ISBA

UK schools are going into lockdown on an increasing basis, as it is important for them to protect themselves against dangerous incidents. However, it’s not just direct attacks on school property which are causing concern, but other incidents that potentially put staff and pupils at risk. These include anything from a nearby accident or police incident, to a dangerous animal loose in the vicinity. Clear information It is essential that accurate information is communicated clearly and quickly throughout the school, no matter whether the situation warrants evacuation or lockdown. Schools must have a working fire alarm fitted by law, but many use the same fire bell to announce class changes. This can lead to confusion, and while a bell can provide a clear alert that an emergency situation has arisen, it cannot differentiate between lockdown or evacuation. In the event of an intruder on the premises, the last thing any school wants is pupils streaming out onto a playground and gathering at assembly points. Clear and effective communications To solve this issue, some schools have installed integrated class change and PA systems such as Bodet’s Harmonys System, which store a range of different tones, melodies and pre-recorded voice messages. As well as routine announcements such as class change, lunch or the end of school, in the event of an emergency they enable specific alarms to be broadcast across the entire site. That way, both staff and pupils know what’s happening and what action to take. Due to the random nature of events triggering a lockdown, there is little schools can do to prevent them. However, by having clear and effective communication systems installed alongside robust lockdown and evacuation procedures, schools can be certain they are doing all they can to ensure the safety of staff and pupils. Come and visit us on stand no. 26 at the ISBA Conference. Richard Manby , managing director of Bodet Class Change Systems, explains how integrated class change and PA systems allow clearer safety messages to be broadcast at schools. Are your staff and pupils ready for lockdown? 01442 418800 enquiries@bodet.co.uk isba.bodet.co.uk ADVERTORIAL Acanthus House, 57 Hightown Road Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9BE 01295 702 600 SPECIALISTS IN SCHOOL BUILDING DESIGN MASTERPLANNING, REFURBISHMENT & NEW BUILD ACANTHUS CLEWS ARCHITECTS www.acanthusclews.co.uk