Protect your schools from the big bad wolf.
Once upon a time, state education agencies across the country began introducing new school safety standards — requiring schools to strengthen their buildings against forced entry by installing security window film or other entry-resistant glazing on doors and windows.
Many states also created grant programs to help schools implement these important upgrades, ensuring students and staff are better protected from potential threats.
Across the nation, districts began searching for trusted partners who could meet these new safety requirements — partners who would do the job right and help keep their campuses secure.
But not every provider lived up to those promises. Too often, schools were left vulnerable by installations that didn’t meet standards or perform as expected.
Below is a story inspired by “The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf.”
It’s a modern reminder that when it comes to protecting schools, it’s not just about building quickly — it’s about building wisely.
Watch now as we share how one little piggie kept the Big Bad Wolf out… and how your schools can too.
When it is time to select your security window film provider, don’t be fooled by Slick Willey and Ingis. Here’s what you should look out for:
All security and safety window films are not created equal.
Only one security film on the market is specifically designed for breach resistance and active shooter situations.
The 3M Ultra 800 window film is superior to all other safety films for entry-resistant protection.
While security window film is designed to hold glass together, the attachment system bonds the filmed glass to the frame, preventing separation during impact.
3M’s Impact Protection Attachment (IPA) is used with 3M Ultra 800 security window film to provide a robust barrier between the active shooter and the building interior – delivering precious extra response time during an event.
The application of security window film is a complex, multi-layered process that requires specialized skills and tools. Security window film is much thicker than standard window film and requires specific application techniques. When not installed correctly, deficiencies in the film’s ability to resist breaches are created, thus voiding the warranty and leaving the school vulnerable to breach.
Only work with ‘Authorized 3M Dealers’ to help mitigate against the risk of improper installation.
With the flood of grant dollars into states for School Safety, there has been an alarming increase in unscrupulous window-tinting companies chasing those dollars. These vendors will say just about anything to get your contract. Most of these vendors are geographically in transit, which makes customer service and warranty work very difficult.
Additionally, substituting materials and using non-certified installation processes can void the manufacturer’s warranty and leave schools vulnerable.
The two resources below provide more details to help protect your school.
School Safety Window Film: What Schools Need to Know Fact Sheet
School Safety Window Film: Common Installation Errors Photo Guide