Structure, structure, structure – yes, the physical structure of any school building should be up to code and constructed with students’ safety in mind. The arrangements of rooms within the building, as well as the security of the grounds play major roles in the overall security and safety of a school. Due to recent weather disasters our focus has heightened concerning the stability of the school structure during this occurrence. Our society is also going green, as we look at ways to improve our school environment and make it healthy and useable for future generations.

“Facilities and grounds” have always been important topics and this continues to expand as efforts are made to make all schools a safe haven for students.
The Kentucky Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Checklist for school construction is to be used in compliance with KRS 158.447. This is now a part of the BG-1 process. It is designed to create open discussion among school district officials, board member and licensed design professionals (aka architects) when they begin planning for new construction or renovation projects in a school district.
Public Playground Safety Checklist – U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Each year, more than 200,000 children go to U.S. hospital emergency rooms with injuries associated with playground equipment. Most injuries occur when a child falls from the equipment onto the ground. A simple checklist to help make sure your local community or school playground is a safe place to play is provided. …
School Safety and Security Audits – Texas School Safety Center -This audit guide contains two checklists: The Comprehensive Document Review Checklist provides guidance for documents to review, and the School Facility Audit Checklist provides guidance for more specific procedures, conditions and operations within a specific school or support facility.
K-12 School Security Guide Product Suite – Homeland Security – The K-12 School Security Guide Product Suite is designed to provide K-12 districts and campuses with resources, tools, and strategies to improve school physical security. With these products, schools and districts will learn the steps necessary to assess vulnerabilities, strengthen security, and better protect K-12 communities.
School Facilities – Kentucky Department of Education – The District Facilities Branch (DFB) in the Division of District Support (DDS) partners with local school districts to help build a statewide education facility infrastructure that supports student performance…. DFB provides assistance … by reviewing and approving all new buildings, additions, alterations of existing buildings and energy savings projects from initial construction project application through final project completion. The branch also administers real property matters related to site acquisition, disposal of surplus property, leases and easements.
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services – School Facilities – The state school facilities program establishes uniform standards for schools and includes sanitary standards for operation, inspections, and enforcement procedures necessary to ensure a safe and sanitary environment. …
Playground Safety – Nemours Foundation – Listed are simple safety guidelines to protect children from potential hazards on the playground. Children should be taught and know the rules for playground safety.
Physical Security Measures Overview – National Center for School Safety – Designed for school personnel, the Physical Security Measures Overview provides a snapshot of what physical security measures are and how they can be implemented in a school.
Model Door Numbering System – Center for Safe Schools – When emergencies occur, the rapid response of emergency workers to the incident can be critical.
Date Last Reviewed: October 2025