​

Windows are the Achilles’ heels of all buildings. Left unprotected, they can potentially shatter and throw dangerous shards that can cause injuries and damage. Additionally, an intruder can gain access through an unprotected window or glass entryway. Balancing priorities with budgetary concerns is a challenge, however, the cost of ignoring weak links in infrastructure can be devastating. (Davey, 2018)

 

Types of Windows

There are two types of windows located in schools:

1. Exterior windows (leading outside the building)
2. Interior windows (located on doors)

 

Common Security Practices

The following are common practices to maintain window security in schools:

Building Design

• Architects designing schools often look for ways to incorporate security while still allowing natural light...To achieve this at Sandy Hook, the architects did not use high windows that might prove more difficult to breach but which would also be difficult for the elementary school children to see out of and would reduce natural light in the classroom. Instead, they sloped the ground away from the building, such that the windows are higher to a potential assailant but feel normal to the children inside (Devos et al., 2018).

• Windows tend to open toward the outside of the building.

Bullet-proof Glass

• Provides a safety barrier against gun-fire, but may not be necessary in schools due to high cost and low likelihood windows will be compromised during shooting (Total Security Solutions, 2013).

• Impact Protection Attachment System

  • Bonds the filmed window to its frame (Davey, 2018).

  • Tends to be used with the Safety and Security Window Film for maximum protection (Davey, 2018).

• Safety and Security Window Film

  • Becoming an increasingly common practice for schools.

  • Provides an invisible layer of protection NOT bulletproof or impenetrable, but they slow down intruders — giving first responders time to arrive at the scene (American Window Film, 2019).

• School Guard Glass

  • Functions like bulletproof glass, but thinner and lighter.

  • Can be used for interior and exterior windows to deter intruders.

• Safety Shades

  • Safety shades are pulled down over windows during lockdowns to block view of inside the classroom.

 

Recommendations

The following are recommendations to maintain window security in schools:

• Secure exterior windows so individuals cannot use them to access a building (Devos et al., 2018).

• Many school doors have windows that allow someone outside the door to observe the inside of the classroom

These windows should be protected or reinforced and have a removable covering that can be quickly applied that obscures visual observation from both sides (Devos et al., 2018).

• Install reinforcing film that strengthens the glass or using doors designed in a way that a breach of the window will not provide the attacker the ability to access the locking mechanism and unlock the door (Devos et al., 2018).

 

Additional Resources

For more information, visit the following sites:

●      School Guard Glass

●      Safety and Security Window Film

●      Safety Shades

 

Note: Little scholarly research has been found in regards to window security in schools.

 

 

 

References

American Window Film. (2019). Improving School Security. https://americanwindowfilm.com/school-security-window- 

      film/

DeVos, B., Nielsen, K. M., & Azar, A. M. (2018). Final Report of the Federal Commission on School Safety. Presented to

      the President of the United States. US Department of Education.

Davey, P. (2018). Rising Security Concerns Increase Requests for Window Film Specs. New England Real Estate

     Journal. https://americanwindowfilm.com/rising-security-concerns-increase-requests-for-window-film-spes/

Davey, P. (2018). Safety, Security, Sun Control and Daylighting Window Film Applications for Schools. American

     Window Film.https://americanwindowfilm.com/safety-security-sun-control-and-daylighting-window-film-applicatons

     for-schools/

Total Security Solutions. (2013). School Safety: The Facts About Securing Schools With Bulletproof Glass. 

     https://www.tssbulletproof.com/blog/school-safety-facts-about-bulletproof-glass/