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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the inaugural members of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, a group of school safety experts and education leaders that will provide advice and recommendations on practical ways to enhance K-12 school safety and security. The board will advise the DHS secretary through the Cybersecurity […]
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 recent assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pa., has made it obvious that the attention to detail required for securing special events cannot be overly stressed. The ease with […]
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, the Fauquier County Fire Rescue System, and Fauquier County Public Schools in Virginia, successfully conducted a full-scale active shooter/reunification exercise aimed at bolstering the safety and security of K-12 schools on June 27. The exercise was held at Kettle Run […]
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. Public safety threats like active shooter situations and acts of terrorism have become increasingly complex and unpredictable. While surveillance cameras are widespread across the U.S., many systems fail to provide real-time monitoring and threat […]
The tragedy of active shooter situations and their resulting loss of life, property damage, and financial costs prompt facilities and security professionals to ask how they can harden their facilities. As part of Facilities Management Advisor’s FM NOW: Secure Buildings 2024 virtual event on March 20, John Iannarelli, ESQ, CSP, a retired Federal Bureau of […]