Colorado’s summer break brings a welcome pause for students and staff, but it also introduces a unique set of security challenges. Empty hallways, vacant parking lots, and ongoing construction projects can create opportunities for theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access. With fewer eyes on campus, a proactive, technology-driven approach becomes indispensable.
Why Summer Security Matters in Colorado
School grounds in Colorado—from urban campuses in Colorado Springs to rural districts on the plains—face a mix of risks during the summer months. Construction crews may be working on facility upgrades, while athletic fields and classrooms host summer programs. Meanwhile, the absence of regular staff and students reduces natural surveillance, making it easier for incidents to go unnoticed.
A Localized Checklist for Summer School Security
Below is a comprehensive checklist tailored for Colorado schools, designed to help administrators and facility managers safeguard their campuses during breaks and renovations.
| Security Focus | Action Steps | Local Considerations |
| Mobile Security Trailers | Deploy trailers to monitor parking lots, construction zones, and remote areas. Use solar-powered units for off-grid locations. | Colorado’s wide-open spaces and variable weather make mobile, self-sufficient units ideal. |
| Access Control | Update access permissions for contractors and summer staff. Use temporary codes or badges. Restrict access to sensitive areas. | Many Colorado schools use multi-building layouts—ensure only authorized personnel can enter each zone. |
| Video Monitoring | Review camera placement for new activity zones. Adjust angles for construction or summer programs. Set up motion alerts and remote access. | Weatherproof cameras are essential for hail and dust storms. Integrate with mobile devices for off-site monitoring. |
| Perimeter Lighting | Schedule permanent accent lighting for dusk-to-dawn operation. Illuminate entrances, walkways, and construction boundaries. | Early sunsets during summer storms can leave areas dark—automated lighting helps maintain visibility. |
| Communication Protocols | Share updated emergency contacts and procedures with all summer staff and contractors. Post signage with security contact info. | Local first responders appreciate clear, up-to-date site maps and contact lists. |
| Regular Patrols | Schedule periodic walk-throughs by security staff or local law enforcement. Document findings and follow up on any concerns. | Coordinate with local police for extra patrols during extended closures. |
| Equipment & Asset Security | Lock up valuable equipment and tools when not in use. Use asset tags and maintain updated inventories. | Construction sites are frequent targets for theft in Colorado—secure storage is key. |
| Entry/Exit Logs | Maintain detailed logs of all personnel entering and exiting campus, especially contractors and vendors. | Digital logs simplify audits and support compliance with state guidelines. |
Using Mobile Security Trailers Effectively
Mobile security trailers offer a flexible, high-visibility solution for campuses with changing needs. These units are equipped with high-definition cameras, motion sensors, and bright LED lighting. Solar panels and batteries keep them operating even in remote or unpowered areas, making them ideal for Colorado’s sprawling campuses or temporary construction zones.
Deploy trailers at campus entry points, parking lots, or near construction staging areas. Their presence alone can deter unwanted visitors, while live video feeds provide real-time monitoring for security teams and administrators. Trailers can be relocated as projects move or as new risks emerge, providing ongoing coverage wherever it’s needed most.
Adjusting Access Control for Summer Operations
Access control systems should be reviewed and updated before summer begins. Grant temporary credentials to contractors, vendors, or summer program leaders—then set expiration dates to prevent lingering access after projects end. Restrict entry to administrative offices, IT rooms, and storage areas, and audit access logs regularly to spot unusual patterns.
For Colorado schools with multiple buildings or open campuses, zone-based access can prevent unauthorized movement between areas. Digital access logs create an auditable trail, supporting both security and compliance with state standards.
Optimizing Video Monitoring
Summer brings shifting activity zones. Construction projects may block usual sightlines, while summer camps or athletic programs create new hotspots. Review your camera network and adjust angles or add temporary cameras as needed. Enable motion alerts to flag activity during off-hours, and make sure remote access is set up for administrators who may be off-site.
Weatherproof cameras are a must for Colorado’s unpredictable summer storms. Regularly clean lenses and check connections after wind or hail events to maintain clear footage.
Lighting and Communication
Permanent accent lighting, scheduled for dusk-to-dawn operation, maintains visibility and deters trespassing. Focus on entrances, walkways, and construction boundaries. Automated lighting systems can be adjusted remotely to match changing daylight hours or event schedules.
Clear communication protocols are critical. Share updated emergency contacts and procedures with all staff and contractors. Post signage with security contact info at key entry points, and provide local first responders with up-to-date site maps.
Asset Security and Documentation
Construction equipment, tools, and materials are frequent targets for theft during summer projects. Lock up valuables when not in use, use asset tags, and maintain updated inventories. Entry and exit logs for all personnel—especially contractors and vendors—simplify audits and support compliance with Colorado’s school safety guidelines.
Local Support Matters
Colorado’s unique climate, geography, and regulatory environment demand tailored solutions. Optimum Overwatch provides local expertise, rapid response, and a comprehensive understanding of school security needs throughout the state.
Optimum Overwatch
Ready to protect your Colorado campus this summer? Optimum Overwatch provides mobile security trailers, access control solutions, and expert video monitoring to ensure your school remains safe during breaks and renovations. Schedule a complimentary security review with our local team—call 719-822-1240 or visit our website. Stay secure, stay prepared, and enjoy a worry-free summer with Optimum Overwatch.
License Info
Connect with Us