WASHINGTON, DC -- The Door Security and Safety Foundation (DSSF), in collaboration with Door and Hardware Institute® (DHI), announced the release of “Are Your Door Openings Secure?”.
The publication includes the recommended real-world guidelines to equip school administrators, building management and community leaders with a clear roadmap to create a secure and safe environment.
For community spaces like schools, day care facilities and office buildings, there is currently no national door security standard. The lack of understanding and implementation of secure openings puts communities at risk and can lead to fear. A 2022 Gallup poll found that 44 percent of parents of K-12 students report fearing for their child’s physical safety at school.
“Creating safe community spaces for connection, education and growth should be the top priority for us all,” said DHI Chief Executive Officer James Gammon. “Our hope with this critical resource is to promote door opening safety education and awareness in communities everywhere. We want to empower leaders to take action today with practical ways to increase safety that are possible at the community level.”
Creating a secure space doesn’t need to be complicated. A 2020 simulation experiment by the Department of Homeland Security showed that classroom doors that lock when closed had a “significant impact” on the outcome of an active school shooter event. Despite the simple safety measure, 1 in 4 U.S. public schools lack classroom doors that can be locked from the inside, according to the National Center on Education Statistics.
“Are Your Door Openings Secure?” outlines three critical levels of recommended security for any building openings. The guidelines are designed at each level to deter, detect, and delay any unwanted behavior and to allow time for emergency response.
Additionally, this tool offers technical support to industry experts for construction and installation while also supporting key decision-making for schools, municipalities and other groups when evaluating safety risks.
To learn more about the “Are Your Door Openings Secure?” guidelines and to find a professional in your area, visit DoorSecuritySafety.org.
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