Arson in schools
Statistically 1 in 15 schools will suffer a fire. According to the DfES, 75% of all fires reported in schools are as the result of Arson. In 2000 the costs of fires to schools amounted to around £65m. These are frightening statistics. Most Arson attacks happen out of hours, when the risk of damage the property is increased, but the likelihood of causing harm to people is low. When school hours are extended there is an increased risk that buildings could be occupied by staff and students when fire breaks out.
To deter a would-be arsonist, professionally installed, managed and maintained CCTV systems can monitor access points and vulnerable locations around the premises, and may provide valuable evidence. Intruder alarms and access control give early warning to a potential intruder.
Fire detection systems can be integrated in to automatic fire suppression systems such as sprinklers, or water mist extinguishing systems. In areas where water damage would prevent such an option such as computer rooms, gaseous extinguishing systems flood the area with an array of gases to extinguish the fire.
It is also important that staff should be trained on the use portable fire extinguishers, and that extinguishers are positioned correctly and maintained to the appropriate standards.
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Also in this Section
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Vandalism in schools
Vandalism and graffiti account for the majority of individual criminal incidents within the school environment – but reports of incidents decreasing by up to 90% are common where CCTV cameras have been installed. |
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Theft in schools
One of the major risks schools continue to face is theft – particularly with high value items such as computers. |
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Personal Assault
All staff, pupils, parents and visitors on the premises out of hours need to be protected |
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Weapons in schools
It's a frightening thought, but more children are carrying weapons, and the threat of a serious incident is all too apparent. |
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