Category: Emergency Preparedness

Webinar Watch: FM NOW Sessions on Secure Buildings

On Wednesday, March 20, make sure to join your colleagues and expert panelists for our FM NOW: Secure Buildings virtual summit! The FREE event will include two back-to-back webinars covering active shooters and emergency panic buttons, helping you identify ways to incorporate best security practices into your facilities amid a heightened threat environment. Can’t make it to […]

N.Y. Schools Awarded $27M for Tech and Security Upgrades

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the approval of 59 Smart Schools Investment Plans focused on reimagining education in an evolving age and boosting school security. The approved plans, totaling $27 million, are part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act, a sweeping education technology program established in 2014. Hochul said, “These investments not […]

DOE Offers $90 Million to Boost Adoption of Building Energy Codes

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $90 million in funding to support building energy code adoption, training, and technical assistance at the state and local level. The DOE estimates that, from 2010 through 2040, energy codes will have saved homes and businesses $182 billion on utility bills and prevented as much carbon dioxide from reaching […]

Physical Security’s Secret Weapon: How AI Is Protecting Facilities

It’s nearly impossible to talk about technology these days without mentioning artificial intelligence (AI). Most people are familiar with generative AI tools including ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft Copilot. These companies incorporate the power of AI into the software we use every day. But did you know AI is also hard at work behind the […]

UGA Invests Millions in Security Upgrades Following On-Campus Murder

The University of Georgia (UGA) announced more than $7.3 million for campus security upgrades following the violent murder of 22-year-old Laken Riley. “The protection of our students, faculty, and staff at the University of Georgia is always top of mind for me and our senior administration, and we are continually evaluating our safety programs,” said […]

Company Officials Sentenced to Federal Prison over Deadly Facility Explosion

A Wisconsin federal judge has sentenced six Didion Milling Inc. officials for their role in a fatal explosion at a facility operated by the corn milling company in 2017. “These defendants put Didion workers in grave danger, and five people tragically lost their lives, devastating their families and their community,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. […]

Back to Basics: Using Bollards for Security and Safety

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. Bollards are short, mounted vertical posts that create a barrier to prevent vehicles from entering facilities, utilities, pedestrian areas, and sensitive components inside facilities. Facilities professionals should install bollards on their properties for asset protection and […]

Protect Your Facility’s Heating System from Severe Cold with Preventative Maintenance

As winter’s icy grip tightens around the country each year, facilities managers face the challenge of preparing heating systems to withstand severe cold temperatures. A proactive approach to preventative maintenance is crucial in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of heating systems. The objective is not merely to address issues as they arise but to […]

Facilities Are Hit Hard When Extreme Weather Disrupts Power

This winter, frigid temperatures, high winds, and frozen precipitation across the country triggered record blackouts for homes and businesses, disrupted travel plans, and even delayed the meticulously scheduled NFL playoffs. As extreme weather events grow in frequency and intensity, power outages are becoming more common. These disruptions lead to essential businesses shutting down and lost […]

DHS Provides Glimpse into Security Playbook for Super Bowl LVIII

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas traveled this week to Las Vegas to review U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations for Super Bowl LVIII with state and local law enforcement and the National Football League (NFL). For the past 18 months, DHS employees worked with local officials to assess potential risks and developed plans […]