Category: Emergency Preparedness

SIA Report Highlights Economic Impact of Security Industry

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled its first-ever national economic impact study on the security industry, highlighting the positive impact the industry has on jobs, wages, and federal and state revenue in the United States. The study, conducted by Florida-based John Dunham & Associates, uses the most current methodology and data available from 2024. The […]

Is AI Coming to Take Your Job in Facility Security?

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. Whenever transformative technology emerges into an industry, there’s a natural worry that it could replace job roles or functions. When we look at physical security, there are interesting ways that new artificial intelligence (AI) […]

Chemical Safety Board Urges Facilities to Prepare for Winter Hazards

With winter and cold weather rapidly approaching, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is re-emphasizing to chemical facilities the importance of being prepared for extreme cold to avoid serious chemical accidents. Data on chemical releases shows that there is a notable increase of incidents at chemical facilities during the cold weather months. In […]

‘Tis the Season to Double Down on Physical Security

The holiday season is in full swing. For many, that means extended periods of time off to spend with family, especially as we approach the end of the year. From college and school campuses, to warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and beyond, facilities may be left unattended for extended periods of time—and for criminals that spells opportunity. […]

Feds Issue Probe Update on Massive Fire, Toxic Plume at Georgia Facility

On Nov. 22, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released an update on its investigation into a Sept. 29 chemical reaction and toxic gas release at the Bio-Lab Inc., facility in Conyers, Georgia. The incident led to a massive fire and plume of toxic smoke that threatened the surrounding community and the metropolitan Atlanta […]

2025 TSA Canine Calendar Highlights Bomb-Sniffing Dogs

Those security dogs you see at airports might be adorable, but they have an important job to do. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released the 2025 TSA Canine Calendar, an annual tradition honoring the agency’s more than 1,000 explosives detection canines working across the United States. The new calendar is available for immediate download here. […]

CISA Releases Security Guide for Venue Operators

Whether at concerts, sports games, fairs, or other events, large crowds of people are a top target for malicious actors, making venue security paramount. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a new “Venue Guide for Security Considerations” to help venue operators enhance safety, protect assets, and create secure environments through effective security measures and […]

Back to Basics: Workplace Evacuation Procedures

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. During emergencies, things can go wrong in an instant. It’s crucial for employers, facilities professionals, and other safety stakeholders to collaborate on developing emergency action plans (EAPs) with effective evacuation procedures, so that in a disaster scenario, employees know […]

Virginia Awards $12M in School Security Equipment Grants

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has awarded $12 million in School Security Equipment Grants to 96 school divisions and 472 schools to help protect students, faculty and staff, and visitors. Virginia is one of many states throughout the country, including Pennsylvania, New York, Louisiana, and Missouri, that have invested millions of dollars into school security amid rising concerns about safety. “Every child […]

‘A Remarkable Success’: State Officials Highlight School Safety Tip Lines

From bullying to tragic shootings, school violence is a threat facing every community across the country. Statewide school safety tip lines, currently offered in over 20 states, can play a major role in helping protect students and staff. In fact, officials from Texas and Wisconsin recently revealed encouraging stats about their respective programs. Texas The […]