Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
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. Whenever transformative technology emerges into an industry, there’s a natural worry that it could replace job roles or functions. When we look at physical security, there are interesting ways that new artificial intelligence (AI) […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. During emergencies, things can go wrong in an instant. It’s crucial for employers, facilities professionals, and other safety stakeholders to collaborate on developing emergency action plans (EAPs) with effective evacuation procedures, so that in a disaster scenario, employees know […]
From bullying to tragic shootings, school violence is a threat facing every community across the country. Statewide school safety tip lines, currently offered in over 20 states, can play a major role in helping protect students and staff. In fact, officials from Texas and Wisconsin recently revealed encouraging stats about their respective programs. Texas The […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
An unanticipated facility disruption can have staggering costs and take a severe toll on property stakeholders. By prioritizing disruption prevention and implementing proactive strategies, you can significantly mitigate the risk of such events, making them less inevitable and more manageable. Easy-to-implement strategies to prevent facility disruptions range from regular maintenance checks to advanced planning and emergency […]
Give a big round of a-paws for Barni, an explosives detection canine at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO)! He has been named the winner of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 2024 Cutest Canine Contest. The agency uses the annual contest to highlight the important role of security canines. Last week, the TSA held its […]
The Maryland Higher Education Commission has awarded $18.75 million in campus safety grants to colleges and universities throughout the state. “These grants will enable our institutions of higher education to invest further in infrastructure that will help make our campuses safer for students, faculty, and staff,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Administered through the Maryland […]