Michigan Approves Nightlock Lockdown Devices for School Safety
Michigan schools are now much safer thanks to public outcry for increased protection for schools. Now, with public and legislative support, Nightlock LOCKDOWN door barricade devices have a clear path of implementation.
Taking a step in the right direction for school safety against active threats to students and faculty is Michigan’s Public Act 45 of 2020. Going into effect on June 1, 2020, approved door barricade devices like the Nightlock LOCKDOWN 1 & 2 are now allowed in school buildings.
This is a massive change to how school safety is treated in Michigan, where parents, faculty, and lawmakers have pressed for better school safety in the wake of school shootings across the nation. Public Act 45 also signifies a growing national trend, where a precedent has been set for American schools and educational facilities. With less red tape and more streamlined guidelines, it has never been easier for schools in Michigan and beyond to get the protection they need for the safest educational environment.
What Do Schools Need to Do to Install Nightlock LOCKDOWN Door Barricade Devices?
There are now guidelines that permit Nightlock LOCKDOWN door barricade devices to be used in schools to protect students. Public Act 45 prescribes requirements for its installation and use including plan reviews, permits, and inspections.
The Act requires the school building’s administrative authority to submit drawings, diagrams, and installation instructions for plan review to the Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) and the construction code authority having jurisdiction (either the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) – or the enforcing agency identified in the Local School Construction Enforcement List).
This means that, if schools follow the guidelines set out by Public Act 45, it has never been a better opportunity to petition schools and other education facilities to upgrade their school security than now.
According to Public Act 45, there are a number of approvals that must be met. Here’s a brief overview of requirements:
- Prior to installing a temporary door locking device or system in a school building, applicants must have their plans and permits reviewed and approved by the BFS and the construction code authority having jurisdiction.
- Before using a newly installed device or system, the school building’s administrative authority must notify the BFS and the construction code authority having jurisdiction that the device or system is ready for inspection and receive written approval from both authorities that the device or system is approved for use.
- The school building’s administrative authority must also notify the local fire department and law enforcement agency of the intended installation or use, and location, of the device or system.
Because Nightlock Lockdown devices are best deployed by trained staff, Public Act 45 mandates that faculty are trained in its deployment. Public Act 45 states that faculty must be trained in how to deploy Nightlock LOCKDOWN door barricade devices in the building where the device or system is installed on the use of the device or system. Those individuals must maintain a record on file verifying this training, which prevents misuse or unfamiliarity at critical times. This ensures that trained individuals are responsible and in charge of student safety.
What If My School Already Has Nightlock LOCKDOWN Devices Installed?
For Michigan schools that have already installed Nightlock devices, Public Act 45 specifies that if a school building had an existing temporary door locking device or system that was installed prior to June 1, 2020, then the construction code authority having jurisdiction would need to approve it provided that certain conditions were met.
The deadline for ‘retrofits’ is no later than August 29, 2020, where “the school building’s administrative authority shall submit drawings, diagrams, and installation instructions for these existing devices and systems to the construction code authority for a final determination.” Having these measures on the books makes it possible for parents and students to feel in academic environments.
What Can You Do to Install Nightlock LOCKDOWN Door Barricade Devices in Michigan Schools?
If you believe that your school and educational facility needs the unparalleled protection that Nightlock LOCKDOWN door barricade devices provide for your children, the process is simple and can be forwarded to school administrators easily. Applicants can submit their application electronically through Accela or may submit paper applications found here: BCC application and BFS application.
Now that legislation has caught up to popular opinion for school safety, choosing Nightlock’s brand of door barricade devices has never been easier and streamlined. When it comes to the well-being and safety of your children, choose Nightlock.