Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Securing K-12 school buildings is a critical responsibility for facilities managers. With increasing concerns about school safety, implementing electronic access control (EAC) systems has become a best practice. A layered security approach, starting from the outside and moving inward, is recommended to ensure comprehensive protection. This method enhances security and allows for phased implementation, making […]
Facilities manager (FM) roles are often perceived as fixing, maintaining, and cleaning buildings only. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! To help people understand the many facets of facilities management, and how complex the work of FMs is, we are busting 5 common myths about the profession! These myth-busters will help anyone who wants […]
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA), which expects the threat of foreign and domestic terrorism in the United States to “remain high” over the coming year. DHS also highlighted resources available to help combat potential threats. The annual HTA provides the public and officials with a detailed report on […]
Local fire departments responded to an estimated 1.5 million fires in the United States in 2022 that cost approximately $18 billion in property damage, according to the most recent Fire Loss report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In addition to the human impact of fire damage, property damage and the required reconstruction are […]
This year, Fire Prevention Week is being observed Oct. 6-12. Fire is one of the worst things that can happen to your facility, damaging the property you have so carefully maintained and putting lives at risk. A way to gain an advantage over costly and harmful fires is properly maintaining wet and dry fire sprinkler […]
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools, a new resource to help K-12 schools and their law enforcement and community partners create tailored approaches to addressing anonymous threats of violence, including those received on social media. The toolkit outlines steps school leaders can take to […]
Stadiums and venues provide a central and accessible location to help communities respond to extreme weather crises, providing safe storage and shelter in times of need. With these events becoming more frequent, severe, and expensive, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Football League (NFL) are teaming up on a new program that will […]
When designing facilities from the ground up, several key safety factors are understandably considered to ensure the safety of occupants. HVAC and fire code compliance—like fire suppression systems, smoke detectors, and proper ventilation—are crucial. Planners ensure new facilities have clear exit paths, accessible exits, and adequate lighting. Facilities may incorporate basic security measures such as […]
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded 35 grants, totaling $18 million, under the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program for fiscal year 2024 (FY24). Awardees include public health organizations, colleges and universities, and groups working with underserved communities. The program is administered by the DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) and […]
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. The senseless killing of two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in rural Georgia on Sept. 4 once again begs the question, “How do we stop these school shootings?” It seems we […]