Classroom Barricade Devices Lori Greene AHC/CDC, CCPR, FDHI, FDAI, CFPE Manager - Codes & Resources, Allegion Technical Consultant, Door Security & Safety Foundation

Myth: The benefits of barricade devices outweigh the risks.

Myth: Emergency responders can easily defeat a barricade device.

Myth: Some agencies recommend barricading with furniture; barricade devices are a better option.

Myth: School shootings are very common and should be the main security concern for schools. Cummings Middle School – 1 injury North Forest High School – 1 injury Episcopal School of Jacksonville – 2 deaths Chardon High School – 3 deaths, 3 injuries Perry Hall High School – 1 injury Normal Community High School – no deaths or injuries Sandy Hook Elementary School – 26 deaths, 2 injuries 2012

Myth: School shootings are very common and should be the main security concern for schools. National Center for Education Statistics: “In 2012, students ages 12–18 were victims of about 1,364,900 nonfatal victimizations at school, including 615,600 thefts and 749,200 violent victimizations, 89,000 of which were serious violent victimizations.” 2012

Myth: The risk of fire during an active shooter situation is low, so code requirements are not a priority. Current model code requirements include: Single operation to unlatch the door No key, tool, special knowledge or effort No tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting Hardware mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches above the floor (except locks used only for security purposes) Fire doors must have positive-latching hardware, and hardware for fire doors must be listed for this use

Myth: Lots of other states are allowing classroom barricade devices. Minnesota Rationale: “Classroom security concerns during a lockdown emergency are well understood, and fortunately this problem is easily addressed via the use of code-compliant egress/security hardware. Proper door hardware eliminates the need for security and barricade devices while maintaining free egress.”

Myth: Fire marshals do not have authority over barricade devices that are not permanently attached to doors.

Myth: Locksets do not provide enough protection against active shooters. Final Report of the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission: “The testimony and other evidence presented to the Commission reveals that there has never been an event in which an active shooter breached a locked classroom door.”

For more information, visit doorsecuritysafety.org, firemarshals.org, or iDigHardware.com/schools