Public schools in the United States are making significant strides to provide safe, secure learning environments for all students. According to the most recent National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data:

• 97% of schools control access to their buildings during school hours
• 94% of schools hold evacuation drills; 92% conduct lockdown drills
• 83% of schools have security cameras in place
• 84% of high schools and 81% of middle schools have on-site security staff

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s NEMA SB40 serves as the primary regulatory standard of Communications Systems for Life Safety in Schools. This publication is an incredibly valuable resource guiding the design and implementation of reliable communication systems that support both daily operations and emergency responses.

Central to NEMA’s standards are self-diagnostics, which allow systems to continuously monitor their components, and automated reporting, which flags devices operating below acceptable performance thresholds. These capabilities ensure that potential issues—such as malfunctioning devices—are identified and addressed promptly, maintaining the system's integrity and functionality when it matters most. By adhering to NEMA SB40, schools can establish communication infrastructures that are robust, efficient, and ready to respond to critical situations.

When it comes to technology for school safety, schools should focus on integrating robust systems in the following areas. 

• Communication systems
• Access control protocol
• Advanced visual displays
• Emergency preparedness tools
• Surveillance and monitoring
• Cybersecurity measures

Communication Systems: The Backbone of School Safety

Modern campuses need effective communication to keep things running smoothly from day to day, but also to respond instantly to every type of emergency.

NEMA SB40 highlights key requirements for these systems, including:

• The ability for each classroom or staff location to initiate manual notifications from a dedicated emergency device.
• Clear and intelligible notifications that reach everyone on campus, ensuring consistent communication during emergencies.

These principles align with CISA's K-12 School Security Guide, which emphasizes robust, reliable communication systems for crisis management.

Schools can enhance communication by:

• Delivering clear, fast, and reliable communication that aligns with industry standards by ensuring audio clarity and visual integration for accessibility.
• Integrating systems like bells, paging, intercoms, and emergency alerts into one cohesive platform to streamline communication.
• Providing tools like teacher microphones with one-touch alerts, enabling educators to immediately and discreetly call for help.

Access Control and Visitor Management

School safety starts at the door. While the vast majority of schools take measures to control who can enter and move throughout the facility, integrating these systems with communication platforms ensures greater consistency and clarity during emergencies.

NEMA SB40 underscores the importance of interoperability, particularly for systems designated for mass notifications. Access control solutions that synchronize with broader communication networks help schools:

• Track entries and exits across campuses.
• Streamline messaging during emergencies.
• Minimize confusion by aligning protocols with campus-wide systems.

Time-Saving Visual Displays

When every second counts, dynamic visual aids can make all the difference in ensuring that everyone on campus knows exactly what to do and where to go. NEMA emphasizes that visual tools should complement audio notifications, particularly for students with hearing disabilities.

Advanced digital signage and displays can:

• Reinforce the reach of audio broadcasts of emergency updates
• Provide clarity for students with audio or language challenges
• Make evacuation routes and campus maps easy to understand

Our TimeSign technology integrates seamlessly with access control systems to deliver synchronized audio and visual updates for consistent messaging. This also makes it easier for schools to maintain control while minimizing confusion.

Emergency Preparedness and Rapid Response

Drills are just the beginning of emergency preparedness; schools need tools to respond effectively to real-time situations. Safety standards highlight the importance of integrated, easy-to-use systems for activating and managing protocols. NEMA SB40 emphasizes the importance of hands-free, two-way communication for schools, enabling staff to initiate lockdowns, issue instructions, and coordinate responses seamlessly.

Features like one-touch alerts and automated lockdowns—such as those available with Boxlight’s Conductor platform—empower schools to respond with speed and precision. With features like one-touch alerts, automated lockdowns and real-time updates via mobile apps, administrators can instantly activate safety protocols to keep everyone on the campus informed and protected.

Surveillance and Monitoring

Most schools use security cameras, but surveillance alone isn’t enough, and outdated equipment can leave safety gaps. Advanced systems integrated with Boxlight’s interactive displays provide smarter, real-time monitoring, aligning with safety standards for reliability and accessibility.

Updated surveillance solutions can:

• Provide administrators with real-time visuals to support decision-making
• Integrate with notification systems to streamline emergency responses
• Ensure consistency across all safety tools for a cohesive strategy

Cybersecurity Measures

In today’s tech-driven world, schools rely heavily on digital tools to support learning, making cybersecurity a critical priority. From protecting student data to ensuring uninterrupted access to online resources, safeguarding school networks is essential. NEMA SB40 highlights the importance of reliable power and proactive monitoring for communication systems.

Schools can enhance cybersecurity by:

• Proactive monitoring to detect and address threats in real time
• Secure network access controls to protect against unauthorized entry
• Remote device management to maintain control during outages or breaches

The Future of Safer Schools

By integrating technologies like these and aligning with established safety standards like NEMA SB40, schools can create more cohesive safety infrastructures that meet the unique needs of every classroom and student. We hope they continue to adopt this multi-layered approach throughout 2025 and beyond, because advanced technology clearly plays an important role in the future of school safety.

After all, it’s not just about reacting to emergencies—it’s also about proactively building a culture of preparedness and peace of mind. When schools are secure, educators can focus on teaching, and that gives students the freedom to learn and interact in a space where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Learn more about technology for school safety at Boxlight.com.

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