Written By: Brad Campbell | April 21, 2025
Securing school doors is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect students and staff during active threats.
With the rise in active threat incidents across the U.S., schools need robust measures to create safe spaces and deny attackers access to critical areas like classrooms.
A well-secured door can mean the difference between life and death, providing precious time for students and teachers to hide while first responders arrive.
Before we dive into what specific steps you can take to secure school doors against active threats, both before and during an attack, let’s take a look at the recommended protocol for active threat scenarios. This will give you a better idea of how school doors can come into play during active threat scenarios.
According to the FBI, there are three things staff and students should do when there is an active threat on a school campus:
If you hear shots on campus or see someone with a gun approaching, the first thing to do is run to safety. Try to either evacuate the building and run away or get to somewhere safe in another part of the building, as far away from the shooter as possible.
If you are unable to escape the school, the next best thing to do is hide somewhere safe, preferably barricading yourself inside a locked classroom or another secure area where the shooter won’t be able to get to you.
As a last resort, if you are unable to run and hide, fight the shooter. Do anything you physically can to disarm or disable them to protect your life and the lives of others. This could include throwing things at them, hitting them with objects, or attacking them using your body.
Conduct a thorough inspection of all school doors to identify vulnerabilities. Assess the condition of locks, check for glass panels that could be broken, and test how easily doors can be forced open. Consider partnering with a security expert for a professional threat assessment to pinpoint upgrades needed for effective security.
Weak locks, like push-button handle locks, should be replaced with more secure options, such as deadbolts that can be engaged from the inside. Ensure no classroom door requires an external key to lock, as this can delay critical action during an emergency.
Add electronic access control systems at main entry points to restrict unauthorized access. Systems requiring ID cards, key codes, or biometric scans can help prevent external threats from entering the school. Pair these systems with staffed entry points for maximum security and visibility.
Classroom layouts should allow for quick and effective barricading. Position heavy furniture, like desks and filing cabinets, near the door so they can be moved into place to reinforce the door during an emergency.
Glass panels in doors are a major vulnerability. Retrofit them with bullet-resistant security glazing, which can resist forced entry, stop bullets, and provide a critical delay against attackers. Even if damaged by gunfire, this glazing remains intact, preventing access and keeping those inside safe.
When it comes to upgrading school door security, Riot Glass provides a range of reliable, cost-effective school security glazing solutions.
Riot Glass door glazing is retrofittable into many types of existing frames, making installation quick and affordable.
Another option is a complete unbreakable entryway door conversion kit that can turn a school’s entryway doors into an impenetrable, bullet-resistant access denial barrier.
Constructed with durable polycarbonate and acrylic materials, Riot Glass panels can resist both forced entry and ballistics, offering unmatched protection during active threats.
Additionally, Riot Glass school door solutions are highly customizable, with options for various styles, finishes, and levels of protection to seamlessly integrate into your school’s architecture.
By investing in Riot Glass, schools can harden their door security without sacrificing aesthetics, creating a secure yet welcoming environment.
One of the primary benefits of Riot Glass is its deterrent effect on potential active threats.
Although doors retrofitted with Riot Glass act as virtually invisible access denial barriers, it quickly becomes obvious to attackers that they are fortified when their attempts to smash or shoot through them are met with frustration.
This indicates to the would-be intruders that the school is prepared and serious about security and can dissuade them from continuing to attempt unauthorized entry, reducing the likelihood of harm to those inside.
By retrofitting classrooms and other school doors with Riot Glass, schools proactively establish a secure environment that discourages external threats, promoting a sense of safety and peace of mind for everyone within the premises.
Riot Glass solutions come in a wide range of options to suit the unique needs of each educational institution. Schools can choose from various styles, sizes, and finishes to seamlessly integrate the glazing into their existing architecture.
Whether it's for the primary entryway doors, classrooms, administrative areas, or other vulnerable points, Riot Glass can be installed to create a comprehensive physical security system tailored to the school's specific design and functionality requirements.
This versatility ensures that security measures can be implemented effectively without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the campus.
Investing in Riot Glass to upgrade school doors can provide long-term cost savings for schools when it comes to security upgrades.
Since in many cases security glazing infills can be retrofitted into or onto existing school door framing systems using retrofittable framing adapters, installation is much more affordable — not to mention far less disruptive — than replacing all the doors.
Riot Glass door systems are designed to withstand extensive wear and tear, requiring minimal maintenance over their lifespan. The specific formulations of polycarbonates, acrylics, and other plastics that Riot Glass is composed of ensure that it outperforms and outlasts similar products on the market.
Additionally, the durability of these fortified school doors minimizes the need for frequent replacements due to breakage or vandalism.
Riot Glass can even improve a school’s energy efficiency, as adding a pane of security glazing can help regulate temperature and reduce heating and cooling costs.
Doors are just one important aspect of a comprehensive school security system, but they’re often the first line of defense against active threats.
Because of this, it’s vital for schools to understand how their doors can be secured to prepare for and protect against worst-case scenarios.
Riot Glass security glazing provides a robust physical barrier against intruders while maintaining a welcoming and open learning environment, fortifying schools without making them look fortified.
With their exceptional strength, customization options, and cost-effectiveness, Riot Glass doors are an essential component of comprehensive security measures for all types of educational institutions, from K-12 schools to universities.
Contact Riot Glass today to learn more about retrofitting your school doors with industry-leading security glazing and take the first step toward creating a safer campus.
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