Safety 101: Your Back-to-School Roadmap

It’s that time of year again when students are prepping their backpacks, sharpening their pencils, and getting ready to learn. This back-to-school season, school administrators should also be doing their homework to brush up on the most important subject: safety.

The start of a new school year is the perfect time to review your safety protocols and create a clear roadmap for inspections, training, and emergency preparedness.

Use these monthly and annual checklists to keep your school safe, compliant, and secure — so students and staff can focus on learning, not worrying.

Fire Safety Essentials: School Fire Alarms, Sprinklers & Extinguishers

Preventive maintenance isn’t just best practice—it prevents false alarms, ensures your school’s system works when it matters most, and ultimately saves lives. Use this checklist to make certain your school’s fire safety systems stay ahead of the curve.

Monthly:

  • Look for dust, corrosion, or damage on equipment and clean or repair where necessary.
  • Conduct routine fire drills so that students, teachers, and other staff members know how to respond calmly and safely.
  • Maintain thorough records of fire extinguisher inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Annually:

  • Repair or replace components as needed. Old or outdated parts can be swapped out with newer ones to stay compliant with modern codes.
  • Review fire codes and safety regulations to make sure your building meets all requirements.
  • Update your fire safety plan and make sure all staff are familiar with the plan.

School Security Measures

In today’s world, proactive planning is essential for school security. This checklist will help you protect everyone in your building and ensure your school’s security system is ready for any threat.

Monthly:

  • Inspect gates, fences, and security cameras for proper function.
  • Test security alarms regularly to make sure they’re alerting the right people at the right time.
  • Verify that communication systems, such as intercoms and emergency alert systems, operate as expected.
  • Hold regular emergency drills so that responses become second nature.

Annually:

  • Develop a crisis response plan for situations like active shooter events, natural disasters, and more.
  • Train staff and teachers on how to respond in each scenario.
  • Equip staff with resources to identify early warning signs in student behavior.

Emergency Lighting & Exits

In an emergency, everyone needs a clear and safe way out. Use this checklist to ensure your school building’s emergency lighting and exit systems illuminate the path to safety.

Monthly:

  • Test battery and light output for at least 30 seconds.
  • Inspect for corrosion or wear and repair or replace as needed.
  • Clean fixtures to remove dust and debris.

Annually:

  • Run a full 90-minute emergency light simulation.
  • Adjust light beams for optimal coverage.
  • Consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED systems.
  • Draw up clear emergency exit routes for each section of the building.
  • Train all staff on emergency exit routes and lighting locations.

First to Final Bell: Make Safety a Priority Year-Round

Safety isn’t a one-time lesson. It’s an ongoing commitment. By staying proactive with regular fire safety inspections, safety training, and security system checks, school administrators can create a secure learning environment for all.

Ready to Start the School Year with Confidence?

As you prepare for the new school year, contact your local Silco Fire & Security office to schedule a comprehensive school safety assessment or inspection. We’re here to help you protect what matters most!

 

 

Silco Earns Back-to-Back Recognition on the Inc. 5000

Silco Fire & Security, a leader in fire protection and security solutions, is proud to announce that it has once again earned a place on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year. This year, Silco moved up the rankings to No. 4,399, reflecting an impressive 75% growth over the past three years.

The Inc. 5000 list recognizes the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States, and securing a spot two years running is a significant milestone. Silco’s advancement in the rankings highlights its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional fire protection and security services to businesses across the region.

“We are honored to be named to the Inc. 5000 list for the second year in a row,” said David Fraser, President of Silco Fire & Security. “Climbing higher in the rankings showcases the dedication of our entire team and the trust our customers continue to place in us. We are excited to build on this momentum as we grow and innovate.”

Silco’s mission has always been to protect people and property with cutting-edge fire protection and security systems. Its consistent growth is driven by customer satisfaction, employee excellence, and a focus on innovation.

Looking ahead, Silco remains committed to expanding its services and strengthening its role as a trusted partner in the industry. With consecutive recognition on the Inc. 5000 list and a jump in the rankings, Silco is well-positioned for continued success and ambitious growth.

About Silco Fire & Security: 

Silco Fire & Security is a trusted leader in commercial fire protection and security solutions, serving businesses across Ohio, Kentucky, Southeast Indiana, Western Pennsylvania, and the greater Detroit area. For more than 65 years, Silco has safeguarded what matters most – people and property – through innovative systems and exceptional service. Whether its extinguishers, exit and emergency lighting, fire alarms and sprinkler systems, security cameras or access control, Silco provides comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. Driven by a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Silco continues to be a reliable partner in safety and security. 

Silco Expands Charitable Giving with New CommUNITY Impact Program

CINCINNATI, OH — August 2025 — Silco Fire & Security, a leading Ohio-based fire protection and security company, has launched a new company-wide initiative to formalize and expand its long-standing commitment to community service. The newly established CommUNITY Impact Program supports employee volunteerism, corporate giving and company-led events across all Silco locations in Ohio and Kentucky

While Silco’s core mission is to protect people and property through innovative fire protection and security solutions, the company recognizes that its impact can extend far beyond job sites. The CommUNITY Impact Program empowers employees to make meaningful contributions in the communities where they live and work, strengthening both community connections and workplace culture. 

“Our ability to make an impact goes far beyond the work we do,” said Ashley Schmitz, VP of Human Resources at Silco. “This program is designed to unite teams across all of our branches and give back to the communities we call home.” 

Through the program, each Silco employee is eligible for up to eight paid hours of volunteer time annually. In addition, the company will match employee donations to qualified nonprofits up to $200 per year. Team members can choose causes close to their hearts or participate in company-led volunteer events throughout the year. 

One such event is the company’s annual Veterans Day Walk, which raises awareness for veteran suicide prevention. The cause is deeply personal for Silco, where nearly one-third of the workforce is made up of U.S. military veterans. 

“Whether you’re volunteering or donating, it all makes a difference,” said Dave Fraser, President of Silco. “It’s about coming together as a team, your family away from home, to serve others and build stronger communities.”

With over 450 employees across seven branches, Silco estimates the CommUNITY Impact Program could contribute more than 3,000 volunteer hours annually, creating a measurable impact through corporate social responsibility. 

Silco has long supported local nonprofits through donations, supply drives and day-of-service events. However, this is the company’s first time unifying those efforts under a formalized and branded program. Leaders hope the initiative will not only boost Silco’s community outreach but also drive employee engagement and team connection across branches. 

🎥 Watch the CommUNITY Impact Program launch video here 

🔗 Learn more about how Silco gives back: silcofs.com/careers 

About Silco Fire & Security: 

Silco Fire & Security is a trusted leader in commercial fire protection and security solutions, serving businesses across Ohio, Kentucky, Southeast Indiana, Western Pennsylvania, and the greater Detroit area. For more than 65 years, Silco has safeguarded what matters most – people and property – through innovative systems and exceptional service. Whether its extinguishers, exit and emergency lighting, fire alarms and sprinkler systems, security cameras or access control, Silco provides comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. Driven by a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Silco continues to be a reliable partner in safety and security. 

Media Contact: 

Marcie Vogelpohl
Marketing Programs Manager
Silco Fire & Security
marketing@silcofs.com