Ballistic Glass Stops More Than Bullets: Prevent Riot Destruction

Many people primarily think of ballistic glass as a bullet stopping solution for active shooter situations, but bullets aren’t the only threat you could face. Riots are a common issue across the United States and facilities located at the center of them are subjected to vandalism, burglary, and looters as a result. Local retailers are the most targeted as their facilities are full of merchandise and are often designed with a heavy use of glass windows and glass door entrances. Given the fragility of these glass components, they can easily become extremely vulnerable areas for rioters to commit break-ins. Ballistic glass offers a key solution to riot situations as they can withstand impact from potentially dangerous objects and projectiles.

The Danger of Riots

Riots are violent disturbances of peace by a group or crowd aiming to lash out against people, authority, or property. These situations are often unforeseen as many different societal circumstances can trigger riots among angered crowds and businesses must take all preventative measures to increase the safety and security of their facility and staff. Retail stores, restaurants, and government institutions are among the most targeted buildings when riots occur. Without proper protection methods, businesses are likely to lose valuable merchandise and will also have to figure out how to repair all damages which can be a costly fix. Some retailers have closed locations permanently due to the destruction of a riot.

Common Protection Methods

Many organizations have learned through unfortunate experience what to do before and after riots. The focus of protection is placed on glass doors and windows as they are potential entry points for intruders. Common practices include installing roll-down shutters, boarding up all windows and doors with plywood, and installing permanent window bars and hinged gates.

Roll-down shutters will do a good job at absorbing the impact of outside objects and they cover glass windows and doors entirely, but looters can still find ways to pry them open and get to the glass. There is also the risk of staff members forgetting to properly secure the shutters before leaving. Boarding up all your outside glass material with plywood is the most cost-effective solution and it’s easy to take the boards back down once the area is safe again. This solution is note as concrete as ballistic glass as it is typically a last-minute response and looters can find ways to pull plywood boards down. Permanent window bars and hinged gates work well against smash-and-grab theft but won’t fully protect all areas of the glass material from being destroyed.

Why Ballistic Glass Works

Ballistic glass can offer a high level of protection so that windows and doorways won’t shatter or break inward when outside threats appear. Potential intruders are often deterred after realizing there is no easy entry. Non-ballistic glass shatters very easily and in a riot, a group of intruders have unlimited access to your merchandise and valuables. You may still have staff inside your facility when a riot occurs and ballistic glass will help protect them from what’s happening outside while allowing them time to respond to the situation appropriately. Ballistic glass can be retrofitted on top of your existing glass which will maintain the exterior aesthetics of your facility. The glass can also be made to be fire resistant for situations where flaming objects are thrown at your facility.

Contact Kontek Industries

When you need ballistic-rated glass to protect employees and sensitive areas, Kontek Industries can provide you with the type of protection you need. We design and supply ballistic glass and window systems with protection for UL 752 and NIJ standards up to and including .50 caliber armor piercing projectiles. Our ballistic glass will help improve the safety and survivability of people within the buildings and structures that you look to protect with bullet resistant polycarbonate glass. We also provide a variety of window tint options and decorative window furnishings. Contact the office at Kontek Industries today to discuss your needs.