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Staying Safe in a Lockdown

It seems like every time I turn on the news, there is a story about a city hall, school, or hospital in a lockdown situation. In more extreme cases, entire cities in danger have shut down. Unfortunately lockdowns are becoming a semi-common occurrence, and it is important to be prepared. With adequate preparation, you can ensure that you and other building occupants will stay safe in an emergency situation.  Steps to Staying Safe Participate in Drills If your school or company participates in drills for lockdowns (or any other emergency), always fully partake. Treating drills seriously now will ensure you feel more prepared in the future. Follow Instructions Even if a procedure feels counterintuitive, follow emergency personnel and/or your supervisor's instructions. By acting impulsively, you could put yourself in a dangerous or even deadly situation. Most schools, airports, hospitals, and other public facilities have created strategic plans to follow in [...]

2017-01-17T20:09:09-06:00Uncategorized|
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Implementing PSIM in Storage Facilities

PSIM, or Physical Security Information Management, was introduced to the physical security world several years ago in 2006 with the idea that most information relating to security is in data form. Once that data is analyzed and contextualized, it becomes valuable info that can be used in order to make better decisions regarding the success and security of one's business. One type of business that can benefit from PSIM is storage facilities. PSIM solutions have traditionally been implemented in large facilities where the system has an operator watching and controlling all the subsystems in an online manner.  Storage facilities typically don't have an option for that type of overhead unless the organization is very large and the PSIM is controlling a multi locational operation. PSIM technology can be implemented to replace the operator in small applications, which can take control of a facility, reposition cameras, record the video with both pre [...]

2017-04-26T10:21:19-05:00PSIM|
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Kids Safety Tips at a Bus Stop

Parents and caretakers should discuss bus stop conduct and kids safety rules with school-going children. Stressing the importance of these kids safety tips will help reduce the death rates that result from carelessness around and on the bus. Since we care about the well-being of the kids of our nation, we've created some simple kids safety tips focused on the bus stop environment. Kids Safety Rule #1 First and foremost, when waiting at the bus stop, kids should stay a safe distance of about ten steps away from the bus. It’s always important that kids understand the need to remain where the bus driver can see them before crossing the road or boarding the bus. They should cross the street in front of the bus and never behind it. Kids Safety Rule #2 Kids should always walk toward the bus stop and should never run to the bus. Additionally, when [...]

2017-04-26T10:22:29-05:00School Security|
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PSIM: Prison Escape Prevention

Throughout the years, there have been some pretty spectacular prison escapes. With PSIM (Physical Security Information Management) technology, prison escapes can now become a thing of the past. So, just how important is this security development? Revisiting some the most infamous prison escapes helps society learn how PSIM can help fix the previously flawed prison security systems. Alcatraz Escape Alcatraz, located on the Alcatraz Island of the San Francisco Bay area, was once considered one of the most high-tech and escape-proof prison facilities. However, in 1962 everything changed when Frank Morris, Clarence Anglin, and John Anglin managed to escape Alcatraz. How was is done? They used the ventilation system as an escape route. To this day, this prison escape is still considered one of the greatest escapes in American history. Ted Bundy This instance is perhaps one of the most dramatic prison escapes. Ted Bundy, the serial killer who was [...]

2017-04-26T10:19:30-05:00Prison Security|
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General Security Measures for Government Buildings

Government buildings’ security can be faced with threats like bombings, sabotage, unlawful entries, and theft. Because of this, it is imperative for these buildings to have adequate security measures in place. The first step is to have some basic guidelines in place, which can greatly improve government security. OSSI is dedicated to helping society have safer and more secure buildings, and government security is no exception. In an effort to help achieve our goals, we have provided some security tips. Identify Outside Threats When deciding which security measures are best for your building, it’s best to consider potential security threats. The security resources and policies selected should match the potential government security threats at hand. Entrance Security In most cases, terrorists, kidnappers, and thieves are the main threats to government security. To deter these individuals from entering these buildings, all main entrances should be secured with key-card access systems. Security [...]

2017-04-26T10:19:55-05:00Government Security|
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Frequently Asked Questions about PSIM

Physical Security Information Management or PSIM is the absolute best system to manage security in a well-organized and communicated manner. So what exactly is PSIM and why do you need to know about it? Here are a few frequently asked PSIM questions: Q: What is PSIM? A: PSIM is software that is designed to integrate multiple unconnected security application devices and control them through one comprehensive user interface. Basically, PSIM brings your security systems together to work as one efficient unit. Q: What does PSIM do? A: PSIM collects and correlates events from a wide variety of security devices and information systems (video, access control sensors, analytics, networks, building systems, etc.) to empower personnel to identify and proactively resolve situations. Q: What is the benefit of integrating PSIM into your organization? A: Some benefits of integrating PSIM into your organization include increased control, improved situational awareness, system management, and reporting. [...]

2017-04-26T10:22:09-05:00PSIM|
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Thoughts and prayers to Newtown

OSSI would like to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and friends affected by the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday morning.  I know that we are not the only ones who could not stop thinking about this horrifying tragedy these last few, long days. Our philosophy and mission is to make the world a safer place so while this tragedy occurred a thousand miles away, it truly saddens us. We offer our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

2017-04-26T10:23:15-05:00School Security|
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Educating teachers on school safety: Part One

This is part one of a two part series on how teachers can be educated on school safety to protect the future of our country: students. Many of the heroes of the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting were teachers. In a time of intense crisis, they were able to face one of the worst possible dangers to their lives and their student’s lives: a shooter while not having any kind of protection. The result could have been much worse. Many of the staff at this facility were trained and educated on how to deal with this type of situation. While the government works out ways to protect schools by discussing gun control and other tactics, schools are still potential targets for crazed shooters.  However, there are ways for teachers and school personnel to protect their school from shooters before they become targets; and while a shooting is in progress. Ways to [...]

2017-04-26T10:20:39-05:00School Security|
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Educating teachers on school safety: Part Two

This is part two of a two part series on how teachers can be educated on school safety to protect the future of our country: students. View part one here.  Once you are aware of a shooting in your school, there are some specific actions you can take to protect yourself and your students: Barricade your door: Move all the desks and chairs to the door. A normal shooting lasts seven minutes, so the shooters is not going to waste time trying to push through a door if it is barricaded. Contact authorities: Text or call 911, alerting someone that there is an attack going on at your school once you and your students are secure. Turn off the lights: This prevents the shooter from being able to see clearly through the door or windows. Hide:  The best places to hide are to get on the floor against a wall out of line of sight [...]

2017-04-26T10:20:53-05:00School Security|
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Using CCTV to protect your school

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) security monitoring systems have become increasingly popular as schools, businesses, government building, churches and private homes look to install video surveillance systems due to terrorist attacks and school/workplace shootings. As you can imagine, this technology can become outdated over the years; this is not necessarily a bad thing as companies come out with better technology that protects our loved ones. CCTV can help save lives because information on a suspect can easily be distributed to law enforcement and specific rooms of buildings. With the increase of school shootings, it is especially important for school districts to look into this technology. CCTV that allows access to law enforcement enables the police to know exactly where the suspects are inside the building. This knowledge also allows for medical aid to be distributed to isolated and secure areas of a school building. Saving lives comes down to seconds, not minutes [...]

2017-04-26T10:21:06-05:00School Security|
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