The recent break-in at a primary school in Ekurhuleni has put the issue of school security in the spotlight.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile there shouldn\u2019t be much cash kept on a school property there are other high-value items such as tablets and laptops that would make the property a target,\u201d said Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT.<\/p>
She said that its vitally important that schools not only think about how best to secure the property, but also to prepare staff and learners on how to react should an incident occur.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also important to remember that it\u2019s not only primary or high schools that are targeted but also smaller nursery schools and home playgroups,\u201d she added.<\/p>
Hattingh said perimeter security and entry\/exit point security needs to be implemented as a first priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cOften schools have sports fields, courts, swimming pools etc that make the area difficult to contain.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are also generally various entrances to the property.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood perimeter security is your first line of defence so call in an expert to assess the property and identify any weak security spots.<\/p>\n
\u201cEmploying guards to man the entrances may be the solution.<\/p>\n
\u201cRemember that when employing guards ensure that they are well trained and have been through the necessary screening checks,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She urged schools to invest in reliable alarm systems and to check these at least once a month.<\/p>\n
The check needs to include all panic buttons.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Stolen school computer found in Primrose<\/a><\/p>\n Back to school safety tips for children<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSeveral panic buttons should be placed around the school \u2013 some static buttons such as under desks or on walls and other mobile buttons that are carried by staff,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She highly recommends that all staff and pupils are educated and regularly reminded of security protocols.<\/p>\n \u201cRun through \u2018what if\u2019 scenarios with your staff and do regular drills with the learners, just as you would a fire drill.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile incidents at schools are fairly rare it\u2019s better to be prepared,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n There have also been incidents of hijackings in school car parks as criminals follow parents in.<\/p>\n \u201cSchools run out of homes such as playgroups or nursery schools are especially at risk.<\/p>\n \u201cSpeak to parents about the importance of watching out for any suspicious vehicles following them as they approach the school.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure the gate opens and closes quickly and ensure that there is a clear line of sight of the gate from inside the house or front office area.<\/p>\n \u201cPosting a guard outside the gate during drop-off or pick-up times is a good option,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n