Who Needs Security?
Schools
For educational facilities, extra security features may be desired to ensure the safety of students. Providing students a secure space in the chance of a possible crisis is the primary concern for both parents and faculty, and precautions should be taken to prevent tragedy from striking.
Banks
The business that needs some of the highest levels of security is banking. Banks are a common target for robberies, and if they are not equipped with additional safety features, would not be a safe environment for their employees.
Retail and Other Businesses
There are many reasons that a client may desire additional safety options for their modular building. Every business is unique and has its own needs or requirements. Safety upgrades can be placed in any facility, to ensure that employees are working in a controlled environment.
Corrections
Correction facilities require an extremely high level of security, in order to keep their occupants contained and controlled. There are a variety of buildings that may be needed at a correctional facility, and each is designed to meet safety and security requirements. An example of different types of buildings would be inmate housing, detention facilities, guardhouses, prisons, medical facilities, cafeterias, and restrooms. In recent years modular construction has become a fast and inexpensive solution to alleviate the overcrowding of jails and prisons across our country.
Types of Safety Options
Locking Mechanisms
A valuable safety upgrade that can prevent a break-in or attack is to equip doors with secure locking mechanisms. These locking systems can secure an entire facility and will keep all occupants in their rooms and offices without the worry of an intruder breaking in. Although it is an unpleasant idea to consider, it is wise to prepare for a disaster before it strikes.
Fire Safety
Every modular building is required to come equipped with fire safety features, such as smoke alarms and emergency exit signs. Customers also have the option to upgrade as well for extra features such as an automatic sprinkler system in case of a fire breaking out.
BulletProof Windows
Modular buildings can be upgraded with bulletproof windows, which will help to prevent any attempted break-in or danger from arising. Bulletproof windows are not only a precaution for weapons but can also be useful during bad weather conditions such as tornadoes or hurricanes. Bulletproof glass is strong, durable, and can withstand many hazardous conditions.
Vestibules
A vestibule is another safety feature that can be placed at the entrance of a facility. These are often small and enclosed rectangular passages that are between the outside of the facility and the main entrance or lobby. Vestibules create an airlock entry that enhances safety by providing an enclosed area before entering the building. They can be monitored and remotely controlled to stop an intruder, they also assist in regulating weather conditions. Vestibules can stop air from leaving the building, as well as stopping unwanted outside weather from entering the building.
Safe Rooms
Similar to a vestibule is a safe room; however, these are used only for emergency purposes. Safe rooms, also known as panic rooms, are prepared ahead of time to be used when in a dangerous situation. Businesses will sometimes provide a safe shelter or hiding place for workers in the event of a break-in, tornado, or other threat.
Control Room
A control room is a central space where employees and facilities can be monitored at any time. Control rooms become useful in instances where the facility is large, or where multiple buildings take up space in dispersed areas. (i.e. college campus) Control rooms are vital in order to track security and to prevent potential danger from occurring. Some examples of businesses that would require control rooms are factories, power plants, chemical plants, airports, and malls to name a few.
Tips to Consider to Create A Safe Environment
Guard Your Entrances
In an article from CSO online, “Seven Deadly Sins of Building Security”, they outline a few mistakes that businesses make due to being unaware of the potential dangers it may cause. In one example, they even mention shrubbery. The more trees, shrubs, or bushes that align a walkway create an easier hiding place for an intruder. Be aware of small details such as this, because they can be easily overlooked.
This will ensure safety to those who are inside the building because it is less likely that an intruder will be able to enter unnoticed. Although multiple doors are important for emergency exits, it is important to keep each door monitored or secured and to not neglect these exits simply because they are used less often.
Appearance over Safety
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, it’s a common mistake to put too much emphasis on the aesthetic appeal of the building and neglecting to ensure that it is meeting the proper safety requirements. For example, many employers prefer to hide security cameras because they seem junky or do not look appealing. This may be a mistake however because many times an intruder will be deterred if they see the camera initially.
Consider Modular
Security features can be an unexpected expense, but that does not mean they should be neglected. Don’t compromise the safety of your organization, modular construction can integrate practically any necessary security feature to ensure your building occupants remain safe.
