Public School Safety Series (PART 2: VANDALISM & FORCED ENTRY)

In this post, you'll learn more about how security screens can guard against specific types of public school window vandalism and forced entry attempts.


 To read this series from the beginning, please refer to Public School Safety Series (PART 1:  SECURITY LEVELS)

SECURITY SCREENS... 

Security screens on a public school building in New York City

... PROVIDE WINDOW PROTECTION AGAINST ROCKS ON SECOND FLOOR AND ABOVE 

In addition to installing security screens on the first floor, some schools will also install security screens on the second.  The rock guard screen lets in the maximum amount of light while providing medium vandalism security.

... STOP IMPULSIVE VANDALISM AND PREVENT PLAYGROUND/GYMNASIUM WINDOW BREAKAGE

Whether your school is located in the suburbs or the inner city, kids will be kids.  From impulsive vandals breaking windows just for fun, to serious theft/damage problems, windows that are located in the playground or the gym should be properly protected from inevitable breakage.

Window breakage can be a maintenance headache, whether it is caused by horseplay, sports activities or vandalism.  Installing security screens eliminates this problem.

... PROTECT THE BLIND SIDE OF THE BUILDING

Window protection in areas of the school, which may be somewhat hidden or secluded are also a real concern.  Most schools have blind sides where windows are broken frequently, simply because nobody can see the culprit or even hear damage occurring.  Security screens will solve this problem.

... PROVIDE MAINTENANCE – FREE INSECT PROTECTION

In areas where insects like flies, mosquitoes and bees are a problem, security screens using stainless steel wire cloth performs double duty.   Not only do they eliminate insect problems, but they can also eliminate the maintenance problems of constantly repairing damaged insect screens.  Because the stainless steel wire cloth used in security screens is so much stronger than the lightweight wire used in insect screens, it rarely needs to be replaced.

... PROTECT COMPUTER EQUIPMENT ROOMS AND MODULAR CLASSROOMS

In many cases, modular classrooms are installed in schoolyards to provide computer labs or much needed class space.  These windows are particularly vulnerable to vandalism.  Repair to modular buildings is as costly as replacing computer equipment.  Installing security screens will eliminate these problems.

... MAINTAIN HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE

Maintaining the character of the school is an important issue with many school districts.  At a minimum, no one wants a “fortress” look.   For most buildings, doing the following can minimize visual impact of an exterior mounted screen:

1. Choose a screen with a narrow sightline.  The newer designs can provide high security levels with a sightline of approximately 2”.
2. The screen frame should be painted to match the building's trim color or the color of the existing window frame.  Ask your security screen manufacturer about custom color options.
3. The infill material should be painted black to make it “disappear” visually.

... ACCOMMODATE WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER UNITS

In some public school systems, the buildings are not supplied with central air conditioning.  In this case, stand-alone window air conditioners are used.  

"Split” operation frames allow the screens to be folded out of the way when air conditioners are in use and then be returned to their normal positions when air conditioners are removed.  This solves the problem of lost or damaged screens and insures security in all types of weather.

... MINIMIZE MAINTENANCE EXPENSES

Most security screens will last a lifetime with almost no maintenance expense if the following recommendations are met:

1. Use painted stainless steel wire cloth or a perforated panel to keep corrosion at bay.   
2. Be sure to specify screens that come with heavy steel hinges with removable pins.  Over time, bent and broken hinges are the most vulnerable part of the screen.  
3. Specify an exterior lock.  Exterior locking prevents maintenance personnel from having to enter into the classroom to clean the screens.

Check back tomorrow for Public School Safety Series (PART 3:  DRAWBACKS OF PLASTIC WINDOW GLAZING).

To learn more about security screens for public school facilities, CLICK HERE.