Increasing Safety with One-Tap Lockdown: School Security with Verkada

Schools are meant to be safe havens for learning and development, but the reality is that they are continuously vulnerable to various threats. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2017-2018 school year, 80% of public schools recorded one or more incidents of violence. This alarming statistic highlights the need for advanced security measures to protect students and staff. Schools and campuses face a myriad of security challenges, and having a robust, reliable lockdown system is crucial. 

Verkada’s Lockdown feature offers an innovative solution, enabling schools to initiate a lockdown with a single tap. This blog will delve into the benefits of remote door lockdown systems, supported by facts, statistics, and real-world examples, showcasing how Verkada’s technology can save lives and enhance security.

One-Tap Lockdown: A Game Changer

According to a 2019 report by the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center, most school attacks are over within minutes, emphasizing the need for rapid response systems. Schools with advanced security measures, including remote lockdown capabilities, are better equipped to handle these situations.

Consider a scenario where an intruder enters a school campus. Traditional lockdown procedures may involve manually locking doors, which can be time-consuming. Various studies of the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012 show that doors locked from the inside prevent active shooters from entering classrooms. However, there are substantial delays, up to a minute, in locking a classroom door due to the fact that the teacher has to be the one to lock the door. As the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission notes in its report, one substitute teacher was “unable to lock her classroom door because the school did not provide substitute teachers with classroom keys.” This and other findings in the report again make a strong case for electronic locking doors that can be operated remotely. 

Cloud Security Integration: Security Cameras

Additionally, a survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 94% of public schools reported using one or more security cameras. Integrating these cameras with a remote lockdown system like Verkada’s enhances their effectiveness, providing a more comprehensive security solution.

Verkada’s Lockdown feature is part of a broader cloud security system, offering comprehensive protection. Integrated security cameras can detect intruders and automatically trigger lockdown procedures. This integration ensures that schools are not only reactive but also proactive in their approach to security.

For example, if a camera detects unusual activity or an unauthorized person on campus, the system can immediately initiate a lockdown and alert the authorities. This real-time response capability is critical in preventing incidents before they escalate.

Verkada’s Lockdown feature is designed to streamline and simplify the lockdown process. With just one tap, administrators can initiate a lockdown, ensuring that all doors are secured within seconds. This rapid response capability is crucial in emergency situations where every second counts.

Verkada Intercom

By allowing seamless communication between administrators and visitors, Verkada intercoms facilitate efficient screening processes and enable quick responses to emergencies. Answer intercom calls from anywhere with full-frame video, crystal clear audio and door controls at the touch of a button. Moreover, the intercom integration with Verkada's cloud-based platform ensures easy access to footage and analytics, empowering school authorities with valuable insights to optimize security protocols.

Key Features of Verkada Lockdown:

• One-Tap Lockdown: Quickly initiate a lockdown procedure with a single tap.
• Customizable Scenarios: Create lockdown scenarios at the door, site, building, or organization level.
• Automated Alerts and Notifications: Configure alerts and notifications for different lockdown scenarios.
• Emergency Response Workflows: Automatically trigger response protocols tailored to specific emergencies.

Enhancing Emergency Preparedness

Emergency situations are unpredictable, and schools must be prepared for various scenarios. Verkada’s Lockdown feature allows for the configuration of different lockdown scenarios, ensuring that the appropriate measures are taken for each unique situation. 

By automating emergency response workflows, Verkada ensures that critical steps are taken without delay. These workflows can include notifying law enforcement, sending alerts to parents, and providing real-time updates to staff. This level of preparedness is essential for maintaining calm and ensuring that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. 

Real-World Examples of Remote Lockdown Effectiveness

Several schools have already implemented remote lockdown systems with notable success. For instance, a school district in Florida reported a significant improvement in their emergency response times after adopting a remote lockdown system. In one instance, the system was activated during a potential threat, and all doors were secured within seconds, ensuring the safety of students and staff. Another example is a school in Texas that integrated their security cameras with a remote lockdown system. When an intruder was detected on campus, the system automatically locked all doors and alerted law enforcement, who apprehended the suspect before any harm could occur.

A Safer Future for Schools

Investing in advanced security measures like Verkada’s Lockdown feature is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a safe and secure learning environment. With the ability to rapidly lock doors, automate emergency workflows, and integrate with security cameras, Verkada provides a holistic approach to school security. In an age where threats are ever-present, having a reliable, efficient lockdown system is essential for safeguarding our schools and ensuring peace of mind for students, parents, and staff alike.

As we look to the future, it’s crucial that we continue to innovate and invest in technologies that protect our educational institutions. To get started, reach out to us! At LTT Partners, we review your current tactics and provide various providers and solutions to match your budget. 

LTT prides itself on staying up-to-date with industry trends, and ever-evolving vendor solutions. It is our goal to find the best solution for your business. Our solutions span across 5 business categories- physical security, fleet management, cloud/voice&data, wireless, and electrical. We know that every business is unique, so we'll come up with a proposal tailored to your distinct needs. You’ll get customized recommendations, the best technology the market has to offer, and ongoing support from our team.

Contact us today to get started!