Imagine being a school administrator, and you receive notice that there is an armed individual on or near school grounds, so you initiate lockdown procedures. You ensure all the school’s doors and windows are closed and locked and instruct building occupants to shelter in place until law enforcement arrives.
However, the armed assailant is able to break a window adjacent to a door and open the door from the inside, quickly gaining access to a supposedly “secure” area. With an intruder inside the school, the active threat scenario can quickly go from bad to worse.
This hypothetical active threat and lockdown scenario illustrates the vital role of reinforced glass in school security. If a school’s doors and windows are protected by forced entry-resistant security glazing, an attacker will not be able to break them to unlock a door from the inside or open it using an emergency egress mechanism. Let’s take a closer look.
Why All Districts Should Include Reinforced Glass in School Security Measures
Unfortunately, we’re living in an era where security threats are increasingly diverse and unpredictable, and even schools aren’t safe from violent attacks, burglary, and other threats.
In order to protect school occupants and property and provide peace of mind for administrators, parents, and communities alike, all school districts should consider incorporating reinforced glass into their school security measures.
Reinforced glass, also known as security glazing, provides an added layer of physical protection that goes beyond traditional commercial security measures, complementing components like modern door locks, access control systems, surveillance cameras, and alarms to both deter and stop forced entry altogether.
When you integrate forced entry-resistant, or potentially even bullet-resistant, security glazing into a school’s defenses, you’re proactively addressing any vulnerabilities that conventional security systems leave exposed.
Access Denial for Active Threat Mitigation
The most serious risk that schools face is the possibility of an active threat scenario. When it comes to providing access denial to mitigate such threats, the role of reinforced glass in school security cannot be overstated.
In an active threat scenario, every second counts, and access denial barriers that delay or stop an assailant's progress provide precious time for building occupants to run, hide, and wait for law enforcement to arrive and neutralize the threat.
Standard glass windows are a weak point in many schools’ security infrastructures. An attacker armed with a blunt object or firearm can easily break regular glass, bypassing security doors and gaining entry to secure areas. However, with reinforced glass, even if an intruder attempts to break a window, the security glazing prevents shattering and delays forced entry significantly.
This delay not only keeps the perpetrator out but also helps maintain lockdown integrity, ensuring that doors and windows remain barriers rather than liabilities. By denying access through vulnerable entry points, reinforced glass plays a direct role in mitigating the risks associated with active threats.
Protection Against Vandalism, Burglary, and Other Threats
While active threat scenarios are the most alarming, they are not the only security risks schools face. Acts of vandalism, burglary, and accidental damage are also common concerns. Reinforced glass serves as a multi-functional solution to these issues.
Vandalism
Schools often experience broken windows due to vandalism, which not only disrupts daily operations but can also create financial burdens. Security glazing is far more durable than standard glass, reducing the likelihood of costly window replacements.
Burglary
While schools may not be traditional targets for theft, they house valuable equipment like computers, tablets, and lab supplies. Reinforced glass makes it exponentially harder for burglars to gain entry, deterring potential break-ins aimed at stealing such items.
Natural Disasters
In regions prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other storms, reinforced glass can withstand high winds and flying debris, protecting students and staff from injury and keeping windows intact during extreme weather events.
Reinforced Glass in Schools: Security Glazing Options
When it comes to choosing the right reinforced glass solution for schools, Riot Glass is without a doubt your best option. Unlike outdated security glazing materials, Riot Glass is engineered to provide unmatched protection against a wide range of threats, including forced entry and ballistic attacks, while maintaining a clear, unobtrusive appearance.
Many Riot Glass systems are specifically designed to be retrofitted onto existing windows and doors, making them an ideal choice for schools seeking to upgrade their security infrastructure without undertaking extensive renovations.
Forced Entry-Resistant Riot Glass
Riot Glass’s forced entry-resistant options are designed to withstand repeated impacts from heavy tools, such as hammers, crowbars, or bats. These solutions are perfect for securing high-risk areas, including ground-level windows, classroom doors, and main entrances.
The advanced durability of Riot Glass ensures that even the most determined would-be intruder will be significantly delayed or stopped entirely, buying valuable time during active threat scenarios or deterring break-in attempts.
Ballistic-Grade Riot Glass
For schools looking to implement the highest level of active threat protection, ballistic-grade Riot Glass offers an unparalleled solution. This system is capable of withstanding gunfire from specific types of firearms, providing a crucial layer of defense in the event of an armed attack.
Ballistic-grade Riot Glass is especially effective for securing key entry points and administrative areas where the need for increased safety and security is higher.
Key Advantages of Riot Glass
Riot Glass provides several benefits that make it the ideal choice for school security:
- Retrofit Design: Riot Glass can often be installed over existing windows and doors, eliminating the need for expensive replacements and simplifying the upgrade process.
- Customizable Levels of Protection: Schools can choose between forced entry and ballistic-grade solutions based on their specific security needs and budget.
- Clear and Aesthetic Appearance: Riot Glass maintains the transparency and natural light of standard glass, ensuring that the school environment remains welcoming and conducive to learning.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: Its exceptional durability reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements, making it a cost-effective investment over time.
Wrapping Up
If your district is ready to take the next step in school security, Campbell Glass and Films is here to help.
As an authorized dealer and installer of Riot Glass, we provide expert guidance and professional installation to ensure your school is fully equipped with the best security glazing solutions available.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
