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Safety & Security Films

Mar 17
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Making Schools Safer With Window Film Blog title

Making Schools Safer With Window Film

By Building Security, Education, Safety & Security Films, Solar Window Film, Window Film No Comments

The tragic shootings at Sandy Hook in 2012 left a nation shocked and grieving. Not only were there 26 victims whose families would be forever altered, but most of the violence took place at an elementary school in a relatively small, quiet, peaceful Connecticut town.

Sandy Hook was not the first nor the last school shooting. And though the nation has tried to deal with the threat of violence on public school grounds, the massacre in Newton elevated the issue to a new level. As a result, the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission issued a 277-page report in 2015 and the Federal Commission on School Safety has continued to issue recommendations and guidelines for school districts across the country.

When it comes to school safety, there is no perfect solution. No building can be made 100% threat-proof.

But we can implement strategies, response plans, and deterrents that can make a difference should the worst happen. In fact, the Federal Commission on School Safety and the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission report both recommended safety window film as deterrents in schools. Safety window film, security window film, and hybrid safety-security window film are three such deterrents.

 

How window film can make schools safer

Today’s contemporary safety window films offer a baseline level of protection for vulnerable buildings, offices, and classrooms. Most are designed to reduce shatter when the glass is broken or penetrated. Safety film layered on the interior offers a first line of defense, and school administrators can opt to include a second layer of protection on the exterior. 

One of the original functions of window film—tinting—continues to be a feature of many modern safety-security window films, though with a newly evolved purpose: privacy. Today’s highrises, office complexes, and exposed building facades often have a shaded, or tinted window film application throughout as a way to ensure privacy. This tinting also very likely reduces the solar load on a building.

As it turns out, the privacy benefit that comes with shading and tinting in window film also has a particular safety benefit: windows that are shaded or darkened on the exterior make it more difficult for shooters to target individuals within a classroom, office, or building. This benefit can serve as a major deterrent to a single-minded individual who means to do harm with a firearm.

No deterrent can stop all threats. But safety and security window film can help significantly deter the impact of a threat emanating from outside the classroom or office. NGS offers a unique building hardening program ideal for school districts, offering:

  • Zoned survey approach that mirrors the Federal Commission on School Safety
  • Free surveys delivered with area maps and photos numbered to match zone and area
  • Free proprietary software to tailor the scope and price of each building to match a budget or grant
  • Nationwide government and education contracting vehicles to streamline requisition
  • Government contracting vehicles that are Edgar-compliant to streamline requisition

Available Funding For Building Hardening

Every public school district in America has a budget, and every public school has a list of things they need. Many times administrators have to choose between salaries, supplies, safety, and security. It’s an incredibly tough spot to be in, and budget allocations will continue to be a source of wrangling, dispute, argument, and controversy.

Thankfully, there is money out there for cash-strapped school districts. They’re called grants, and you might qualify! Here’s a list of potential grants that could help you harden your buildings: 

NGS has a team of consultants who are dedicated to just this issue: locating and procuring grant money for the specific purpose of making your school safer. As teachers, principals, and administrators well know, the universe of grants can be more difficult to navigate than you can imagine, and even when you do lock onto a particular grant that suits your needs, the proposal process can be an entirely separate, even more complex process.

Schedule a complimentary glass hardening assessment for your school or district with NGS. We can also help show you the grant money, so you can procure the safety, security, and hybrid window film products that make your school districts safer for future generations.

Photo by Max Fischer from Pexels

Mar 15
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building exterior security

Building Envelope Security 101

By Building Security, Safety & Security Films No Comments

A simple checklist to ensure your building is safe

So if you manage, own, construct, or develop a large commercial property or building, it makes sense to put together a building security checklist to properly assess your building’s security envelope—including weak points, high-traffic areas, parking, access points, and vulnerabilities.

Especially in the wake of the riots at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, there is no time like the present to really understand building security.

Here’s a simple checklist:

▢ Access control

People enter the building, often from multiple access points like doors, breezeways, lobbies, sliding-glass doors, and atria. Employees, staff, maintenance people, and tenants may be required to have keys or a key card to gain proper entry, or to access the elevator bank. You may require physical check-in at a reception area if you are a visitor or guest, and the building may offer parking validation. You may even be required to scan a key card once in the elevator, or you may be issued a barcoded guest or visitor pass.

All of these are examples of building access, and really represent the most vital areas of the security envelope. Access control can be minimal (a set of keys) or stringent (iris recognition), but it is important to have a plan in place to follow throughout the year. That means adequate staffing, a stock of keys, keycards, and visitor passes, and a regular schedule for software updates, patches, and upgrades.

▢ Technology

Technology seeps into every aspect of your building security envelope. If you use keycards, barcodes, or scans for access, we’ve already brought technology into the mix. But there are many more layers of technology that may be at play in your building.

Start with the security camera. Or cameras, plural. A large commercial complex may even utilize an entire CCTV system, complete with a dedicated control room, and direct links to emergency response and police. Whether you have a single security camera at the building’s main entrance or a dedicated network of cameras throughout every floor of a highrise, it’s important that devices are properly maintained and regularly monitored. After all, what good is a security camera if the lens is damaged, or if it has stopped working altogether?

▢ On-site security

As part of your building security plan, you may employ a security guard on-site, or an entire security team. You may have a separate, on-site security force for parking lots and structures, and you may have dedicated security at reception as well as in a control room or CCTV station.

The physical presence of guards and attendants can greatly enhance the level of security and safety in your building or property. It’s important to make sure your on-site security staff has a regular, closely maintained schedule, proper and ongoing training, and a strong understanding of building safety codes, emergency action plans, and security policies.

▢ Building security/hardening

Building security can be further improved by hardening existing levels of threat and damage protection. The major arteries and access points of your building—doors, glass, windows, sliding-glass entry—are also the major security vulnerabilities.

If you want to harden your building security, NGS recommends a three-tiered approach:

TIER 1: ENTRY LEVEL SECURITY FILM

  • 3M™ Ultra 800 and 3M™ impact protection adhesive on the interior of all glass

TIER 2: TRI-SHIELD SECURITY SYSTEM

  • Best-in-class security film
  • 3M™ Ultra 800 and 3M™ impact protection adhesive on the interior of all glass and exterior weatherable film

TIER 3: RIOT GLASS™ ACCESS DENIAL

  • Patented, clear armor for your building
  • Leading anti-breach protection
  • Always working, permanent clear board up
  • No maintenance or operation required
  • Scratch-resistant and UV-coated
  • Retrofits to all storefronts
  • Comes in ballistic options
  • Noise dampening

The higher the tier, the more hardened your building security. NGS regularly consults with contractors, architects, and designers for buildings and properties of all sizes to recommend a tier that makes the most sense for your business or organization.

So there you have it. With this simple checklist, you’ll have a much better knowledge of your building security envelope. And with this knowledge comes the power to improve overall building security for your employees, staff, visitors, and tenants.

Learn more about how NGS can help harden your business no matter the industry.

 

 

Jan 19
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3M Window Film

More Than Window Tint

By Building Security, Safety & Security Films, Solar Window Film, Window Film No Comments

How 3M™ Safety and Security Window Film Protects People and Property

Imagine yourself in your office building. A typical Monday, when you meet with your team in the large conference room. 

The weather forecast didn’t call for anything unusual. But tornadoes don’t listen to meteorologists. In fact, there’s a twister headed directly for your building right now: you can see it approaching through the large glass window.

This scenario is extreme, but it does happen: extreme weather, earthquakes, and even explosions can lead to showers of shattered glass cascading on people and property inside your office, school, or highrise.

Add to this list of threatening scenarios intrusions, blasts and explosions, spontaneous glass breakage, and even graffiti, and you begin to see how safety and security window film can really help to protect both the people and the property within your building.

Advancements in window film engineering

When you think of window film, you probably think of shading, tint, and perhaps protection from the heat and cold. But did you know that advanced window films can also prevent dangerous shattering due to extreme weather, break-ins, and even explosions?

Films like 3M™ Safety and Security Window Film are engineered for a multitude of purposes, including protection from harmful UV rays, privacy, and energy efficiency. But these window films are also being applied to schools, hotels, retail stores and commercial, government, and medical buildings for another, invaluable reason: anti-shattering capabilities that hold glass together when catastrophic events, riots, or break-ins occur.

3M security films also come in dual-function options such as the new multi-optical layer, a high heat-rejection Prestige line. It is virtually clear but rejects almost 50% of the total solar energy while providing security benefits.

 3M™ Safety and security window films typically serve one or more of these purposes:

Let’s take a closer look at each of these categories to get a full sense of the benefits of these highly engineered, purpose-built window films.

Intrusion protection

One of the most common reasons for security film to be installed on a residence or commercial property is for intrusion protection. Windows and glass doors are among the weakest points on the building envelope and are often targeted as an entry point for criminals. Billions are lost due to property-related crimes in the U.S. alone, and unfortunately, fortified glass is often too expensive when considering security upgrades.  

Security window films and attachments are used to help deter intruders and would-be thieves from entering into a space, building, or property. With properly installed security window film, intruders will have a considerably more difficult time penetrating or breaking through the glass, adding precious minutes to the crime timeline—and giving police or security the chance to respond before a theft takes place.

Blast mitigation

In this day and age, the possibility of an explosion or blast near highrises, government and federal buildings, offices, shops, commercial properties, hotels, hospitals, and public spaces is unfortunately real. And if the worst actually does happen, broken glass shards from windows and doors are one of the leading causes of fatalities and property damage.

Some of the most advanced safety window films being developed today by 3M™ can actually mitigate the damage caused by glass shards resulting from an explosion or blast. Though it’s not possible to mitigate completely, these films can significantly reduce the penetration of glass shards into the interior of a building, which means a lower possibility of injury or fatality to people, and less damage to property.

Windstorm protection

Tornadoes. Hurricanes. Severe windstorms. Extreme weather events like these happen more and more frequently in the 21st century, and without question, they often have the force to break glass.

Fortunately, there are safety window films designed specifically for windstorm protection and mitigation. These films are engineered to keep shattered or compromised glass in the window frame should a severe windstorm or other extreme weather events occur. And when that shattered glass is kept within the frame, there is much less chance of injury or damage to people, patrons, and property.

Anti-graffiti

We’ve all seen it: unsightly graffiti or tagging on storefront windows, bus stop terminals, bathroom mirrors, and public buildings. Though not as severe as an explosion or hurricane, graffiti is a much more common occurrence and one that gives building owners and property managers constant headaches.

Anti-graffiti window films are designed to create a layer of protection over bus stand ads, transit stop banners, storefront and retail windows, school windows and glass, and even mirrors. When a vandal tries to scratch, gouge, acid etch, or tag the glass, they are in fact tagging a film that can easily be removed and replaced.  If the vandalism is removed sooner rather than later, this often discourages repeat offenses, and it also preserves the image of the shop or advertisement. 

An anti-graffiti window film is a sacrificial film layer applied over the glass, either on the interior or the exterior. Typical areas where anti-graffiti films are used are retail stores, schools, bathroom stalls and mirrors, advertisements and banners, mass transportation and metro transit stops.

Protection is paramount

When it comes to your commercial property, business, or building, the protection of your patrons, tenants, employees, and property is the highest priority. And though no building is totally impenetrable, modern safety and security window films go a long way in mitigating injury, damage, and even fatality, and also serve as a significant deterrence to intrusion, theft, and vandalism.

 

Learn more about how 3M™ window film can secure your commercial property in our AIA accredited webinar: Protect People and Property with 3M™ Safety and Security Window Film

Contact Us to request a quote on making your property more secure with NGS and 3M™ window film

Jan 18
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U.S. capitol building with police tape

Could the Raid on the Capitol Have Been Prevented with Riot Glass?

By Building Security, Government, Safety & Security Films No Comments

When a mob of insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, many of us watching the events on television were wondering: they’re not going to actually breach the building, are they? Police and security will turn the mob back, right?

Then, the unthinkable actually happened, as rioters broke glass windows and forced entry inside.

Once those windows were broken, a last line of defense against intruders was obliterated. Eventually, the Senate Chamber and congressional offices were overtaken, and a joint session of Congress was interrupted. When it was all over, five people had lost their lives.

The fallout from this seditious event grows as each day goes by, including an ongoing investigation that led to the discovery of two pipe bombs, the pursuit of several at-large insurrectionists, and a pending impeachment of the President of the United States. 

Could all of this have been prevented by simply replacing the windows of the Capitol building with Riot Glass?

Windows are the weak point

Security professionals, landlords, and building managers know all too well that windows are the most vulnerable points in a structure. Whether it’s a storefront window, a glass door, or the window of a congressional staffer’s office, when an intruder decides to enter a building with malicious intent, they are most likely to breach a window.

When you watch footage of the Capitol invasion, you’ll see rioters specifically targeting pane-glass windows, breaking and smashing them with ease. Once the windows were taken out, intruders poured through and into the interior of the building, where they ran roughshod over the Senate Chamber and overtook congressional offices.

For these invaders, breaching the glass windows was probably the easiest part of their insurrectionist afternoon. The windows shattered quickly, as we all could see in the media coverage.

What if the windows didn’t shatter so readily? What if the glass was somehow reinforced, preventing shattering and remaining intact and in place? Could such a defensive strategy have possibly prevented the sacking of the Capitol?

How Riot Glass and safety and security window film work

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 shield that is always working. 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 rioters and looters from getting in and has proven more effective than any other forced-entry protection system including boarding, roll-down gates, and security window film. 

Watch the video to see Riot Glass in action:

Advanced safety and security window films like those in the 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film family are specifically designed to mitigate shattering and to reduce the risk of flying glass. With the right window film application, vulnerable windows and glass—even those in the Capitol building—gain an extra layer of protection, becoming less likely to be penetrated by bricks, rocks, sticks, and crutches, and even if broken, far less likely to shatter.

Would the ransacking of the Capitol building have been thwarted with window film alone? Probably not. But there is no question that if those windows had been protected with powerfully engineered safety and security window film, rioters and insurrectionists would have had a much more difficult time breaking the glass, and penetrating the threshold through the windows. And that precious time would have granted police and security more time to adequately respond.

The 2020 Nashville bombing

On December 25, 2020, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb inside a recreational vehicle parked in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Eight people were injured and dozens of buildings in the vicinity were damaged.

Although the motivations and outcomes of the Capitol raid and the suicide bombing are entirely different, there is no question that safety and security window film could have mitigated much of the damage in Nashville. Broken glass and windows throughout the downtown area—had they been applied with quality safety window film—may not have shattered at all. And if they had, the spall effect, or penetration of shattered glass, would have been reduced or prevented entirely.

A simple measure of safety and security

The safety, security, and strength of a building’s windows and glass can be further enhanced with 3M Impact Protection Attachment Systems. These combination systems attach filmed window to the window frame, creating a robust shield that significantly outperforms window film-only systems. This extra level of protection guards against impact energy from earthquakes, forced-entry events, and bomb blasts. 

The Capitol riot and the Nashville bombing were tragic events, sobering as they remind us of how vulnerable we are even in the places we feel are the most secure. With the simple application of quality Riot Glass or safety and security window film, we can protect people and property, reduce the risk of flying glass, ensure less business disruption, and mitigate against the injurious and damaging effects of natural disasters, break-ins, and explosions.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can use Riot Glass and 3M Safety and Security Window Film to keep your people and property safe.

 

Photo by Pierre Blaché from Pexels

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

By 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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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, Safety & Security Films, Window Film 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

By Building Security, Commercial Property Owner, 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

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 Nearly Failproof Riot Glass

At the time of this writing, we are well into our second week of this national 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 an unmatched track record against forced entry attempts.

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!

 

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

By Building Security, 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].