What to Do and What Not to Do in Mass Shooting Situations
Personal Tips to Help You Protect Yourself in a Mass Shooting Since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 that killed 13 people and wounded 20 more, we have heard the term “mass shooting” much more than we should ever have to. Sadly, it has become a part of our reality. The Las Vegas Shooting in 2017 is now classified as the deadliest shooting in U.S. history with 59 killed and 851 people injured. These were innocent people having a great time, listening to some music at an outdoor concert. The most recent shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School, as of the time of this writing, is the ninth most deadly shooting with 17 killed and 17 injured. Learn about access control systems and more. And then on April 5, 2018, it was reported that a mass shooting at Syracuse University was averted when the Nelson gun store owner called police after refusing to sell the former student an AR-15 rifle. It was found by law enforcement that the former student had stockpiled gun accessories and ammunition in his apartment after making threats of committing a mass shooting at the University. This brings about a VERY good question and that’s what you should or shouldn’t do if you happen to find yourself in a mass shooting situation? What You Shouldn’t Do The first thing you shouldn’t do is attempt to overtake the shooter. There may be a good chance that you are unarmed, so trying to take down the shooter could get you killed and/or make them angrier. You also don’t want to start throwing objects at the shooter. While this can distract them from spraying bullets randomly around the area, it makes you and anyone around you a target. It has been suggested by non-experts in the media that throwing objects at the shooter can distract them. While this can be true to an extent, it doesn’t come without its risks. If you are in a room and hear gunshots nearby, don’t attempt to run out of the room because that could be what the gunman wants. Instead, lock the door and barricade it. If there is an escape route, take it. Don’t go straight to the desks or tables and hide under them because those are where mass shooters look first. What You Should Do As for what you should do, there are many things that can be done. For schools, it’s time to create an emergency action plan if there isn’t already one in place. Many schools are starting to install access control systems or “ACS Security” that require students to scan ID cards before entering. Security guard presence is up, classrooms are being outfitted with door barricade devices, and evacuation plans are being fine-tuned. It’s good for everyone in every situation to have a plan. Recently, a shooting occurred at YouTube Headquarters, proving, once again, that no workplace is immune. No school is immune, no shopping mall is immune, and even public transportation hubs aren’t immune. That’s why you need to do the following if you find yourself in a mass shooting situation: Hiding under desks and tables doesn’t work. In school shootings, those that have hidden under desks and tables have been the first to die as shooters walk down rows of desks and fire. Even if jumping out of a second story window is the only option, it increases the chance of survival. Barricade doors. At Virginia Tech, the students that barricaded a door with everything they had all survived. Always note entrances and exits when entering a public place. Ask yourself what you will do if there is an attack and create a plan of action. If someone in your vicinity seems suspicious (such as wearing a winter coat in the middle of summer), vacate the area immediately. Always be aware of your surroundings. Always face entrances if you can rather than having your back to them. Move out of the kill zone as soon as you can. It is harder to hit a moving target, but try and exit the area in the most strategic way you can. If a gunman is shooting from your level, it is beneficial to get down. If the gunman is shooting from an elevated area, don’t get down because it makes you a stationary target. Instead, run toward the nearest exit point. You’re harder to hit if you’re moving. If you can’t flee the area, hide behind a structure that can most likely stop bullets. Move as soon as you can. Even if the situation is like the Vegas situation where there was no cover and the location of the shooter was unknown, fleeing increases the chances of survival. Follow these tips and you can increase your chances of survival in a mass shooting situation. The ultimate strategy, however, is always being aware of your surroundings and vacating as soon as something looks or feels strange. Access Control, Business Protection, and More If you wish to make your school, business, warehouse, factory, or another commercial establishment safer against mass shooters and other threats, SPS Fire & Security can help. We specialize in commercial security, such as access control systems, and much more so you can protect your facility and everyone in it. Call today at 585-770-0348 for a free estimate.
10 Access Control System Applications
How Can an Access Control System Benefit You? Businesses in all industries have growing security concerns for many reasons. From small mom-and-pop shops to massive facilities, it is imperative for business owners and managers to make sure that information, equipment, and people are safe at all times. This is why the access control system is no longer for the large corporation or government facility; it’s for anyone who wants the added security and protection. The following is a list of the different facility types throughout Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and the entire country that are taking advantage of the protection provided by high-quality and scalable security access systems. Health Facilities Hospitals and clinics are implementing access control in a world where terrorism seems to be on the rise. Access control also helps with HIPAA compliance, infection control by reducing touch points, and protects sensitive areas from unauthorized individuals. Schools and Colleges Many schools and colleges are implementing access control, but not necessarily at the student level. This has slowly been changing as students have been issued ID cards that also serve as their keys to the doors of their schools. This level of security in schools allows the entire building or campus to be monitored from one location, a click of a button can lock down an entire school, reports can be generated as to who has accessed the building when, and video can be integrated. Hotels Many hotels have used access control for rooms for many years. Slip the key card into the slot, pull it out quickly, and the door will unlock. However, more hotels are making it necessary for a person’s room key card to be used to enter the building after a certain time in the evenings. This is done to protect the guests and staff. Fitness Centers Access control is also nothing new for fitness centers and gyms. A member is issued an ID card and that card serves as their key into the building. If a member is in good standing, they can enter. If the member is not in good standing because of behavior or not paying their bill, then their access may be blocked. Call Centers Call center security is important because of the proprietary information and the large number of employees contained within. Plus, a lot of people can be in a facility at any given time. With shift changes that can involve dozens of people moving in and out of the doors at any given time, security guards are better able to monitor who is entering when there is a security access system logging the activity. If someone tries to enter without an ID card or someone who has been fired tries to enter using their old ID card, security will immediately know about it. Have more control over your security. Office Buildings Office buildings have a lot in common with call centers, but there may be a higher level of security needed based on position. For example, there may be some areas of the building that only upper management can access. Perhaps there is an IT department that only IT specialists should have access to. Warehouses Warehouses contain merchandise that must be protected at all times. Just like with call centers and office buildings, access control can be used to keep intruders out. Only authorized personnel enters the building and only those with a certain level of clearance can access certain areas. Storage Facilities More storage facilities are popping up, particularly indoor facilities that are climate controlled. Access security can permit entry only to those with rented storage spaces. If a person fails to pay their bill and their access is restricted, they won’t be able to get inside with their card. Those that are permitted to enter will be able to access the main doors with their card, but only their designated storage space can be opened with the card. Access control is why some facilities can be accessed 24/7. Supermarkets and Big Box Stores Retail giants are starting to implement access control more often because they have areas that only employees can access. There are offices, storage areas, and break rooms. To enhance employee safety and to keep customers out of these restricted areas, access control is being used more often. Mom-and-Pop Shops Mom and pop shops are adding access control system panels to their back rooms and offices to protect important information and money that may be stored in these areas. The need for improved employee safety is also on the rise, giving employees a safe place to go in case there is a robbery or another event that could jeopardize safety. A Trusted Rochester Access Control Company A good access control system puts you in control of your security. You can choose who enters, keep track of activity, control clearance levels, and make your business safer. To learn more, contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 for a free consult.
Access Control Systems for Business
How Access Control Protects Your Business What is an Access Control System? An Access control System is a reliable, secure and convenient way to control the traffic flow of employees and visitors who enter and exit a building. Some of the facility types that integrate access control into their security include: Office buildings (17% of installations) Industrial manufacturing (13% of installations) Hospitals, schools, and universities (12% of installations) Government facilities (11% of installations) Financial institutions (9% of installations) Retail establishments (9% of installations) Warehousing/Trucking industry (9% of installations) Utilities (6% of installations) Gaming and hospitality industries (5% of installations0 Mass public transportation facilities (4% of installations) The other 5% of installations belong to residential applications. Access Control Systems allow companies to monitor the entrance and exiting of the employees. Through computer software, you can track and report dates, times and how many times employees or visitors have entered and exited the facility. Many companies nowadays are changing over to an access control system where the employees either need a secured registered ID card, a pin number or a fingerprint instead of sets of multiple keys to gain access to different parts of the facility. Converting to an access control system will allow more areas to be restricted to visitors or employees not authorized to enter those areas. Protecting Employees with Access Control It is always a sigh of relief to be able to work late in a safe protected environment. With this system, employers can relax knowing that their business is protected and employees can be ensured that unwanted individuals can not enter. If an unauthorized individual tries to access the facility, they aren’t going to be able to. Trying could also constitute a call to authorities to determine why the person was there trying to access the facility. If they did manage to enter, video surveillance can be used to determine who did it and what they did. Access control is almost always accompanied by security cameras. Low Maintenance and Customized To Your Company’s Needs Thousands of businesses can benefit from a customized easy low maintenance system. This type of system can easily be used with a register card, finger print or password. It all depends on what the employer finds works best for them. With many businesses having employees that have access to many different areas located in their businesses, with access control as the employer you can limit what areas employees can enter. Access Control for the Rochester Metro, Syracuse Metro, and Buffalo Metro Do you or someone you know have a business that would benefit from an access control system? If so, contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
Access Control Systems for Gym Safety
Enhanced Gym Security Systems It is already February and so many individuals made a resolution at the beginning of the year to start going to the gym to get healthier and in better physical shape. If you are looking into getting a gym membership, you will see that there are many gyms that are starting to move their hours from set times to 24 hours. By going to 24 hours, gyms are able to use the 24/7 gym access control security system. This system allows individuals with a membership badge to easily swipe and gain access to the gym at any time of the day or night. Many individuals, if lucky, will be able to go to the gym after work if they work into the middle of the night or early in the morning before the sun comes up. With many gyms being able to buy and use this easy system, it gives members peace of mind that they are entering a secure place. Protecting Your Belongings Listed below are some safety tips for keeping your personal belongings safe while at the gym: You should never bring too many personal items that you don’t need to the gym. Never bring your wallet with all your personal cards into the gym. Only bring the membership card or drivers’ license, car keys, locker key and maybe a phone. If you choose to use a locker, make sure that you choose a locker that is in the middle of high tracked area or where there are security cameras. That way if anything does happen or things are missing, it will be easier to track or ask someone. If you choose to use a locker, then choose a lock that is strong and heavy so that it is hard to break. Don’t give your key out or make a copy of the key. Pick a time of the day or night that is comfortable for you but at the same time many gym members there. Know your gym’s surroundings so that you can be safe during your workout time. Contact Your Rochester Access Control Installer Knowing your gym lets you have a fun safe time working out. If you a are a member of a gym that could use a security system or could use an update on their system contact SPS Fire and Security at 585-770-0348.
Raptor Access Control Check-In Security System for School Safety
School Security Taken One Step Further With Access Control Raptor Check-In security system for school safety, is an access control feature every school should consider. Security in schools across the nation is becoming more and more high tech. In order to keep children and facility safe while at school, many schools are upgrading their security systems. One local school in Wayne County, New York started using the Raptor security system to add to its security. Not only does this new system up track the incoming visitors to the school but it also helps monitor the environment for all the school and facility. There are many other positive aspects in using this Raptor system in the schools. What is the Raptor Access Control System? Raptor is a visitor registration system. This registration system will read visitors’ drivers’ licenses, checking the sex offender database to see if there is a match. If there is a match. the system will then alert the faculty member in charge. Assuming there no match, systems printer will then print off a sticker badge with the visitor’s information. What is the purpose of the Raptor System? The main purpose of this system is to keep the school, facility, and children safe and providing access control. With this Raptor System, it tracks unsafe visitors to the school before the visitor is able to make contact with any children. The system can do several things: The visitor coming in the school should have either of the following forms identifications: drivers’ license, military card, gun licenses, or passport. The system can read pretty much any kind of license that has your name, address and photo. If a visitor does not have any of the following, they should bring something with their name and date of birth recorded on it. The Raptor system will check the online sex offender registry to make sure the visitor is safe and able to fully access the school grounds. For any reason that there is a match, the system will send an alert message either by email, phone or text, to the designated faculty member in charge to come meet the visitor. This Person will escort the unwanted visitor off the school grounds. If there is no match, the Raptor system will then print off a visitor sticker badge with the name, picture of visitor, date, time and destination where they are going. The system will record all the information into the system to track the visitors hours and if the facility has any questions. Once the visitor is done at the school, they would sign out by telling the facility member in charge and they will sign out the visitor on their computer system. This is a way to provide entry and departure from the school building. Scanning ID information each time Each time a visitor comes to the school, the school has the ability to either have the visitor scan their ID or just have them print off a sticker badge. Some schools will have the visitor scan their ID each time they visit the school for safety precautions. This is due to the fact that the visitor’s information might change from the last time that they have been to the school. Having upgraded access control security systems like the Raptor System can ensure parents that their children are safe at school. Rochester Security Systems Anywhere Not only is this system good to use at schools but also any company or buildings that have high volume of visitors. If you have any questions regarding this type of system or any security system for home or business, contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.