Unique One-press Classroom Deadbolt Avoids Door Barricade Dangers

Securitech is promoting safe classroom security and warning of the dangers of door-blocking devices that cannot be opened from the outside by first responders.

According to the National Association of State Fire Marshals, some of the proposed solutions for securing classroom doors in the event of a threatening situation “may compromise aspects of life safety.” The organization released a guidance document and safety checklist in March of 2015 with clear recommendations based on a variety of sources, including building safety and fire codes, the School Safety Infrastructure Council, U.S. Department of Justice ADA Standards, and the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission. Specific reference is made to devices which prevent unlocking and opening from the outside, saying such devices “may place the inhabitants of the room in peril.”

In sharp contrast to door-blocking devices, the Securitech QID (Quick Intruder Deadbolt) classroom lock was designed to provide a fast, strong safe-haven solution while maintaining access for first responders and other authorized personnel. QID locksets also exceed safe school government standards (FEMA-428/BIPS-07) and comply with all building and fire safety codes. 

“Schools shouldn’t have to choose between safety and security. Our new QID lock is designed to instantly secure a classroom with the strongest deadbolt protection,” said Mark Berger, president and chief product officer, Securitech. “But it was also designed to maintain life safety, so anyone can exit the classroom quickly and school personnel, law enforcement and first responders can quickly enter by key.”

The unique deadbolt locking mechanism in the QID is activated by simply pushing the red button. With one press, the person closest to the door can instantly activate both the deadbolt and the lever handle lock. A visual indicator lets the teacher know that the door is secured by the QID deadbolt. It is the only solution that combines the locking lever handle with the deadbolt in a single action for the highest strength and security.

The Securitech QID lock is 100% code compliant and presents a number of advantages over other classroom locks. It combines the fast locking of a one inch deadbolt with the single-action egress required for occupant safety. Just as important, the door is always able to be unlocked by key from the outside. This critically important outside key access enables First Responders or other authorized staff to enter the room quickly, if needed – something which classroom door blocking products do not allow. Additionally, virtually no training is required to activate the QID lock.

Experts have made recommendations about how to increase the safety and security of our schools. Of these recommended actions, those regarding physical door locks are an immediate and effective solution and one of the simplest to implement. For example, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) includes specific recommendations for classroom door locks in its primer for safe school design (FEMA-428/BIPS-07/Jan 2012). Their first guidance on this topic states that doors should “have a simple locking mechanism, such as a button to push in, which cannot be locked to prevent egress from the classroom.” The Securitech QID locks are in full compliance with the DHS guidance.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.