Posted on 05/19/2002 9:57:31 AM PDT by doug from upland
NOTE: the name of the company and product will not be revealed in this post. It is not intended to be a commercial, but rather to give you some information that may be of some benefit.
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As a few of you know, since 9-11 I became associated with a company that specializes in anti-terrorist work. No, I don't carry a gun and go after the bad guys. We make products that save lives and have done so for three decades.
The latest news that apartment buildings, commercial buildings, and malls may be the next target of terrorist attacks in this country has many people apprehensive. We should be. There are an unknown number of determined terrorists in this country who are willing to die while they are killing many of us.
In explosions the biggest killer is glass. (The WTC is an obvious exception -- tons of concrete falling was the biggest killer.) Glass is an architectural marvel and makes buildings beautiful and functional. But it is dangerous.
When a bomb explodes, windows break and flying shards of glass become lethal projectiles. Several blocks away from the Oklahoma City bombing there were buildings that had glass blown in. Besides damage to people, it caused economic damage to the businesses.
Immediately after the attack on the WTC, the government instituted an immediate action order which caused the closest parking places at our airports to be closed. The FAA requires that the glass in a terminal survive a 400-lb car bomb from 300 feet away. None can currently survive that.
But there is hope. For thirty years the most notable buildings in London and many buildings around the world have been protected by a window film. It goes on with a gelcoat and its purpose is to hold broken glass together and prevent the shards from killing people. It is designed to work for explosions, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.
One particular product is able to absorb 73 Joules of energy. Tests have shown it to hold the glass pieces together from the force of a 650-lb ammonium nitrate bomb from 191 feet away. For security purposes, the film can prevent baseball bats, sledge hammers, picks, and even bullets from penetrating.
Nothing will protect glass if a car bomb is right in front of the building --- the walls are going to implode. But for surrounding buildings, the window film can be a life saver. It is used on some of our government buildings, commercial buildings, and hotels and has been demonstrated at Quantico.
If you are involved in the ownership or management of a building, you are burdened with what is called the Duty of Care. It is your obligation to do everything prudent to protect the well-being of your tenants. If you don't, you have a big problem when you get sued. It may be worth your time to look into window film to protect the glass.
Now, let's get back to the airports. I am amazed that we are still able to just drive right up to the terminal without being checked. This is of enormous concern. I spoke with a government official who regularly uses a particular airport in California. She told me that the FAA gave a waiver and cars can now park closer again. The reason for the waiver was that they check the cars going into the airport. How do they check? She told me that they spent a few seconds looking in at her back seat.
Ladies and gentlemen, 9-11 thrust us into a new world, however, many are living as if it is still September 10. The government has an awesome responsibility but we also have individual responsibilities for our own safety. One suggestion is to ask the manager or owner of the building in which you work to see the safety plan he has enacted. Also, ask him him about the glass.
I'll confirm this, from personal experience. They certainly don't check any suitcases or packages in the vehicle.
How does this film affect visibility? I'm interested from the hurricane standpoint.
By the way, the film is on police vehicles in Europe and will soon be on many police cruisers in the U.S. It cannot, of course, stop an AK-47 (but we actually have a system that can do that for buildings), but it will stop the bullets from common handguns and save officers' lives.
This is the most exciting project in which I have ever been involved.
I mentioned a device, a very expensive device, that we have that can be installed in the roadway at the entrances to all airports. As a car slowly drives over it, it can detect traces of nitrates. I hope that it is installed in every one in the nation. Until it is, there is virtually nothing to stop someone from driving a car bomb right up to the terminal.
Just a suggestion...could the technology be used in pre-made windows? Installed on them at the factory? I bet there would be a LARGE market for that, both in coastal areas and in new large buildings.
I bet it IS an exciting company to work for!
"Who are those you guys?"---Sundance Kid...(or was it Butch Cassidy?)
FMCDH
The conspiracy of ignorance masquerades as common sense.
2. You virtually cannot get a concealed weapons permit in my county.
If you don't have one now, please, for the security and mental well being of members of your family, start one now. If you find that your business doesn't have one, please, go to your employer and ask that one be instituted.
Also, please see that members of your family or business have first aid training. This will include the basic plus CPR (Cardio-pulmonary Resucitation)and is vital. Also have a central meeting place for all family and business members or a means to contact people if you are not at home or at your place of employment, again this is vital.
Set up an emergency closet or room that will hold all supplies needed for up to three months. Have at least 4 gallons of potable water per person and pet per day. (During hurricane season, we try to have enough water for up to three weeks). The Brita filter and others do not purify water that is contaminated, it only purifys what is already clean water. Remember to have clorox to purify the water. Take the time to learn to read the codes imprinted on the tops of cans so that you can rotate them. There is so much more, but these are the basic ones that I can think of right off hand.
Oh yeah, a gun or guns and plenty of ammunition, chocolate cookies and candy and lots of SPAM!!!!!!!
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