Window Security: 3 Benefits of Security Screens (vs. Burglar Bars)

Break-ins.  They can occur any time of day and can be executed swiftly and quietly by intruders using tools like crowbars, small hammers, pliers... even rocks and bricks.

Break-in statistics:

• The highest percentage of window break-ins/burglaries occur during the summer months.
• Over 95% of break-ins require some amount of force to break in. 
• An open window with only a locked, standard, cloth window screen (not security screen) is particularly inviting to thieves due to quick, easy and silent access.
• Two million burglaries are reported each year within the United States.

Protecting the openings around the perimeter of your facility is important.  So when it comes to glass protection, why choose security screens in lieu of burglar bars for windows and doors? Keep reading to find out.

Windows + Security Screens = Safety For College and University Students

Kane Security Window Screens on Jameson Hall, Rutgers University
(Douglass Campus) - New Brunswick, NJ

Accidental falls from window openings not only endanger the lives of children (see previous post Windows & Balconies: 4 Building Tips for Child Safety & Fall Protection), young adults are also at a high risk for severe injury or death.

The fear of every college or university official is experiencing a student tragedy that could have easily been prevented by utilizing the correct precautionary measures.  Unfortunately, many higher education facilities all over the country - and the world - have had this same fear realized, such as the institutions mentioned in the articles below:

University of Michigan:
Man Falls 43 Feet From University Of Michigan Dorm Window « CBS Detroit
  
Penn State University (Apartments):
State College Police Investigating Student Fall Through Window Screen

University of Central Missouri:
News:  Warrensburg, Mo.  Update: UCM Student Who Fell From 4th Floor Dorm Window Screen is Paralyzed

To learn more about falls and how to prevent them, read through the following lists.  This information could potentially save a life on your college campus.

Facts About Falls:

• Falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths wordwide.
• 37.3 million falls that are severe enough to require medical attention, occur each year.

To Prevent Falls From Windows:

• Move all furniture away from windows.
• Remember that typical cloth window security screens will not prevent an accidental fall. For more information on fall protection screens, CLICK HERE.
• Ladders to dormitory roofs and roofs themselves should be considered off limits for students.
• If windows are open, use window stops to prevent the window from opening more than 4".
• Install window security screens on all second story or higher windows.

To learn more about security window screens for your college or university housing facilities, CLICK HERE.

Public School Safety Series (PART 3: DRAWBACKS OF PLASTIC WINDOW GLAZING)

Polycarbonate plastic glazing is no substitute
for a well-made security screen

A common question asked by many public school facility managers is:

"SHOULD I USE PLASTIC WINDOW GLAZING?"

Some school systems are replacing the glass in their windows with polycarbonate plastic glazing to prevent glass breakage.  This may seem fine in the short run, but there are some serious drawbacks to using “plastic glass” in window openings. 

Public School Safety Series (PART 2: VANDALISM & FORCED ENTRY)

In this post, you'll learn more about how security screens can guard against specific types of public school window vandalism and forced entry attempts.


 To read this series from the beginning, please refer to Public School Safety Series (PART 1:  SECURITY LEVELS)

Public School Safety Series (PART 1: SECURITY LEVELS)

Kane Security Screens on a public school building

From vandalism and forced entry, to bullying and violence, public school personnel agree that student safety as a whole is the number one concern at their facility(ies).

The frequency and severity of criminal activity such as window break-ins are dependent upon the location of the school and the type of security measures that have been put in place.  Most inner-city schools aware of these problems will take action by installing perimeter fencing & new outdoor lighting, creating guarded entrances, and adding security screens to ground floor windows.

Public Housing HUD Requirements for Window Screens

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with the Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) has developed a testing and certification program to ensure security screens meet certain minimum performance standards.

The certification program defines three levels of screens.  Learn more about these levels after the jump.

Security Screens: Vandalism Protection for Windows

Storefront window with obvious signs of vandalism

Bare window panes alone are no match for heavy, thrown objects.

When faced with repeated blows from rocks, bricks and bottles, typical window glass doesn't stand a chance against this type of destructive vandalism.

If your storefront or home is located on the first story or street level of a building, consider the benefits of window security screens for the protection of your property - as well as the people inside.