Glass is the Achilles’ heel of your building. And not nearly enough people are talking about it.
Well, James Beale is.
As Founding Partner of NGS, James brings true expertise to building security, building hardening, and security, safety, and dual-function window film. In the on-demand webinar “Defend Your Glass,” he takes you on a deep dive into how today’s security window films are improving the overall building security envelope in city skyscrapers, school districts, and federal buildings throughout the nation—particularly in the aftermath of Sandy Hook, the Nashville bombing, and the breach of the U.S. Capitol.
Let’s take a flyover of “Defend Your Glass” and preview some of the discussion. The webinar explores:
- Why building hardening?
- Building envelope security and glass hardening that protects people and property
- A tiered approach to security
- Available funding for building hardening
- NGS building hardening program
- Next steps and Q & A
To start, James asks the pertinent question: What qualifies NGS to talk with Campus Safety magazine about building hardening and glass security? And as you’ll discover, the answer might be found in the name “NGS,” which is an abbreviation for National Glazing Solutions.
As the national leader in security glass systems for blast, forced entry, ballistic, and storm mitigation, NGS has the distinction of being 3M’s Large Markets National Dealer of the Year in both 2019 and 2020. The recognition serves to underline the fact: NGS works with companies, organizations, and institutions every day to make their building safe and more secure.
ACCESS DENIAL: THE NEXT FRONTIER OF SECURITY
James addresses the devastating phenomenon of school shootings in the U.S., with over 1,600 incidents and nearly 600 fatalities from 1970 until today. With such horrendous tragedy on our soil, access denial measures are quickly becoming the next evolution of building hardening.
And NGS is pursuing access denial solutions with gusto, having seen the impressive results.
The first generation of security window films were born out of the IRA bombings. In America, the Oklahoma City bombing ushered in a new phase of blast and bomb protection technology. 9/11, countless school shootings, and the Capitol riots only added to the demand for better security solutions for our buildings, storefronts, and schools.
Today, Riot Glass® represents the absolute leading edge of access denial. As an anchored shield system, it stands alone in impenetrability, deterring the most determined rioters, looters, thieves, and attackers. Watch the video clips within James’s talk and see for yourself.
GLASS SHOULD NOT BE LAST
Building envelope security is a layered approach, combining access control, technology, physical security, and glass hardening. Of these four, glass represents the biggest vulnerability. And yet in discussions about improved building security—such as in schools and campuses—glass is usually the least talked-about subject.
Knowing that glass is the Achilles’ heel, this conversation needs to change.
THREE-TIERED APPROACH
NGS takes a three-tiered approach to building security:
Tier 1: Entry-level security film
8mm or thicker film with a structural adhesive
Tier 2: Tri-Shield® Security System
Three-part system of interior, exterior, and anchored
Tier 3: Riot Glass Access Denial
Passes large missile impact, forced entry, smash-and-grab, with ballistic performance options
You’ll also hear about two key recommendations for safety and security window film:
- Final Report of the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission (March 6, 2015)
- Final Report of the Federal Commission on School Safety (December 18, 2018)
James also takes us on an exploration of dual-function window films. What are those two functions? Safety, and energy. Dual-function window films such as 3M™ Prestige Window Film provide security benefits as well as a rejection of up to 97% of the sun’s heat-producing infrared light and up to 60% of the heat coming through windows — all of which means lower energy bills for heating and cooling, as well as a more comfortable environment for a building’s occupants.
Glass is a suggestion to would-be attackers, rioters, thieves, and shooters. Riot Glass acts as an access denial system for these perpetrators. It truly is a game-changer when it comes to building security in 2020.
FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS AND NGS BUILDING HARDENING
The webinar includes a list of funds and related resources for schools and school districts. James also lays out the specifics on NGS’ Building Hardening Program, including:
- A zoned survey approach that mirrors the Federal Commission on School Safety
- Free surveys delivered to campuses with area maps and photos numbered to match zone and area
- Free proprietary software to tailor scope and price of each building to match a budget or grant
- Nationwide Government and Education Edgar Compliant Contracting Vehicles to streamline requisition
- Best-in-class glazing and access denial solutions
Before taking questions, James concludes the webinar by offering to schedule complimentary campus glass-hardening assessments. In this assessment, an NGS building envelope security expert evaluates your buildings in order to help you:
- Identify and prioritize vulnerable areas with a zone approach that prioritizes entrances
- Select the appropriate product tier or tiers based on your objectives
- Provide you with an actionable report with building security recommendations
- Evaluate grant funding and eligibility
Check out the “Defend Your Glass” webinar as soon as you get a chance. It’s well worth your time.
