Stay Safe

Is your facility secure? Sadly, in today’s environment that is a question all building owners need to ask. Do you know what types of locks you have on your exit doors? Can they be secured from inside while still allowing for emergency exiting? Does your staff have a back way to exit your space? If not, is there a “safe haven” area where they can go and be secure from a threat (natural or not)?

How do you know? Where do you go to get answers?

There are several approaches that both designers and security personnel and first-responders use to evaluate an existing space… and to design a new one. One of the most well-known is CPTED, or Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. This is mostly used by civilian personnel and includes both indoor and outdoor spaces (you know… those “planters” in front of most government buildings). Another, used by federal agencies, in particular, the Department of Defense is ATFP, or Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection.

It is not comfortable to have to face these issues, but it is imperative that we do. If you have any questions or would like to continue this conversation, please contact us (andremarquez@amarchitx.com). Our firm has over 25 years working with the federal government securing their buildings. We can help you secure yours.