When the final bell rings and classrooms fall quiet, school grounds can become vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and damage. Empty campuses, ongoing maintenance, and unpredictable visitors can all create risks if not managed well.
At Brisbane Alarm Monitoring Security Services (BAMSS), we help schools across Queensland stay protected with tailored monitoring and security solutions. As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to prepare your school for a safe and stress-free holiday period.
Check your systems before switching off
The summer break is an ideal time to service your CCTV, alarm, and access control systems. With fewer people on site, it’s easier to complete full system checks, test sensors, and review wiring or data connections without disrupting the school day.
A scheduled service helps you avoid false alarms and ensures your system is ready for the new term. Ask your monitoring provider to share a report of recent alarm activity. This can highlight problem areas, such as sensors that regularly trigger or zones that need recalibration.
The BAMSS team can work with your service technician to fix these issues before they escalate, so you can enjoy your break knowing the system is performing exactly as it should.
Walk the site and inspect key areas
Before closing, take time to walk through your entire campus. Check that:
- Windows and doors are locked and functioning properly
- Decorations, posters, or cobwebs are cleared from sensors
- Air conditioning units and fans are switched off
- External lights are operational and motion sensors respond
Even small details can cause unnecessary callouts. A loose window or hanging decoration can easily set off an alarm. It’s also worth ensuring valuable equipment such as laptops and tablets are locked away and not visible from windows.
Update access for staff and contractors
End-of-year changes are common in schools, with some staff moving on or taking extended leave. Before closing, review all active access cards, codes, and digital credentials. Remove permissions for anyone who won’t return in the new year.
If contractors are scheduled to work during the break, plan how they’ll access the site and who will track their movements. A monitored access control system records entry and exit times, helping to maintain accountability while preventing false alarms.
If your school hasn’t yet introduced mobile credentials or temporary access passes, BAMSS can help set these up to simplify management and improve security visibility.
Review your automation schedules
Many schools operate on automated security schedules that unlock and lock doors or arm and disarm alarms at certain times. These should be updated for the holiday period to reflect reduced access hours.
Check your system’s clock to ensure it aligns with current time settings, as even a minor error can cause doors to open or alarms to disarm at the wrong time. Confirm that only authorised personnel can override schedules or access restricted areas.
Test your CCTV coverage
CCTV systems play a key role in preventing theft and vandalism but only if they’re recording and positioned correctly. Before closing, check that:
- Cameras are clean, powered, and recording
- Coverage includes gates, sheds, and carparks
- Data is backing up to your preferred storage
- Remote viewing is accessible and functioning
If your system isn’t integrated, BAMSS can combine your cameras, alarms, and access control into one platform for easier monitoring and faster response times.
Strengthen perimeter security
Good lighting and clear signage are effective deterrents. Test all exterior lights and replace any faulty bulbs, particularly near gates, walkways, and carparks. Make sure your security signage is easy to see and clearly states that the site is monitored 24/7.
Trim overgrown vegetation that blocks visibility or creates hiding spots. A clear, well-lit perimeter makes it easier for passing patrols or neighbours to notice unusual activity.
Schedule regular checks
Even with modern security systems, physical patrols provide peace of mind. Arrange for security patrols or scheduled site checks during the holidays, especially if your school has outdoor assets like play equipment, sports sheds, or garden areas.
Patrols not only help detect security issues early but also show that the school is being monitored. If staff visit during the break, remind them to rearm alarms and lock all doors before leaving. BAMSS can help coordinate patrol reporting and monitoring alerts for extra reassurance.
Be proactive before the break
A few small actions now can prevent bigger problems later. Ask yourself:
- Are all staff and contractor access rights up to date?
- Have alarm and CCTV systems been serviced recently?
- Is the site lighting fully functional?
- Are patrols scheduled during the closure?
Planning early ensures your systems and site are ready for the quiet period. It also means you can start Term 1 with full confidence that everything is secure, functional, and protected.
Protect your campus with confidence
Partnering with a trusted local provider like Brisbane Alarm Monitoring Security Services (BAMSS) gives your school access to a complete range of protection services from CCTV and access control to 24/7 alarm monitoring.
Our team works across the education sector to design solutions that make security simple, connected, and effective. Whether you manage a single campus or multiple sites, BAMSS can help you build a safer learning environment for staff and students.
Contact us today to arrange a school security review before the holidays and make sure your site is ready for the year ahead.
