Sep 16
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Unbreakable Glass & Shatterproof Windows – Possible or Impossible?

By Property or Facilities Maintenance, retail, safety & security Films No Comments

Since the riots began in May 2020, the question on many building owners’ and managers’ minds has been, “Are there such things as unbreakable glass and shatterproof windows?” If you have been worried about your building’s security with the ongoing looting and riots across the country, you will be glad to hear that there is a way you can properly protect your building’s glass. (Thank goodness!)

Let’s talk about the details behind ballistic glass and shatterproof windows, so you know how you can protect your building or business location from ongoing civil unrest.

What Is Safety Glass? Is It the Same as Ballistic Glass?

“Safety glass” is meant to keep people safe from flying daggers of broken glass as well as glass “spall,” which is the hazardous glass dust that erupts from the opposite side of an impact on glass. “Ballistic glass” is typically a combination of optically clear polycarbonate interlayers laminated in between sheets of plate glass that helps block or stop entry from bullets.

The category of safety glass windows includes:

  • Laminated windows (AKA laminated safety glass)
    This type of window and door safety glass sandwiches a layer of vinyl film, which helps to hold the glass together if it is struck by impact. Windshields are made with this type of safety glass.
  • Tempered safety glass windows
    Tempered glass is a type of security glass window that has undergone a special heating and cooling process to change the qualities of the glass. When struck by impact, tempered glass will shatter into tiny cubes of glass instead of large shards.
  • Polycarbonate bulletproof windows (AKA ballistic glass windows)
    Though not actually a form of glass, ballistic polycarbonate is a type of safety glass window and door material that does an outstanding job at resisting impact. Rocks, blocks, bricks, bats, and even bullets can be stopped or resisted by these “unbreakable windows.”

You can learn more about laminated windows and tempered safety glass windows in our in-depth guide on the topic – or keep reading this article if you are ready for more information on selecting the right type of ballistic glass to prevent shooters from gaining entry to your location.

How to Choose Ballistic Glass for Shatterproof Windows and Doors

When you’re looking at unbreakable glass fronting for your business or location, you may be surprised by the variety available to you. In addition to traditional Riot Glass, which is an access denial system installed invisibly over the tops of your existing doors and windows that has a 100% success track record in stopping forced entry attempts, you also have a wide range of ballistic-grade ArmorPlast solutions available to you.

Your ArmorPlast ballistic glass options include:

ArmorPlast 50

This 3-ply ballistic glass solution includes an exterior and interior layer of 1/8” AR-1 polycarbonate panels that sandwich a bonded ¼” layer of impact-resistant polycarbonate. Resists attacks by a .38 Special.

ArmorPlast 50 meets these standards:

  • ASTM F 1233-08 Class 1.4 standards for contraband passage
  • ASTM F 1233-08 Class 2.8 for body passage
  • HP White TP 0500 Level A (.38 Special)
  • ASTM F 1233-08, Level HG1 (.38 Special)

The AR polycarbonate panels are easy to clean and resist chemical and graffiti attacks, as well as marring. The polycarbonate panels maintain high optical quality. The bullet-resistant glazing also resists spalling and white-out after repeated high force and ballistic impacts, helping to maintain visibility of the threat.

ArmorPlast 75 – UL 752 Level 1 Bullet Resistance

This 3-ply ballistic glass solution includes an exterior and interior layer of 1/8” AR-1 polycarbonate panels that sandwich a bonded ½” acrylic sheet. Resists attacks by a 9mm weapon.

ArmorPlast 75 meets these standards:

  • UL 752 Level 1 (9 mm ballistic attack)

The AR polycarbonate panels are easy to clean and resist chemical and graffiti attacks, as well as marring, and maintain high optical quality.

ArmorPlast 100 – UL 752 Level 2 Bullet Resistance

This 4-ply ballistic glass solution includes an exterior and interior layer of 1/8” AR-1 polycarbonate panels that sandwich two bonded 3/8” layers of impact-resistant polycarbonate. Resists attacks by a .357 Magnum.

ArmorPlast 100 meets these standards:

  • UL 752 Level 2 (.357 Magnum)
  • HP White TP 0500 Level IV

The AR polycarbonate panels are easy to clean and resist chemical and graffiti attacks, as well as marring. The polycarbonate panels maintain high optical quality. The bullet-resistant glazing also resists spalling and white-out after repeated high force and ballistic impacts, helping to maintain visibility of the threat.

ArmorPlast 125 – UL 752 Level 3 Bullet Resistance

This 4-ply ballistic glass solution includes an exterior and interior layer of 1/8” AR-1 polycarbonate panels that sandwich two bonded 1/2” layers of impact-resistant polycarbonate. Resists attack by a .44 Magnum. This solution is especially good for use on doors.

ArmorPlast 125 meets these standards:

  • UL 752 Level 3 rating (.44 Magnum)
  • HP White TP 0500 Level IV
  • ASTM F 1233 Class 5

The AR polycarbonate panels are easy to clean and resist chemical and graffiti attacks, as well as marring. The polycarbonate panels maintain high optical quality. The bullet-resistant glazing also resists spalling and white-out after repeated high force and ballistic impacts, helping to maintain visibility of the threat.

ArmorPlast 125MS – UL 752 Level 6 Bullet Resistance

This 4-ply ballistic glass solution includes an exterior and interior layer of 1/8” AR-1 polycarbonate panels that sandwich two different bonded layers: a 1/2” layer of acrylic on the attack side and a 1/2” layer of impact-resistant polycarbonate on the opposite side (interior). Resists attacks by an Uzi.

ArmorPlast 125MS meets these standards:

  • UL 752 Level 6 rating for high-speed multi-shot 9mm (Uzi) ballistic attack

The AR polycarbonate panels are easy to clean and resist chemical and graffiti attacks, as well as marring. The polycarbonate panels maintain high optical quality.

Stop Bullets and More During Looting, Riots, and Civil Unrest

In today’s charged atmosphere, riots, looting, and gun violence can seemingly break out in any place and at any time – and all can cause extreme damage to your building or location. Even in cases of riot control, police and military may use flashbangs and rubber bullets to control crowds, which can cause significant damage to your glass windows and doors.

To protect your building or location from riots and riot control damage, as well as looting and shooting attempts, your best bet is to choose a permanent, attractive, “unbreakable glass” ballistic glass solution that works where boarding and metal gates fail.

In other words, your best bet is to use Riot Glass or ArmorPlast riot- and bullet-resistant solutions if you are looking to have unbreakable glass and shatterproof windows.

 

Contact NGS to learn more about your options for ballistic glass and how to riot-proof your location now.

 

Image by Republica from Pixabay

Sep 16
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Retail Security Options Against Burglary and Riots

By retail, safety & security Films No Comments

Retail security systems are extremely important in America right now because, as one restaurant owner in Chicago said recently, “This [looting] is the new normal.”

Upscale shopping districts from coast to coast are facing a nightmare scene of constant, unexpected riots and looting and, if there’s anything that the civil unrest of 2020 has shown, it is that the sudden destruction of luxury retail districts can happen on any day, with little to no warning.

Luxury retail store managers need to be prepared at all times – and these retail security tips will help.

The New York City Meltdown

“The looters tore off the plywood that boarded up Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square, swarming by the dozens inside to steal whatever they could find before being chased down by the police. Others smashed the windows at a Nike store, grabbing shirts, jeans and zip-up jackets… a group of looters approached Madison Jewelers on Broadway, where the glass storefront lay shattered, and forced open the store’s metal gate. With the store alarm blaring, young men foraged inside and dozens of others rushed to the scene. When an unmarked police car with its lights on passed the scene, it paused briefly — and then continued down 37th Street.”

This chilling New York Times eyewitness account of the mayhem that erupted in New York City in early June 2020 serves as a stark reminder that luxury retail stores are likely to be the top targets during periods of looting and civil unrest. It also serves as a reminder that boarding and roll-down gates will not work to keep out determined looters.

Fortunately, boarding and roll-down gates aren’t the only options for retail security and, fortunately as well, alarms aren’t the only theft deterrent available for a complete retail store security system. In cases of looting, the best solution for luxury retail security is Riot Glass.

Retail Security Tip #1: Install Forced Entry Resistant Doors

Humans are creatures of habit, which means that whether you’re conducting legitimate business or you’re a looter intent on destruction, your first instinct for entering a building will be through the doors. Effective luxury retail security requires that you install forced entry resistant doors, such as ones with Riot Glass retrofitted onto them.

Fast Facts on Riot Glass

Riot Glass is a patented framing and clear ArmorPlast shield system made from a combination of polycarbonate and plastics that mechanically anchors to your windows and doors for maximum strength. The framing system comes in anodized clear and bronze, custom fit to your doors and storefront window system to create a protective, clear shield that is always working. (Think: Permanent, clear boarding up.) The panels are scratch-coated, solar UV treated, and extremely durable.

Riot Glass stops break-in attempts using sledgehammers, crowbars, knives, pickaxes, bricks, blocks, bats, and more – in short, it stops looters from getting in to your luxury retail store.

Does it really work? Riot Glass has proven more effective any other forced entry protection system including boarding, roll-down gates, and security window film. Riot Glass currently has a 100% success rate in stopping breach attempts. It has literally never failed.

A Scene of Destruction in Los Angeles

“…[D]emonstrators have descended on some of Los Angeles’ most upscale, iconic retail areas, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Hollywood and the Fairfax District. Looting has occurred in some of those locations, as some used the cover of what were largely peaceful protests to rob stores.

On social media, residents in some communities where the protests have raged complain of the destruction, the sound of helicopters and sirens and the thick smoke that hangs in the air.”

After a night of destruction in Los Angeles, also in early June 2020 and described by the L.A. Times, many upscale retailers were still struggling to contain the damage in what should have been a bustling luxury retail district. The stores had just barely opened after the coronavirus shutdown restrictions were lifted.

A local ABC news on-the-scene broadcast (below) shows smashed windows and doors at Gucci and construction crews struggling to board up a damaged Ermenegildo Zegna before the next night of expected mayhem continued.

Retail Security Tip #2: Have a Permanent Security Solution in Place

Lately, it seems that any town and city in the U.S. could be the next location of civil unrest and violent uprisings, yet it takes time to board up a large glass retail storefront or luxury hotel. The best idea for luxury retail store managers is to install a permanent solution that you can count on for retail security exactly when you need it.

Riot Glass reinforced glass windows are a great choice for permanent retail store security and, as a security glass solution, you can also rely on Riot Glass to help prevent damage from other disasters like wind storms, blasts, and active shooter attacks.

Looting is “The New Normal” in U.S. Upscale Retail Areas

“The looters arrived downtown in cars about 1 a.m. Police had major intersections blocked off, but that did not stop groups of mostly young people roving through the district of high-end retail stores, smashing windows and stealing goods. Clothes hangers and smashed glass covered sidewalks along North Michigan Avenue. Water Tower Place, the district’s premier indoor shopping mall, was broken into on both its west and east sides. Looters shattered windows of convenience stores and retailers including Macy’s, Ralph Lauren and Express.”

The damage and destruction hasn’t stopped. Riots still continue. Though the scene above sounds almost precisely like the events that happened in New York and L.A. in early June, these events in Chicago occurred in mid-August, 2020. And, sadly, they are likely to happen again and again in response to the brutal killings of Black people in this country.

As the Washington Post reported on the scene at the Chicago riots, “A woman who was quickly walking while carrying a Target basket filled with goods said she and her friends went downtown because they ‘felt like starting a riot’” and a 33-year-old restaurant manager who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that “This [looting] is the new normal. At this point you become desensitized to it.”

Retail Security Tip #3: Understand Bullet Resistant Glass Levels

In scenes of mayhem and destruction, it’s common to watch looters wrench open roll-down gates and smash their way through boarded-up luxury storefronts. It is also common to watch looters use more weaponized methods to break in, such as Molotov cocktails, bricks, bats, concrete blocks – and even bullets – to gain entry to a valuable store.

Once the looters are inside, they can steal inventory, vandalize the property, and set fire to the building. The best idea is to keep looters out of your store entirely.

Though there are many methods to improve luxury retail security, one of the top ways to deny entry is to use bullet resistant polycarbonate panels that look like glass. Although ballistic-rated glazing or polycarbonate panels are incredibly effective materials for stopping forced entry, you can still stop forced entry with NON-ballistic-rated versions of Riot Glass. This approach allows you to reduce the cost while still achieving your objective of keeping looters out.

Choose the right level of bullet resistance for your needs by reading our handy guide on bullet resistant glass…

…Or you can simply contact the retail security experts at NGS to learn more about your options.

 

NGS is a national window film and security glass installer focused on the top retail security solutions, including security window film, anti-graffiti solutions and Riot Glass. Riot Glass has a 100% track record of success for stopping forced entry attempts. Learn more about your options for retail security when you contact NGS today.

 

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Sep 09
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A person attempting commercial burglary

Commercial Burglary: Tips for Prevention

By Building Security No Comments

Commercial burglary is a crime of opportunity. The longer it takes for a would-be thief or looter to enter your premises, the more likely they are to give up. Therefore, your job is to slow down or prevent access to your building or location until the police arrive.

Here are 3 tips that will help you accomplish that goal.

3 Tips to Prevent Commercial Burglary

In most cases of commercial burglary, thieves or looters enter the building using physical force. Although Hollywood would like you to believe that all burglars are master lockpicks, the reality is that most thieves and looters resort to low-tech, low-skill tools like cinder blocks, sledgehammers, and crowbars.

Keep them out using these 3 things that deter burglars:

1. Clear the line of sight

Make it hard for would-be intruders to access your premises by trimming trees and bushes and using good lighting both inside and outside your building or location.

2. Rely on security technology

Alarms and security cameras are critical tools that help you reduce the time a burglar remains on your premises, as well as identify criminals (even looters!) after the fact.

3. Strengthen your entry points

As they say, “prevention is the best cure.” Prevent commercial burglary by making it nearly impossible for thieves and looters to get into your building or location. The best way to do this is to use shatterproof “glass” known as Riot Glass.

What Is Riot Glass?

Riot Glass is a patented access denial system consisting of a clear shield and mechanically anchored frame system that is invisibly installed over the tops of your existing doors and windows. It is shatterproof and extremely impact resistant, with a 100% success track record of holding up against sledgehammers, crowbars, cinder blocks, bricks, bats, and more.

In essence, Riot Glass looks and acts like an unbreakable glass that keeps looters and thieves out. Think of Riot Glass as a clear, permanent board up that is always working and requires no maintenance.

Let’s Look at a Real-Life Case Study…

Wondering how to prevent burglary at your business or location? Let’s look at a real-life example of a foiled commercial burglary.

Check out this brief, real-life video of an attempted smash and grab and see if you can identify the crime-prevention methods the building used successfully.

As you saw, the gas station in the video effectively and appropriately used the following methods to prevent commercial burglary:

  • Clear line of sight – there were no trees or bushes blocking our view of the would-be thief, and although there were a few low obstacles in the way of the windows that looked like pallets of water bottles, the gas station used bright lighting that illuminated the criminal’s actions.
  • Security technology – though entry was denied and we therefore weren’t able to determine if there was an alarm system, we do know that the gas station had multiple security cameras, both inside and outside. This is why we had a video to watch.
  • Strengthened glass – as you could see in the video, it appeared as if there was a metal security gate that someone had forgotten to close and lock on the interior of the door, but it didn’t matter because the entrance was protected by impenetrable Riot Glass.

If you watch the video carefully, you notice that, although the gas station used multiple burglary prevention tactics, the only method that truly foiled the crime was the Riot Glass. The would-be thief was determined — throwing his whole weight into those 19 hits from a large sledgehammer in his attempt to get in — but the burglar-proof “glass” door stopped him.

However, it was only when he realized he would not be able to enter the building that he finally gave up and left, presumably to find an easier target.

Protect Your Business with Riot Glass

When all else fails, you can trust that Riot Glass will act as your last line of defense. Riot Glass is the only access denial system on the market with a 100% success rate – it has literally never failed.

Learn more about Riot Glass and other commercial burglary prevention methods.

 

Photo by Gabe Pierce on Unsplash

 

Sep 09
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Broken glass to illustrate the importance of security glass

Security Glass Comparison: Laminated Glass, Tempered Glass, Security Window Film, and Polycarbonate Riot Glass

By Building Security No Comments

Curious which security glass solution would do the best job if you want to keep your business or location safe from rioters, looters, active shooters, thieves, storms, and more?

Here are the answers you’ve been looking for.

What Is Security Glass?

Let’s start with a quick definition:

Security glass is meant to reduce the likelihood that someone in your business or building would be severely hurt by flying glass or glass shards if your doors or windows were to break.

As an added bonus, certain types of security glass and security film help prevent your glass from breaking, which can deter thieves and looters, and slow down active shooters.

Now that you know what security glass is, let’s talk about the different types of security solutions you can trust to protect your windows and doors.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass consists of two panes of glass that sandwich a clear vinyl sheet. Although the glass on either side of the vinyl pane can be broken, the vinyl stays intact to reduce glass shards and spall, and to deter intruders.

Pros:

  • Blocks 99% of UV rays
  • Dampens sounds
  • Cut and edged after laminating, which makes it easy and fast to install
  • Blast and impact resistant

Cons:

  • Though it holds together with impact, it sure does look ugly after it’s hit
  • Can be pushed out of the frame if stressed enough

In addition to being used on windows, this glass is also used in windshields to keep you safe if a rock hits you on the highway.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is glass that has been rapidly heated and cooled in a tempering furnace at 1200˚ F. This process strengthens the glass to 4-5x its original capabilities and changes the structural properties of the glass, so it breaks into a trillion tiny cubes on impact.

Pros:

  • Vastly improves the safety of anyone near the glass during an attack or blast because it breaks into little cubes instead of shattering into dangerously sharp flying shards

Cons:

  • Because tempered glass is under pressure, it has been known to spontaneously break due to unseen chips or flaws
  • Cut and edged before tempering, which means it takes more time to procure and install
  • Is very easy for thieves and looters to breach

Tempered glass is most commonly used on doors and windows for safety, but it won’t do much to keep thieves and looters out if you don’t have additional security film for protection because it is easy to break.

Security Window Film

Security window film improves strength and impact resistance for both tempered and laminated glass, so you can keep your building, occupants, and inventory much safer than you could by solely relying on security glass.

Pros:

  • Improves occupant safety by sticking glass together and reducing spall, which is the spray of broken glass that results from an impact or explosion
  • Can have an additional structural adhesive applied to anchor the film and glass to the frame for added forced entry protection
  • Strengthens all types of safety glass and plate glass
  • Slows down intruders and shooters
  • Can be applied to existing glass doors and windows
  • Delivers added benefits, including UV resistance, energy efficiency, and more
  • Provides protection from weather and blast events

Cons:

  • Has limitations, will not stop intrusion if the right tools are used

Multilayered, tear-resistant security window film such as 3M Ultra won’t prevent an active shooter, looter, or other intruder from gaining access to your building, but it will slow them down long enough for you to get building occupants to safety.

Check out the video below to compare how long it takes to breach a window with security film, as compared to one without film.

Polycarbonate Riot Glass

Riot Glass is a patented clear shield and mechanically anchored frame system installed over top of the existing doors and windows. It is shatterproof and extremely impact resistant, and keeps looters, thieves, and other intruders out.

Pros:

  • Shatterproof, usually requiring few replacements while staying attractive
  • Also protects against storms, hammers, and low and high-powered weapons
  • Has a 100% success track record in stopping forced entry (with NGS clients)
  • May make you eligible for an insurance discount (check with your insurance agent)

Cons:

When selecting your Riot Glass solution, keep in mind that safety film is more affordable, but polycarbonate is more impact resistant. If you need to resist shooters, choose polycarbonate.

Watch the videos below to see how effectively Riot Glass prevents crimes.

Discover the Best Safety Window Film & Glass Solution for Your Needs – Contact NGS!

There’s a lot to know about security glass and security film – and the choices you make could end up being life or death decisions. Before making your final solution selection, it’s best to consult with an expert.

Find the right security glass solution for your precise needs when you ask the security glazing experts at NGS.

At NGS, protecting people is our mission. When you’re ready to protect your building or location, check with the nationally acclaimed security glazing experts first.

Get answers to your security glass questions.

 

 

Image by MichaelGaida from Pixabay

Jun 05
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A burglar breaking though a storefront window without riot glass

Riot Glass Stops Burglars and Looters in their Tracks with a 100% Success Rate

By Building Security, safety & security Films No Comments
A burglar breaking though a storefront window without riot glass

The commercial burglary, riots, and looting that erupted after peaceful protests mourning the tragic death of George Floyd caused unthinkable damage to hundreds, perhaps thousands of U.S. businesses. According to Insurance Journal, these riots “may… become the most costly civil disorder for insurers in United States history.” The cost to businesses is extremely high.

It is time to strengthen security at your store or building with Riot Glass.

Options for Protecting Your Storefront or Commercial Building

Typically, and as we have seen in television broadcasts and in our own cities, retail storefront and commercial building security measures consist of three methods:

Boarding

Probably the most cost-effective of the standard door and window glass protection measures, boarding is widely used as a stop-gap for emergencies. Unfortunately, boards need to be installed last minute, often among surging riot crowds, and boarding isn’t that effective. They may break or burn, granting violent looters access to your location.

Roll-down gates

A better long-term solution than boarding up your location, roll-down gates are an everyday measure that many businesses and commercial buildings rely on. There is, however, the risk that you may not have locked them properly and, as we’ve seen from the news broadcasts, determined looters can easily wrench open roll-down gates.

Security film

More attractive than roll-down gates and more permanent than boarding, security film presents a great solution for managers who are highly conscious of their building and store aesthetics. Security film is the perfect choice for isolated burglary attempts (but not looting) because it slows thieves down and prevents access before the police arrive. In a looting situation or violent riot, it doesn’t matter if your security film slows down the looters – they have all the time in the world.

Fortunately, there is a fourth security glass solution that is literally riot proof: Riot Glass.

Riot Glass – Stops Burglars and Looters in their Tracks with a 100% Success Rate

Riot Glass is a patented, clear shield with an anchored frame that is installed over the tops of your existing doors and windows. It is more effective than boarding, roll-down gates, and safety film combined because it literally never fails.

Riot Glass is an affordable, maximum strength security solution. When you install it, you’ll experience the benefits of no broken glass, no property damage, and no entry.

Protect Your Business with Failproof Riot Glass

At the time of this writing, we are well into our second week of this nationwide tragedy. It is unclear how long the riots and looting will continue or if they will return in response to other unprovoked acts of violence.

This situation will likely continue to require ongoing risk mitigation for commercial property managers and retail operations, especially in our nation’s largest cities.

 

Contact NGS to learn more about Riot Glass and to request your personalized quote.

Jun 04
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Building Access Denial – Riot Glass

By Building Security, safety & security Films No Comments

Best-in-class storefront protection, Riot Glass has never been penetrated.

Benefits

  • Protects glass and frames to where it has stopped almost all attacks from damaging glass/frames
  • No emergency board up required
  • Comes in anodized clear or bronze frames to blend beautifully with existing storefront (no unsightly expand-a gates or roll downs visible)
  • No maintenance required. Set it and forget it, a clear permanent board up for your stores
  • Being tested later this month for windstorm as we are confident it will pass large missile impact
  • Comes with scratch resistant coating and UV coating, extremely durable
  • 100% success rate, never been breached for any of our clients

About

Riot Glass is a patented framing & clear ArmorPlast shield system that is a combination polycarbonate and plastics for maximum strength that mechanically anchors to the windows and doors. The framing system comes in anodized clear and bronze and is custom fit to the doors and storefront window system creating a protective shield that is always working (think permanent, clear board up). The panels are scratched coated, solar UV treated and extremely durable. NGS has had a 100% success rate with stopping break in attempts from items like sledgehammers, crow bars, knives, pick axes, and more.

 

Contact us today to learn more!

 

May 29
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Woman wearing a mask

How to Promote School and Workplace Safety during COVID-19

By Floor Graphics, Signs, Sneezeguards No Comments

The best way to ensure that staff, customers, visitors, and students follow COVID-safe hygiene and social distancing practices at your location is to keep safety at the top of everyone’s minds.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that American businesses and schools:

  • Post signs in highly visible locations that promote everyday protective measures and describe how to stop the spread of germs (such as by properly washing hands and properly wearing a cloth face covering)
  • Install physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions, particularly in areas where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least 6 feet apart (e.g., reception desks)
  • Provide physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs on walls, to ensure that staff, customers, and children remain at least 6 feet apart in lines and at other times (e.g. guides for creating “one way routes” in hallways)

Because NGS is committed to your safety, we’ve created a new line of social distancing and safety signs, sneeze guards, floor tapes, and decals to help your school or business get back on track safely and quickly.

Introducing Safe at Work and Safe at School Packages from NGS

There’s an easy way for you to stay Safe at Work and Safe at School: rely on turnkey graphics packages and premium sneeze guards from NGS!

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Graphics Packages

The Safe at Work and Safe at School packages include turnkey social distancing and safety graphics, which help to educate your staff and customers, students and visitors – and remind them of current health and hygiene practices at all times.

Like you, our goal at NGS to get your location reopened safely and quickly. To speed your reopening, NGS offers a range of tailored base packages you can choose from, including:

  • School safety educational series – with CDC-approved posters!
  • Business office / kiosk / customer-facing area safety
  • Back of house or F&B staff-only area safety
  • Elevator safety – with swab instructions!
  • Drive through, takeout, and pickup safety
  • Cafeteria or quick service restaurant (QSR) safety
  • Bathroom hygiene and safety – with step-by-step handwashing instructions!
  • Front entrance safety and notifications
  • Retail safety
  • Commercial building safety
  • Gas station safety
  • Safety walk graphics
  • Vehicle graphics – with removable, reflective social distancing graphics!

Most packages include social distancing instructions, hygiene reminders, off-limit area notifications, and clear instructions and signage that help students, parents, customers, contractors, employees, and visitors feel confident, safe, and secure at your location.

Safe at Work and Safe at School graphics packages from NGS range from single $5 a-la-carte graphics to packages ranging from $22-$150 and include:

  • Wall, glass, and countertop stick-on decals that don’t damage surfaces and can be removed easily
  • Durable floor decals and tapes that withstand scuffing from thousands of footsteps and help prevent slips and falls
  • Curated “best practice” sizes and shapes with clean and easy-to-understand messaging
  • Fast shipping and turnaround

Volume pricing is available on all graphics packages, and you are welcome to mix and match your safety and social distancing graphics with optional package add-ons that help you fit the needs of your unique space exactly. TIPS members receive an additional 10% off graphics and Sneeze Guard products.

View your graphics options

Sneeze Guards

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  • NGS Sneeze Guard graphic

Enhance classroom and workplace health and safety with Essential or Premium Sneeze Guards at your school or organization. These attractive transparent physical barriers are made of crystal-clear and durable acrylic or polycarbonate and block the transmission of airborne pathogens, including contagious COVID droplets, flu viruses, and the common cold.

Sneeze Guards are essential to safety in area where social distancing is difficult, such as:

  • Densely packed workspaces
  • Call centers
  • Conference rooms
  • Cash registers
  • Shared tables
  • Classrooms

Why Choose NGS Premium Sneeze Guards?

Great question. At NGS, protecting people is our mission – and we understand that long-lasting, permanent safety solutions must also reflect your business’s high quality standards.

To be honest, there are a lot of ugly, hard-to-use, painfully temporary sneeze guards out there. You’ve seen them, and you probably don’t like them much. Sure, they get the job done when it comes to safety… but their stark, utilitarian setup is a brutal reminder of the pandemic.

NGS Premium Sneeze Guards are designed with your student and staff comfort in mind. NGS Sneeze Guards are unobtrusive, elegant, and attractive – and easy to install with the highest stability of any sneeze guard because they’re mechanically fastened to your walls or top surfaces of your tables or counters. (We offer removable ones too!)

NGS Sneeze Guards are the finest, longest-lasting sneeze guards available, with the smallest possible footprint, and they come in multiple models, such as:

  • Full frame for walls or flat horizontal surfaces
  • Wall mount for vertical surfaces on counters, desks, and tables
  • Transaction pass-thru window design to fit paperwork, payments, or merchandise
  • Stand-alone for classroom desk setups

Frames on most Sneeze Guards are made of heavy-grade anodized aluminum, available in dark bronze or silver, and their modern, slimline design makes them the perfect solution when you need year-round protection that doesn’t get in the way.

View your sneeze guard options

Interested in a setup that wasn’t in the brochure? We’ll be delighted to help you design your custom configuration that meets your precise needs. Sneeze Guards are priced at $28 – $102 each and TIPS members receive an additional 10% off Sneeze Guards. Due to potential shipping delays, sneeze guards may require a 1-4 week turnaround.

Trust NGS, the Experts in Safety

At this point, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Health and safety experts predict at least another year of required COVID-safe practices – perhaps many more months or years.

But you can’t wait that long.

At your school or workplace, the time to start promoting healthy habits, including hygienic and social distancing procedures, is right now.

For more than a decade, NGS has focused on protecting schools and businesses with security glass and window film, balancing the needs of your operations, your staff, your visitors, and your students to help you maintain smart, effective, secure solutions that promote wellbeing and safety at all times and in all areas of your building. Protecting people is our mission.

The turnkey Safe at Work and Safe at School packages from NGS deliver convenient, cost-effective safety solutions that help you reopen the right way – with the proven quality and durability you can trust to help maintain health at your school or business for as long as it takes.

 

Be Safe. Stay Healthy. Get Started Now with the Graphics and Sneeze Guards Order Form, and then click below to place your order.

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Feb 20
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NGS Films and Graphics Assists Schools with Security Grant Applications

By Damage reduction window film, Education, Government, safety & security Films, window film No Comments

School districts across the nation are improving security measures on their campuses due to an increased number of school gun violence incidents. In 2018, there were 191 incidents – which is more incidents in one year than in the last four decades, according to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

Recently, the federal COPS School Violence Prevention Program began accepting applications from school districts. This federal competitive award program provides funding to improve schools through evidence-based school safety programs that include several factors, including placement of deterrent measures such as security film.

NGS Films and Graphics can assist school districts in their application for this program.

School Safety Assessments: The First Step in Identification

At no cost, NGS Films and Graphics works with school districts nationwide to provide school safety assessments of windows and entryways. The assessment mirrors the Federal Commission on School Safety’s recommended layered zones.

NGS reviews each school and generates a report that includes recommendations on hardening three areas (or zones) with 3M™ Safety and Security Film and one-way mirror privacy films. The report can be used for grant applications and annual state reporting requirements.

“We work one-on-one with school districts to provide them information they need to be able to move forward with a plan to secure their schools,” said James Beale, managing partner of NGS Films and Graphics. “The report that we produce is designed to mirror the recommendations of the Federal Commission on School Safety. We want to protect our children and teachers and we understand that schools need this type of assessment when determining how to best move forward with securing campuses.”

Procurement Contracts Made Easy

NGS Films and Graphics has made it easier for schools to work with them. They are the only window film installer to have obtained Schedule 84 Contract 47QSWA20D00C from the General Services Administration. They also offer TIPS-USA Contract 190101.

These types of contracting vehicles make it easier for public school districts to work directly with the national company without having to go through lengthy bidding processes.

“Time truly is money when you consider the time invested by procurement staffs for lengthy quote processes. We understand that schools are looking for ways to save time when it comes to securing their schools,” Beale said. “We also know that competitive bid processes are important. That’s why we went through the process to get the TIPS contract and, most recently, the GSA Schedule 84 contract.”

Both procurement vehicles prequalify vendors from a financial and performance standpoint via an extensive quote, bid and prequalification process. “Now that we’ve been through the bid and prequalification process, school districts can easily contract with us because we have met procurement and compliance rules,” Beale said.

3M National Dealer of the Year as a School Partner

NGS Films and Graphics is 3M’s largest window film provider in the United States. The company recently received the 2019 National Dealer of the Year from the St. Paul-based company.

NGS Films and Graphics specialize in the installation of 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film, Ultra Series and 3M™ Impact Attachment Systems in schools. The experience team has developed a field-proven TRI-SHIELD installation method that dramatically improves performance.

In 2019, NGS Films and Graphics partnered with Houston ISD Police to demonstrate the power of the TRI-SHIELD installation. It took more than six minutes to break through the glass – which, in a real world situation, would mean more valuable time for victims to take shelter and for emergency officials to arrive.

Contact NGS Films and Graphics to Assist with the COPS SVPP grant

The federal COPS School Violence Prevention Program is accepting applications for school safety grants from now through 7:59 p.m. on April 8, 2020. School districts will need to have a safety risk assessment and pricing as part of their application.

For more information on how we can help you apply for the COPS School Violence Prevention Program, contact us at (866) 925-2083 or at [email protected].

Feb 20
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NGS Films and Graphics Assists Nonprofits, including Private Schools, with Security Grant Applications

By Damage reduction window film, Education, Government, safety & security Films, window film No Comments

School districts across the nation are improving security measures on their campuses due to an increased number of school gun violence incidents. In 2018, there were 191 incidents – which is more incidents in one year than in the last four decades, according to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

Recently, the Department of Homeland Security began accepting applications from nonprofit organizations, including private schools, for its Fiscal Year 2020 Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This federal program provides funding to put mechanisms in place to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks.

NGS Films and Graphics can assist private schools in their application for this program.

School Safety Assessments: The First Step in Identification

At no cost, NGS Films and Graphics works with school districts nationwide to provide school safety assessments of windows and entryways. The assessment mirrors the Federal Commission on School Safety’s recommended layered zones.

NGS reviews each school and generates a report that includes recommendations on hardening three areas (or zones) with 3M™ Safety and Security Film and one-way mirror privacy films. The report can be used for grant applications and other reporting requirements.

“We work one-on-one with schools to provide them information they need to be able to move forward with a plan to secure their schools,” said James Beale, managing partner of NGS Films and Graphics. “We want to protect our children and teachers and we understand that schools need this type of assessment when determining how to best move forward with securing campuses.”

3M National Dealer of the Year as a School Partner

NGS Films and Graphics is 3M’s largest window film provider in the United States. The company recently received the 2019 National Dealer of the Year from the St. Paul-based company.

NGS Films and Graphics specialize in the installation of 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film, Ultra Series and 3M™ Impact Attachment Systems in schools. The experience team has developed a field-proven TRI-SHIELD installation method that dramatically improves performance.

In 2019, NGS Films and Graphics partnered with Houston ISD Police to demonstrate the power of the TRI-SHIELD installation. It took more than six minutes to break through the glass – which, in a real-world situation, would mean more valuable time for victims to take shelter and for emergency officials to arrive.

Procurement Contracts Made Easy

NGS Films and Graphics has made it easier for schools to work with them. They are the only window film installer to have obtained Schedule 84 Contract 47QSWA20D00C from the General Services Administration. They also offer TIPS-USA Contract 190101.

These types of contracting vehicles make it easier for private school districts to work directly with the national company without having to go through lengthy bidding processes.

Both procurement vehicles prequalify vendors from a financial and performance standpoint via an extensive quote, bid and prequalification process. “Now that we’ve been through the bid and prequalification process, school districts can easily contract with us because we have met procurement and compliance rules,” Beale said.

Contact NGS Films and Graphics to Assist with the 2020 Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The 2020 Nonprofit Security Grant Program can offset costs on security-related activities including the installation of security equipment on real property (buildings and improvements) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization at the time of application. Completed applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on April 15, 2020.

For more information on how we can help you apply for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, contact us at (866) 925-2083 or at [email protected].