Curtains, shades, drapes and shutters are among the window covering options you may be considering for classrooms or other facilities in your schools. In addition to their capabilities, construction, materials and costs, you will also need to look closely at the risk management factors involved.
Of course, any coverings must comply with flame resistance requirements and must have operating controls that do not create hazards for tripping or strangulation injuries. In addition, support brackets and rods need to be securely anchored to prevent loosening and collapse in an earthquake or through rough handling.
However, two of the most consequential considerations for classroom window coverings are:
- Security during a school emergency/lockdown situation
- Visibility and deterrence of child abuse/sexual assault
Advantages and disadvantages of various window coverings can cut both ways depending on the situation. In evaluating various choices to maximize security and protection in the event of an active killer incident, such needs must be balanced against the danger of a location that creates an opportunity for potential abuse/molestation. While they should be able to be quickly closed in response to potential violence, coverings should be as quick to open for transparency during the regular school day. Creating safer hiding places from attackers for students and staff can save lives in a critical incident, but it’s essential to avoid easy hiding places for predators to perpetrate child abuse and molestation.
"During normal class time, doors should remain closed and locked, but windows should remain unobstructed."
The key to resolving these conflicting factors in choosing, installing and utilizing window coverings in schools comes down to a matter of policy and situational awareness. Our recommendations for security and child abuse prevention are as follows:
- During normal/full class time, doors should remain closed and locked, but windows should remain unobstructed.
- During passing periods, recess, or any other time when it’s not a full class, the doors and window coverings should remain open.
- In terms of security/lockdown, it’s recommended that the windows can be covered when, and only when, a lockdown is called.
Any unusual obstruction of classroom windows should be questioned and investigated. A single policy for classroom window coverings should be clearly communicated to all staff and student operation of the coverings is strongly discouraged.