Security Gates for Schools

School fencing and gates are a big concern for parents, students and school staff. This quickly became apparent upon the number of readers’ comments I received with the first two blogs. One of the most prevailing themes was the use and care of gates. Many of the parents brought up some very solid concerns regarding the use, placement and maintenance of gates relative to their children’s safety. Below are some of the most relevant concerns that school officials and architects designing school facilities with fencing and gates.

• Location of gates. School officials should consider the location of gates relative to where children will be playing and travelling. Large rolling and swing gates are necessary to provide access to playgrounds and ball fields for maintenance. However, these large rolling and swing gates represent a liability to children. These gates should not be located where children frequently play. A service point of should be considered along the perimeter of the site.
• Access and service gates should be locked at all times and often double checked. School officials check all building doors at the end of each day. Why wouldn’t they check all gates? Gates that are used frequently should be equipped with permanent locks that are dependable and cannot be removed easily. It is easy for padlocks to be removed and never replaced.
• Safety signs. All gates should be equipped with safety signs that warns others of potential pinch points. This is a great educational piece for school officials to use in teach children about the hazards of using gates.

As school officials begin to understand the importance of perimeter security of today’s schools and playgrounds; we will see more fencing and gates. Our fence industry professionals should join them in assuring these fences and gates are both safe and secure.