Category: Security

42 Mass. School Districts Receive Grants for Physical Security Upgrades

In Massachusetts, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced that 42 school districts have been awarded nearly $3 million in grant funds to facilitate physical security enhancements and help ensure the safety of students and educators. The administration awarded $2,910,000 in federal grant funds through the Safer Schools and Communities Initiative. The federal funds are managed in Massachusetts by the Office […]

Summer Fire Safety Tips for the Workplace

As facilities managers know, summer brings increased risks of fire hazards that require proactive planning and risk mitigation. With higher use of electrical equipment such as fans and air conditioning, risks of electrical overloads and arson attacks rise. Not to mention that reduced staffing levels can also impact safety practices. The summer is a great […]

TSA Caught Over 3,300 Firearms at Airports So Far This Year

On pace for another recording-breaking year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 3,251 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first half of 2023, which ended June 30. The total represents an average 18 firearms per day at TSA checkpoints, and more than 92% of them were loaded. This is an increase from the first […]

The Pros and Cons of AI in Facility Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly securing a foothold in the facility management space. A quick Google search for “AI tools for facility management” will produce a host of companies offering AI-driven tools to help with everything from maintenance management to space optimization. Facility managers who are eager to exploit the benefits of AI-driven tools should […]

Cal/OSHA Cites Mushroom Farms in Workplace Shootings

On June 26, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) announced citations for two Half Moon Bay farms where seven workers were shot and killed January 23. Cal/OSHA cited California Terra Garden Inc., for 22 violations, including 5 serious and 1 serious, accident-related for failing to have a plan or procedures to immediately notify […]

New York Invests $13.2M in School Tech and Security Upgrades

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the approval of 48 Smart Schools Investment Plans focused on reimagining education in an evolving age and boosting school security. The approved plans, totaling $13.2 million, are part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act, a sweeping education technology program established in 2014. “Investing in our children’s education […]

Achieving Effective Physical Security: The Power of the 3Ps Model

While technological advancements have revolutionized security measures, it is crucial to recognize that technology alone cannot guarantee a secure environment. To achieve comprehensive security, physical security professionals from diverse industries must embrace the 3Ps Model: People, Policies, and Practices. By understanding and implementing this holistic approach, physical security professionals can create robust security frameworks that […]

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Extend Anti-Terrorism Standards for Chemical Facilities

U.S. Sens. James Lankford (R-OK), Gary Peters (D-MI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tom Carper (D-DE) have introduced a bipartisan bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, which is set to expire on July 27, 2023. The program was created after national security experts recognized a security vulnerability among chemical facilities following […]

Georgia Piedmont Technical College Awarded $1.65M for Campus Safety Upgrades

Georgia Piedmont Technical College announced it has been awarded $1.65 million to integrate technology that will help provide a safe learning and working environment for students and staff. The funds are part of Georgia’s $83.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds through the Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction (PSCVRG) Grant Program. A total of 118 […]

School’s Out! Essential Campus Projects to Tackle During Summer Break

Now that the academic semester is over and campuses are largely deserted, it’s the perfect time to do major maintenance projects and intensive cleaning jobs that couldn’t be done when the campus was buzzing with activity. Plan for Summer Classes Facilities teams should work with school leadership to determine what areas will be used for […]