Enhancing School Safety with Security Film

To provide more secure learning environments, schools across Dallas, TX, are integrating smart surveillance, access control, and gunshot detection devices. Together, they create a comprehensive, proactive security system that deters, detects, and mitigates potentially dangerous situations.

There’s one additional measure that’s often overlooked but is just as critical in today’s environment: security film. This film provides extra protection during active shooter or intrusion events.

SEE ALSO: Best Practices for Schools When Using Access Control

Actions to Take in an Active Shooter Event

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends an easily remembered response plan in case of an active shooter: run, hide, fight. If possible, the first course of action is to evacuate the area if there is a safe and accessible escape path. If evacuation is not possible, it’s important to shelter in place and lock and block doors. This is where security films play a role in protecting students and staff.

How Security Film Protects Schools 

Security film is applied to glass doors and windows, providing an additional layer of protection. If someone attempts to break in, security film holds the glass in place and prevents it from shattering, reducing injuries and delaying the intruder.

This film can delay someone from entering through windows or glass doors by up to six minutes. Slowing the intruder down gives personnel and first responders the time they need to take action, whether evacuating, hiding, or arresting the perpetrator. 

This security measure not only helps mitigate incidents involving active shooters but also helps reduce injuries and damages due to natural disasters, riots, and vandalism. 

New Texas legislation makes security film a school requirement for all glass doors on the ground level and all windows next to or close to doors large enough for someone to enter through. A state fund has been approved to help schools replace or upgrade windows and doors as well as other safety measures. 

Learn More on ASAP Security Services’ Podcast

ASAP Security Services has been providing state-of-the-art surveillance and security solutions for schools and businesses throughout the great state of Texas for over 70 years. To support schools during this challenging time, we developed the SECURED podcast. This online discussion platform meets with leading security experts, school administrators, and government legislators to discuss the challenges and potential solutions we face as a community.

There, we challenged the security film and ballistics industry to a test on our 11,000-acre Texas ranch. We also discussed the journey toward national standards for K-12 security and revisited the Mesquite School shooting. 

To learn more about security film and the benefits it offers your school or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact ASAP Security Services today.