Category: Safety

Report: MSU’s Response to Mass Shooting Was ‘Appropriate, Timely, and Correct’

Michigan State University (MSU) has released an independent review of the institution’s response to the mass shooting that occurred on Feb. 13, 2023. Three students were killed and five others were injured during the tragic event. The 25-page report, prepared by Security Risk Management Consultants (SRMC), details the firm’s findings and recommendations to strengthen campus safety […]

FEMA Offering Nearly $2 Billion for Climate Resilience Projects

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it is making $1.8 billion available for two grant programs designed to help communities increase their resilience to the impacts of climate change, including increasingly frequent and extreme weather events. Notably, the International Code Council (ICC) has praised FEMA for including a “historic investment in resilient building codes” as […]

Beware These 5 Invasive Pests Causing Trouble Across the Country

Invasive species are causing serious concern as continued erratic weather conditions are allowing certain pests to increase their territory across the U.S. To help protect food, property, and health in the areas these pests invade, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is sharing key information and prevention tips for five invasive pests causing trouble throughout the country. […]

The Freeze Component of ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ During Violent Attacks

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. In April 2021, a 19-year-old male shooter named Brandon Hole opened fire outside a FedEx warehouse in Indianapolis. By the time he was done, he had killed eight people and himself. After […]

Selling Unified Physical Security Systems to the C-Suite

When it comes to budgeting, physical security technology has been historically regarded as a cost center, an operational necessity focused on protecting people and assets. Technology advancements and the digital transformation of organizations are changing that perspective. Facility executives are becoming more aware of valuable data available in their security systems. Having sufficient data management […]

EPA Awards 2023 ‘Safer Choice’ Partners for Cleaning, Other Chemical Products

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced 30 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners across 15 states and the District of Columbia, recognizing their achievements in the design, manufacture, selection, and use of cleaners, detergents, and other products with safer chemicals. The Safer Choice program helps consumers and purchasers of facilities, such as […]

Managing VOCs and Odors in Commercial Workspaces

Facilities managers know the importance of maintaining proper indoor air quality (IAQ). As far as critical issues go, air quality, ventilation, and the prevention of pollutants are up there, as they pose a severe health risk to workers, not to mention productivity and efficiency. One of the most prevalent indoor air contaminants is volatile organic […]

EMU Boosts Campus Security with AI-Based Gun Detection

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) will be among the first higher education institutions in the state to deploy an AI-based gun detection solution across campus to protect students, staff, and visitors from gun-related violence. The university has partnered with ZeroEyes, whose AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software will be layered on EMU’s existing digital security […]

What We Learned From… FM NOW: Emergency Preparedness

Held on Sept. 26-27, our FM NOW: Emergency Preparedness virtual summit featured information about how crucial it is to plan for various types of hazards, including natural disasters, fires, power outages, and even active shooters. If you missed any of the webinars, here’s a rundown with key takeaways and links to FREE on-demand recordings. Opening […]

Former Surgeons General, Execs Issue Policy Prescription for Healthy Buildings

Organized by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), a group of renowned public health leaders issued an open letter to the nation’s policymakers titled “Buildings as a Prescription for Health.” The letter, signed by six former Surgeons General and six executives from top public health organizations, urges members of Congress, mayors, governors, and school superintendents to […]