While every school district is different, most high schools need an average of about $500,000 in improvements, according to the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). High schools can be more attractive to students by improving safety and comfort and creating better academic environments with fewer disciplinary problems. This article will discuss five smart safety upgrades to make to a high school building:
1. Install Vape Detectors
Vape detectors are small, inexpensive devices that detect the presence of electronic cigarettes by sensing changes in electrical resistance. They also help identify potential dangers such as fire or explosions. Because they’re fairly portable, you don’t have to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars for large detectors; purchase some at low cost online. The sensors work best when placed within four feet of sources of heat.
2. Improve Lighting
A new, consistent light source in hallways can reduce accidents from tripping and falling. You’ll want to install fixtures above doorways and along walkways. Consider installing recessed lights for smaller rooms where natural light is insufficient. All installations should use appropriate power sockets to avoid the risk of electric shock.
3. Install Smoke Alarms on All Floors
Smoke alarms alert occupants in case of fires and warn them before any damage occurs. An alarm system helps encourage residents and visitors to evacuate quickly during emergencies and reduces panic, which may lead people to stay longer than necessary in areas of the building where there’s no danger.
4. Reduce Noise Levels
Noise is usually bad for health and education. It makes studying harder because distractions are everywhere, making it hard to focus and pay attention to what’s happening around you. If you must conduct classes inside your high school, consider buying foam earplugs specifically for classrooms. These protect against harmful sound levels without blocking out much sound so you won’t miss anything important. They’re available in a variety of sizes and come at affordable prices. Don’t forget to get proper training on how to use these products properly.
5. Installing Air Filtration Systems
Air quality has been shown to improve learning outcomes. Students who feel safe tend to perform better academically in school. And if there is one thing every teacher tries to teach their students, it’s to keep themselves and others safe. Schools often overlook safety issues while choosing upgrades such as energy-efficient windows or comfortable furniture. Investing in efficient air filters for your school’s ventilation system can increase indoor air quality. Some options include carbon or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filters.
Safety measures are needed in any place of learning, whether it be a school, college, university, or library. But schools are more vulnerable than some of the other places mentioned earlier. The reason is that children spend long periods sitting and studying in the same place every day. This leads to repetitive strain injuries among kids due to improper ergonomics. There are numerous ways to ensure this doesn’t happen to your child, but one of the most effective is making smart investments in safety equipment. By investing wisely, we hope to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries among our future generations.