Parents are getting more proactive in seeking out ways to keep their kids safer at school, and window film is one easy school security option that’s gaining popularity among their requests.
In an article in Business Insider entitled Here are the Best Ways to Protect Schools, Workplaces, and Ourselves from Active Shooters, the author states “Protective and intrusion resistant doors and windows create delays in an aggressor’s ability to gain entry. For pre-existing locations the addition of protective window film, improved locking mechanisms and / or frames as well as other reinforcement techniques can be effective.”
An Easy-To-Add Option To Make Schools Secure Faster
We install security window films as a retrofit to a school’s existing doors and windows. These films can come clear, tinted or reflective depending on the application and preference, and can even carry custom school logos or other custom information.
When someone tries to gain access through the glass of a protected door or window, the security window film would allow the glass to break, but it would maintain the glass in the frame. With work, this film / glass combination can eventually be penetrated to gain access, but as stated above, the objective is to create resistance. Slow the entry down. Give school officials and authorities time to act.
Julia McFadden, who designed the new Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. stated, “You want to have layers between someone who may be coming to the school with ill intent and the vulnerable population. The more opportunities or barriers gives you more time to react and determine if there is ill intent before they reach the target.”
She goes on to say, “Retrofit situations may call for applied window films or improved glazing. Interior partitions and some furnishing may also improve the school’s readiness in emergency situations.”
Beyond Safety: Window Film Reduces Heat, Glare, and UV Rays
In addition to creating a safer school environment as a physical barrier, many window films from 3M also offer protection of intense heat, glaring sunlight, and harmful UV rays. Students, faculty, and staff are more comfortable to learn and teach, and school districts and colleges and universities enjoy the cost benefits of added energy savings.
Window Film’s Benefits Give Students A Safer Environment
The hard realities of a tragedy like a violent attack at a school is that there is not a one size fits all school security option. Solutions to improve school security must be thought of in layers. We must make a school an unattractive target for any potential aggressor.
The design and technologies utilized must work together to buy the individuals inside the school and authorities time to respond to the threat. In these situations, every moment matters.
While we do not claim that security window films are the sole solution, they can provide a valuable layer of protection that works in conjunction with other design elements and technologies to improve school security and student safety.
The Easy Solution For Security Film In Your School or College
We’re happy to share more information about security window films and how they can help with school security and safety. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a free, no obligation quote, please contact us by calling (419) 367-6444 or emailing us at info@clearviewtinting.com.
We service all of Northern Ohio, including the Toledo, Sandusky and Cleveland areas, as well as parts of Michigan and Indiana. We would be happy to provide you with a property assessment and estimate on implementing security window films in your area school facilities.