School Security Window Film Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. School Security Window Film

In today’s challenging world, ensuring the safety and security of students and teachers is of paramount importance. Schools in Washington, D.C. face security concerns, including the threat of gun violence. Recent instances of school shootings within our city have highlighted the urgent need for effective security measures. At DC Window Film, we provide a crucial solution to enhance school security: window film. Washington, D.C. schools can utilize security film to strengthen windows and doors, reducing the risk of accidents, damage, and breaches in security.

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Security Challenges for Washington, D.C. Schools

DC schools are grappling with numerous security challenges, including increasing community violence that impacts students’ academic and emotional well-being. Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, the President of the Washington Teacher’s Union, emphasizes the need for additional emotional and mental support services to help students cope with the repercussions of youth violence. According to the Urban Institute’s research, during the 2011-12 school year, ShotSpotter detected 336 instances of gunfire near DC schools within the school day timeframe, highlighting the alarming proximity of gun-related incidents to educational institutions.

The Importance of Security Window Film

Security window film acts as a powerful deterrent and a vital layer of protection. It can significantly increase response time and delay intruders, providing crucial moments for students and teachers to evacuate safely. By reinforcing the glass and making it more resistant to breakage, security film creates a barrier that buys time during emergencies.

Extensive Security Window Film Options

We offer an extensive selection of security window films to address concerns related to intrusion, vandalism, gun violence, and other safety issues.

Basic Security Film

Our basic security film offers an economical option to strengthen window glass. It provides a single layer of standard security film applied to the interior. The goal is to increase response time by approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Premium Security Film

Our premium security film is made with advanced carbon fiber, cross-weave technology for exceptional durability and tear-resistance. It offers a single layer of premium security film and is applied to the interior. We recommend an anchoring system for optimal performance. The goal is to increase response time by approximately 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

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Dual Premium Security Film (Interior & Exterior)

For schools with dual-pane glazing, our dual premium security film is the recommended solution. It involves applying premium security film to both the interior and exterior, along with an anchoring system. This option significantly increases response time by approximately 3 minutes or more.

Bomb Blast Resistant Film

In areas prone to explosive threats, our bomb blast resistant film provides enhanced protection. It is available for both single and dual-pane applications and features premium security window film along with an anchoring system. By increasing flexibility and shatter resistance, this film helps safeguard against the devastating impact of blasts. We recommend applying it to both the interior and exterior for optimal results.

Ballistic Resistant Security Film

For protection against crimes committed with 9mm handguns or below, our ballistic resistant security film offers the highest level of security. It features thicker glass, a specialized priming agent, and three layers of security window film. Although not suitable for assault rifles, this option significantly increases response time and ballistic resistance. The film is applied to both the interior and exterior for maximum effectiveness.

Important Factors for Schools to Consider

We highly recommend consulting with a security expert in your area. In addition, here are some factors your school may want to consider:

Single or Double-Pane Windows

The type of window impacts response time during a security incident. For single-pane glass, we strongly recommend a double layer of security film for added strength and delay. This extra layer significantly enhances the security of your windows.

Side Doors and Points of Entry

While main entryway doors are often prioritized, it’s important to consider the vulnerability of side doors, back doors, sidelights, and other points of entry. Extend your security measures to cover all potential entry points, ensuring comprehensive protection for your school.

Interior/Exterior Locking Doors

Enhancing security should involve coating both sets of doors with security film. This is particularly important for doors with automatic locking mechanisms. By reinforcing these doors, you create an additional layer of defense that can make a significant difference in emergency situations.

Protection for Front Desk

The front desk area plays a crucial role in identifying and responding to threats. It is essential to prioritize the protection of this area with security film. By doing so, you facilitate immediate activation of lockdown measures upon threat identification, safeguarding the entire school community.

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Security Resources for Washington, D.C. Schools

As a Washington, D.C.-based company, we understand the unique security challenges faced by schools in our city. We provide the following resources to assist schools in understanding and implementing security film solutions:

Legislation on School Security

Stay up-to-date with recent legislation in Washington, D.C. concerning school security. Our team can help you maintain compliance with regulations. Consider reviewing the following resources:

D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) is responsible for creating and implementing school building security and emergency operations plans, in consultation with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA)
Representative Mike Garcia introduced two pieces of legislation, the Safe Schools Act and the Strengthening School Security for Students Act, to secure schools and improve school safety.
A bill was proposed to create a new position at all high schools known as a School Safety Assistant Director. The role would assure the safety of students.
A recently passed bill calls for safety upgrades to areas around DC schools. The bill also expands the size of school zones and would make the 15 mph speed limit in school zones on non-arterial streets in effect every day of the week from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Four D.C. lawmakers are backing a proposal that would keep police officers in schools, reversing a measure that sought to remove law enforcement from campuses by 2025.

School Security Consultants

Considering the complexities of school security, we suggest the possibility of hiring security consultants. These professionals can evaluate your campus and provide expert guidance on selecting suitable security film options based on your specific needs and budget. Here are some security companies that serve the DC area:

Bullet Resistant Standards

Understanding bullet-resistant and blast-resistant glass standards is crucial when implementing security measures. We offer insights into these standards, covering performance criteria, design elements, and varying levels of protection. Our experts can help you make informed decisions regarding the level of security you require. Here are some resources that may assist you:

This article explains ratings for levels of bullet-resistant glass.
Review this guide to learn about UL 752 scale of ballistic resistance levels.
Learn about bullet resistant glass rating levels.

Demonstration Videos

We have compiled a range of resources, including videos demonstrating the effectiveness of security film in deterring armed intruders. These videos showcase the significant difference in breaking time between treated and untreated glass, highlighting the importance of security film in improving response time during emergencies:

This video from Equip 2 Endure shows how strong security window film can be.
Watch this video from 3M about how window film slows down intruders.
Another video on YouTube by RC Window Films shows how security film can stop an intruder from breaking in.

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Call DC Window Film

Protect your school and prioritize the safety of your students and staff. Contact us today to discuss your school’s security needs and find the right security window film solution.