For parents, sending children off to school has become an act of trust – and trepidation. In 2018, there were 191 incidents of school violence. That’s more in one year than in the last four decades, according to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security. Parents are trusting schools to keep their students safe, but with the rise in school violence, their fear is justified. For school officials, the pressure to ensure safety – and the worry over whether they have done enough – is immense. School officials are taking numerous actions to increase security on school campuses. While it’s just one small part of a comprehensive safety program, 3MTM Safety & Security Window Film for Schools helps fortify glass doors and windows, making it more difficult for an intruder to break through.
An Invisible Layer of Protection
Even with increased security procedures, locks and alarms systems, buildings are penetrable if glass doors and windows can be easily broken. 3M Safety & Security Window Film for Schools addresses those weak entry points. The security film increases the time it takes to break through, and prevents injuries from flying shards of broken glass.
Safety & Security Window Film for Schools forms a protective membrane on the glass. The film holds the glass together even when broken, hindering anyone trying to break through the glass. Each additional moment buys time for those inside to take cover and for emergency responders to arrive.
Attachment Systems Add Strength
For school installations, Window Tint USA recommends combining protective safety film with 3M’s Impact Protection Attachment System. The attachment system firmly bonds the filmed window to the window frame. This creates a robust shield that significantly outperforms film-only installations. With enough strength to handle even a bomb blast, it keeps intruders out and prevents injuries from flying glass. Combining Safety & Security Window Film for Schools with the Impact Protection Attachment System creates the highest level of protection at a fraction of the cost of replacing glass.
Federal Recommendations for School Safety
In December 2018, the Federal Commission on School Safety issued a report that recommended installing safety film in schools, among other strategies to increase security. In 2019, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission in Florida also released a report that listed “ballistic resistant glass covering” as one method to improve school safety.
Based on these recommendations, many school districts have installed 3M™ Safety & Security Film. For schools in the Pompano Beach / Miami area, Window Tint USA can provide estimates for security window film installation.
Layer on the Benefits
Safety & Security film is available in clear or tinted options for sun control. 3M™ Safety & Security Film, Prestige Ultra Series provides up to 97 percent infrared rejection. This blocks heat transfer, improves overall comfort and provides energy cost savings. The film also blocks up to 99.9 percent of UV rays, reducing fading of furniture and flooring.
Privacy film can also be combined with Safety & Security Window Film for Schools. Available in white matte translucent film or reflective mirror film, 3M’s privacy films are designed to obscure views. Privacy films range from slightly to fully opaque or reflective for one-way viewing. These films can reduce distractions and increase safety by limiting the view of occupants into or out of a room. School districts have installed privacy films on classroom door windows, media center / library windows and office staff windows.
3M™ Anti-Graffiti Film is another protective glass film that can be useful for schools. Anti-graffiti film provides surface protection in high traffic areas that are prone to scratches, acid etching, gouges and spray paint tagging. These films are easy to remove, taking graffiti and surface damage off along with the film. Replacing anti-graffiti film is usually far less costly than replacing than damaged glass. The films also provide 99 percent UV rejection to prevent fading.
Consult with a Professional
If you’re concerned about safety and security, consult with the professionals at Window Tint USA. Call us at 954-960-0212 or request a quote.
Learn more about Security Window Film.