Category: Safety

NFL and FEMA Partner to Use Stadiums as Disaster Response Centers

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 […]

SIA Survey: Industry Confidence Spikes Among Security Leaders

Political conflict and gridlock may be weighing on some businesses, but more than seven out of 10 security industry leaders still reported positive conditions at their companies, according to the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) September-October Security Market Index (SMI) survey. Twenty-eight percent of survey participants said that current business conditions are “excellent,” while 43% described them […]

Drone inspecting a construction workplace

Top Uses of Drones and Robots for Facilities

Futuristic technology is proving that it can create efficiencies for building operations, and facilities managers are finding ways to incorporate it into their tasks. But while many facilities managers may be knowledgeable about the Internet of Things (IoT), building information modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence (AI), new sustainability measures, and cloud-based solutions, there could be some […]

Adjusting Facility Design to Meet Today’s Security Demands

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 […]

DHS Awards $18M in Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grants

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 […]

How Do We Stop These School Shootings?

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 […]

The Hidden Benefits of a Well-Designed Security Barrier System

Security barrier systems are typically viewed as mere protective measures, installed to prevent unauthorized access and enhance safety. However, these systems offer a wealth of hidden benefits that extend far beyond their primary security function. In this guide, we’ll explore the lesser-known benefits of security barrier systems, revealing how they can be used to address […]

disinfecting

Making the Case Against Disinfection Overkill in Facilities

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. Antimicrobial resistance, also known as AMR, is an emerging global health crisis that threatens to undermine decades of medical progress. Defined as the ability of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi to resist the […]

OSHA’s Workplace Heat Safety Rule Opens for Public Comment

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finally published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on August 30, initiating a 120-day public comment period for the agency’s proposed heat illness prevention standard (89 Fed. Reg. 70698). OSHA first released the text of its proposal on the agency website on July 2. Comments on the proposed standard are […]

California Indoor Heat Standard Goes Into Effect

California’s new Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment standard has become effective, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) announced July 24. The indoor heat standard applies to most indoor workplaces, such as manufacturing facilities, restaurants, and warehouses. In indoor workplaces where the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must take steps to […]