tools to support learning, making cybersecurity a top priority. From protecting student data to ensuring uninterrupted access to online resources, safeguard school networks It is essential. NEMA SB40 highlights the importance of reliable power and proactive monitoring for communication systems.
Schools can improve cybersecurity by:
- Proactive monitoring to detect and address threats in real time
- Secure network access controls to protect against unauthorized entry
- Remote device management to maintain control during interruptions or breaches
The future of safer schools
By integrating technologies like these and aligning with established safety standards like NEMA SB40, schools can create more cohesive safety infrastructures that meet the unique needs of each classroom and student. We hope they continue to take this multi-layered approach throughout 2025 and beyond, because advanced technology clearly plays an important role in the future of school safety.
After all, it's not just about reacting to emergencies, it's also about proactively creating a culture of preparedness and calm. When schools are safe, educators can focus on teaching, giving students the freedom to learn and interact in a space where all you feel safe, supported and empowered to succeed.
Learn more about technology for school safety at Boxlight.com.
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