Would We Consider Fire Code Optional for Our Schools?

By Brandon Faber

Published on Apr 18, 2024

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Fire codes are designed to ensure the safety of occupants in buildings, including schools. These codes dictate requirements for building materials, emergency exits, fire alarms, extinguishing systems, and evacuation procedures.

The first official fire code was developed in 1896 for sprinkler systems. The Our Lady of Mercy School fire in 1958 is what spawned the need to have fire codes in schools. Technically this school met the Chicago fire code as it was built in the late 1800’s. While there were codes in place for sprinklers and fire alarm call boxes, the school was exempt.

This fire is what drove for a more uniform adoption of codes and requirements for schools. Fire alarms were instituted in the 1960s and smoke detection began to be required in the 1980’s. Voice evacuation for schools was introduced in the codes in 2010 and is now required for any school built before the 2010 or later code was adopted. Since the widespread adoption of fire codes, fatalities from school fires are rare. Just as fire standards have proven instrumental in safeguarding schools against fire hazards, similar comprehensive measures are necessary to address the growing concern of violence in educational institutions. Organizations like PASS (Partner Alliance for Safer Schools) advocate for adopting a layered approach to school safety, drawing parallels to the success of fire standards. By implementing robust security protocols, such as access control systems, surveillance cameras, threat assessment procedures, and emergency response plans, could schools significantly mitigate the risk of violence on campus?

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What Could a School Safety Code Look Like?

Throughout the 20th century, several significant events shaped the trajectory of school fire safety regulations. The tragic fire at the Cleveland Clinic in 1929, which claimed the lives of over 120 people, underscored the importance of fire safety in healthcare facilities. Lessons learned from this incident influenced fire codes not only in hospitals but also in schools, emphasizing the need for robust fire detection and prevention measures. Similarly, the Coconut Grove tragedy in 1942 prompted broader reforms in fire safety regulations, including those pertaining to schools. The lessons learned from this devastating event contributed to advancements in building egress, exit signage, and fire suppression systems, all of which are essential components of school fire safety.

Today, school fire codes encompass a wide range of safety systems and are designed to protect students, educators, and visitors. If we were to design a similar code for school safety, it could include:

Perimeter Safety: Just as fire safety begins with building materials and structural integrity, ensuring perimeter safety is paramount in preventing unauthorized access to school premises. Organizations like PASS advocate for measures such as controlled access points, fencing, and surveillance systems to enhance perimeter security.

Classroom Safety: We’ve delved into the importance of classroom safety measures, focusing on classroom doors and locks. Doors should be able to be locked (with status indicators) and unlocked from the outside with a key and locked from the inside with a thumb turn or key, with clear policies for key management. They should also provide free egress when locked to maintain fire and life safety code requirements. Classroom doors should always be closed and locked, with regular audits to ensure compliance.

Policy and Process: Regular drills, including lockdown drills and evacuation exercises, help familiarize students and staff with emergency protocols, ensuring a swift and coordinated response when needed. Regular External Audits: Fire code compliance requires regular inspections by fire marshals, and school safety standards should undergo external audits by certified practitioners. These audits, including both scheduled and random assessments, ensure that schools maintain adherence to safety protocols and identify areas for improvement.

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Expectations for Vendors

Fire codes set stringent standards for building materials and safety features. In the scenario of a school safety code, vendors providing products for schools would need to meet and exceed expectations to ensure the well-being of students and staff and provide peace of mind.

Fire codes mandate that doors in commercial buildings must act as effective barriers to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. This requirement extends to schools, where classroom doors serve as critical barricade devices during emergencies.

While meeting the minimum requirements of fire codes is essential, vendors should strive to go above and beyond to enhance school safety. Take, for example, the specification for classroom door fire resistance, which typically requires a 20-minute rating. TownSteel goes a step further by UL-rating their grade one locks to withstand fire for up to 3 hours. This level of durability is nine times better than the minimum requirement, providing an additional layer of protection for students and educators.

As awareness of school safety continues to grow, we should strive for comprehensive school safety codes akin to fire codes to become the norm. Vendors should anticipate this shift and align their products with these higher standards proactively. By investing in research and development to create innovative solutions that prioritize safety, vendors can position themselves as leaders in the field and contribute to the overall improvement of school security measures.

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The Future of a School Safety Code

We should establish school safety codes that can be applied to all school buildings, similar to the fire codes of today. While individual schools may implement various safety protocols, the absence of a unified code leaves gaps that could compromise overall security. By implementing comprehensive safety measures, schools create environments that are less vulnerable to violence and other threats. In the ever-evolving landscape of school safety, vendors also play a crucial role in providing the tools and technologies necessary to protect students and educators.

Schools that adhere to robust safety standards send a clear message to potential perpetrators: they are not easy targets. By fortifying defenses and implementing proactive measures, such as access control systems, surveillance cameras, and threat assessment procedures, schools become less attractive targets for individuals’ intent on causing harm.

Fire codes have protected schools from fire hazards, and a similar code for school safety could be used to confront the escalating threat of violence in schools. We wouldn’t allow fire codes to be optional for our schools, and safety should be no different.

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Getting Help and Resources

For additional resources on addressing school safety, you can review guidelines and materials from our partners at Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS).

You can also get in touch with us directly. We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments.

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