Project Spotlight: Security Upgrades for a School District
As school starts up again, security and safety are at the top of everyone’s minds. Unfortunately, school security incidents continue to occur. Parents and communities want to protect students and staff, but many school districts are struggling to find solutions that balance security and accessibility and that are also efficient and cost-effective. H2M is assisting clients with their security plans by pioneering a ballistic-resistant window system that can reduce the threat of shootings while minimizing costs for the community.
The problem with traditional bulletproof glass is that it is thick, heavy, and expensive. Replacing all the glazing in every school in a district can be cost-prohibitive because the average door or window system is not designed to accept the weight of bulletproof glass. These systems would need structural reinforcement. Additionally, adding bulletproof glazing to emergency exit windows or interior doors would make them too heavy for young children or people with physical impairments. H2M has researched alternatives, interviewed manufacturers, and joined local law enforcement for demonstrations at shooting ranges to determine the best solution for a school district.
The Diamond Defense Ballistic Assault Barrier™ comprises a polycarbonate lens, proprietary air gap, and film. This system can withstand the energy of multiple bullets from the “threat” side and disperse it without shattering the glass on the internal “protected” side. It is notable for being the only system resistant to multiple bullet sizes up to a .50 caliber. The whole structure is less than an inch thick and perfectly clear, making it visually indistinguishable from a conventional windowpane. This system is already in use at many police stations and other law enforcement facilities. In school districts where H2M is designing security upgrades, our team will walk through each building to identify which windows and doors should receive the new system. Diamond Defense is lightweight enough that schools can keep their existing infrastructure. H2M’s designs also often feature the addition of cameras, door sensors, key fob access controls, and secure entry vestibules.
Designing for school security means buying time for first responders to arrive on site. Programmatic features such as bulletproof windows and man-traps are critical additions to any school building. Connect with H2M to determine what combination of features best fits your needs and budget.
