Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
When new and returning University of Georgia (UGA) students come to Athens for the fall semester, they will notice a series of highly visible initiatives to further strengthen campus security—from new signs and perimeter fencing to lighting upgrades, emergency call stations, and automated license plate readers, according to a university announcement. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors […]
Over several decades, surveillance systems have evolved from recording and storing footage for playback later, to smart solutions enabling active security. The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) has eliminated the need for someone to sit there reviewing hours’ worth of footage (if they even know what they’re looking for), and even then, if criminal activity […]
Hurricane Beryl was the Atlantic Ocean’s earliest Category 5 storm on record, raising concerns about a “harsh” hurricane season ahead. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is urging chemical companies to prepare their facilities now to avoid potential catastrophe. In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an 85% chance […]
On July 2, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released text of a proposed heat injury and illness prevention standard. The proposed regulation would contain requirements for water, shade, paid breaks, heat acclimatization, and training. Heat injury and illness prevention requirements would be triggered by a National Weather Service heat index of 80° Fahrenheit (F) or […]
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will distribute $160 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funds as a first tranche of additional funding that the Biden administration secured to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks. The announcement accompanies the DHS’s release of an amended Notice of Funding […]
It’s no secret that we’re experiencing a global uptick in extreme weather and natural disasters as a direct result of climate change. In fact, a study supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found climate change to be the main driver of the increase in fire weather in the western U.S., pointing to […]
Hurricanes can cause major property damage and interrupt business operations. So, how many of these potentially dangerous storms should facilities managers expect (and prepare for) this year? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced its outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to Nov. 30. The agency predicts a high […]
The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools across the country and made health and safety top priority once they reopened. Although the pandemic is thankfully behind us, it remains essential to protect students and staff from all types of infectious diseases. As leaders plan for the new school year ahead, now is a good time to double […]
Natural disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity, and areas that haven’t experienced disaster events in the past are now facing unprecedented levels of risk. In 2023 alone, the U.S. experienced a staggering 28 separate disaster events, each costing at least $1 billion in damage. This trend is expected to continue with record-setting wildfires, extreme […]
It’s crucial for your school to continuously reassess its approach to safety throughout the year, establishing new goals and strategies as needed. Reviewing current policies, anticipating future trends, and taking a proactive approach will help your school prepare effectively to address and prevent potential issues. Start by Conducting Thorough Assessments Improving school building safety involves […]