Staff Safety Tips
Being alone in a school building isn't high on a list of the safest things you could be doing on your time off. Sure, you're inside your office – inside a large, locked building. But keep in mind that also inside that locked building are thousands and thousands of dollars worth of electronics and other items that someone may want to help themselves to. If they come in and find you, suddenly it's not as safe and secure as you thought.

Akron Public Schools Night Security Patrol members circulate throughout the city in the evenings, seven days a week, checking our buildings to make sure they're secure and the grounds void of trespassers. They sometimes find unlocked or open windows and doors that are supposed to be secure. In addition, they often find juveniles and/or young adults hanging around the schools. School buildings are popular places often used as neighborhood gathering spots. It's not unusual to find someone on the grounds after dark at any of our buildings.

The intent here is not a "scared-straight" type of approach but an effort to encourage you to think about the possibilities before you put yourself into a situation that could be potentially hazardous.

If you insist on working after hours, please look over the following suggestions – they might make your stay a little more pleasant:

Safety Tips for Working After Hours

• On school nights, don't work past your custodial crew's quitting time. When you leave, walk out together.
• Look outside before you exit the building. Check your car – if you notice anyone hanging around, call the police.
• Before you walk to your car, have your keys out so you're ready to get in when you reach the car.
• Park your car close to the building.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. Look around! If things don't look right, go back inside the building and call the police.
• If you go in to work on the weekend, do so in the morning or early afternoon. You're less likely to have a problem during the day than after dark.
• While you're working in your building, keep locked doors between you and the hallway. If someone should get in, a locked door will keep them from walking in on you and serve as a buffer to give you time to call the police.

↓ Click on "Other APS Links" below for the complete links list.