Ensuring the safety of schools, churches, businesses, and government facilities requires a layered approach to security. At the heart of effective safety measures are time barriers—deliberate obstacles designed to slow intruders, giving first responders time to respond. Forced entry-resistant film is a simple yet effective solution that reinforces glass, transforming it from a vulnerability into a vital time barrier.
Glass: A Critical Weak Point
Tempered glass is common in doors and windows due to its durability and safety features. However, in security scenarios, it’s often the weakest link. A single impact with a blunt object or firearm can shatter tempered glass in seconds, creating immediate access for an intruder.
In emergencies, time is the most valuable resource. Every second that an intruder is delayed provides more opportunity for occupants to implement safety measures and for first responders to arrive. Without reinforcement, unprotected glass eliminates this critical time buffer.
The Role of Time Barriers in Security
Time barriers like locked doors, fencing, and reinforced glass are essential in slowing down an attacker’s progress. Forced entry-resistant film is one of the most effective tools in this strategy. Here’s how it fits into the concept of stacked time barriers:
- Outer Perimeter: Start with secure fencing, gates, and controlled access points to deter intruders from entering the property.
- Building Envelope: Reinforce doors, windows, and other entry points with measures like forced entry-resistant film. This ensures that even if the outer perimeter is breached, gaining access to the building remains a challenge.
- Interior Layers: Inside the building, additional time barriers such as locked doors, secured areas, and safe rooms further delay an intruder’s progress.
Forced entry-resistant film strengthens the building envelope, creating an effective middle layer in this stacked approach.
How Forced Entry-Resistant Film Works
Forced entry-resistant film provides a physical barrier that slows and frustrates attackers. Here’s what makes it effective:
- Holds Glass Together: When glass is struck, the film prevents it from shattering into pieces, keeping the window intact.
- Delays Intrusion: Proper installation with an attachment system ensures that even after multiple impacts, the glass remains in place, forcing the intruder to expend significant time and effort to breach it.
- Supports Safety Protocols: By delaying entry, the film provides valuable time for first responders to arrive and for occupants to move to safer areas.
Real-World Testing Results
Live demonstrations highlight the effectiveness of forced entry-resistant film:
- Unprotected Glass: One strike or shot shatters the glass completely, allowing immediate entry.
- Glass with Film (No Attachment): The glass remains intact but may fall as a single sheet, creating a limited barrier.
- Glass with Film and Attachment System: Multiple strikes are required to breach the barrier. The glass holds together, significantly delaying entry and buying critical time.
Benefits for a Wide Range of Facilities
Forced entry-resistant film isn’t limited to schools. It’s an essential upgrade for any facility that values safety:
- Schools: Protect students and staff by securing doors and windows against forced entry.
- Churches: Enhance security for congregations, turning glass into a line of defense.
- Businesses: Safeguard employees, customers, and sensitive information.
- Government Buildings: Reinforce high-priority facilities against both opportunistic and targeted attacks.
Affordable and Non-Disruptive
Unlike costly window replacements or metal barriers, forced entry-resistant film is affordable and minimally invasive. Installation is quick and can be done without disrupting daily operations. It’s a straightforward solution that makes a big impact.
The Importance of Layered Security
Forced entry-resistant film is most effective when used as part of a layered security approach. Stacking time barriers—from the outer perimeter to the building’s interior—creates a layered system that protects people and property.
Take Action
Time saves lives. Forced entry-resistant film is a practical, effective way to create time barriers that slow intruders and enhance safety.
Contact us today to learn how this solution can protect your school, church, business, or government building and provide peace of mind for everyone inside.
