Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The 2024 presidential election is over, with Donald Trump emerging as the clear winner and heading back to the White House next year. But what does a new Trump presidency mean for facilities management (FM) and related industries that impact FM, including the security, construction, and clean energy sectors? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, leaders […]
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 […]
As students and teachers return to classrooms across the country, school safety is top of mind. In Pennsylvania, schools and other eligible entities are now able to apply for $120 million in grant funding to make physical security upgrades and strengthen behavioral health support. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) School Safety and Security Committee […]
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 […]
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 […]
The National Education Association (NEA), in partnership with the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, has released the “NEA School Gun Violence Prevention and Response Guide.” This comprehensive guide provides resources, tools, and practical recommendations to equip educators and others in the school community to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from gun violence in Pre-K–12 schools and institutions […]
It’s crucial for your school to continuously reassess its approach to safety throughout the year, establishing new goals and strategies as needed. Reviewing current policies, anticipating future trends, and taking a proactive approach will help your school prepare effectively to address and prevent potential issues. Start by Conducting Thorough Assessments Improving school building safety involves […]
The School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) approved $47 million in competitive grants to improve safety, security, and mental health support for students and staff at schools across the state. The new awards complete the $155 million school safety and security grants program launched in January 2024. “As […]