Safety guidelines are back at the forefront since the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. 

“Anytime you have an event like that happen, it makes people more aware,” said Springville High School Principal Virgil Winslett. 

“The doors are locked, [and] we have cameras on each of the entrance doors. All visitors are required to come in the front door. The students and the staff are told not to prop open any doors, and not to allow anybody in,” Winslett said.

With 18 doors locked in total, visitors are only allowed  to come in through the main side of the building. The entrance door opens when a visitor rings the buzzer and has been seen by the camera or office member. 

Furthermore, it is required by state law to perform at least one drill a semester. Drills such as “soft lockdown” are when the school receives a call from the sheriff’s department about a potential threat in the local area. Staff members will keep students inside the main building until the threat is resolved. 

“Back in 2003 the school only did fire and tornado drills. Visitors back then could walk inside the building without having to buzz the office,” Springville alumni Adam Buggs said

Jeff Smith, vice principal at Springville High School, said locking doors and having cameras are standard to safety policy. 

Recently, the Springville City Council appointed an officer to travel back and forth to patrol Springville schools. Similarly, there is a School Resource Officer who will alternate from Springville to Odenville schools in case of emergency.