The Role of Bollards in Comprehensive Perimeter Security Strategies
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Security bollards play a crucial role in perimeter protection, often underestimated by many. In December 2023, a woman from Maine filed a lawsuit against Dollar Tree and its property owner following an accident where a pickup truck crashed into the store, injuring her and four others. Her claim was based on the use of non-crash-rated bollards, which gave a false sense of security without offering adequate protection. While the court will ultimately decide liability, this case highlights an often overlooked issue: the necessity of crash-rated security bollards.
At TYMETAL Corp, we understand the importance of crash-rated security bollards in safeguarding military facilities, government buildings, airports, and more. Let’s delve deeper into bollards, exploring their significance, types, and applications to gain a clearer understanding of these essential security tools.
Understanding the Importance of Crash-Rated Security Bollards
Recent developments, such as discussions between the city of Chicago and the Chicago Cubs regarding enhancing Wrigley Field's security, emphasize the critical role crash-rated security bollards play. The Cubs plan to install protective bollards as part of a $30 million initiative aimed at preventing terrorist attacks and other security threats. This example illustrates the potential of crash-rated bollards in securing properties of all sizes.
Although crash-rated security bollards might appear simple in design, they are powerful tools in protecting various types of properties. From entertainment venues and public spaces to high-security sites like military installations and government buildings, these bollards absorb impacts to prevent crashes and vehicular assaults. They also help manage pedestrian traffic and define boundaries.
Bollards: The Unseen Protectors of Perimeter Security
Historically, bollards were made from old ship cannons repurposed to secure vessels at docks. Today, they come in sleek, modern designs that can match any aesthetic. Depending on their crash rating, a single crash-rated bollard can stop a 15,000-pound vehicle, equivalent to a medium-duty truck, within three to 98.4 feet. This highlights the importance of selecting the right crash-rated bollards based on specific security needs and their optimal placement.
Combined with other security measures, crash-rated bollards significantly enhance perimeter protection. Proper selection and placement of these bollards can create boundaries, safeguard buildings and their contents, and improve road and pedestrian safety.
Real-World Threats and the Demand for Bollard Security
In today’s volatile global environment, the need for robust perimeter security remains paramount. Vehicles can be weaponized to attack commercial, industrial, and governmental infrastructure. This reality underscores the necessity for hostile vehicle mitigation strategies.
Consider the potential destruction a vehicle, even a relatively small one, could cause if it hit a structure at moderate speed. Such scenarios are not uncommon and pose legitimate concerns. Ramming structures with vehicles has been used globally in both terrorist attacks and criminal activities. Recent examples include:
- January 2024, Raanana, Israel: One fatality and 17 injured.
- October 2017, New York City: Eight killed, over 11 injured.
- April 2017, Stockholm, Sweden: Four killed, 15 injured.
- March 2017, London, UK: Four killed, 40 injured.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for physical barriers like crash-rated security bollards, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Types of Crash-Rated Security Bollards
Crash-rated security bollards go beyond being simple vertical posts; they serve as critical barriers against potential vehicular threats. Selecting the right type of bollard for each location is key.
Fixed vs. Retractable Bollards: Which is Right?
Fixed bollards are perfect for permanent installations at military bases, banks, city halls, and similar locations. Retractable bollards, on the other hand, rise from their bases when needed and lie flush with the ground when not in use. Removable bollards offer another option for temporary security, easily storable when not required, making them ideal for parking lots, festivals, and events.
Crash-Rated Bollards: The Ultimate Defense Against Vehicle Attacks
The lawsuit referenced earlier serves as a reminder that not all bollards are equal. When choosing crash-rated security bollards, it’s crucial to consider their crash ratings. Recently, M-ratings have replaced K-ratings, following ASTM standards. Unlike K-ratings, M-ratings measure the distance a vehicle’s payload travels past a barrier, not just the impact force. Both ratings take into account vehicle size, speed, and distance traveled.
To select the best crash-rated bollards for your property, a thorough risk assessment is essential. Partnering with TYMETAL ensures you get the right solution tailored to your specific needs.
Benefits of Using Crash-Rated Security Bollards
High-quality crash-rated security bollards can last for decades, offering continuous protection in busy areas and high-risk locations. Key advantages include enhancing perimeter security and providing cost-effective protection when used independently or alongside fences and gates.
Enhancing Perimeter Security with Bollards
TYMETAL offers a range of crash-rated security bollards, capable of stopping cars traveling at 30 mph and trucks weighing up to 16,534 pounds at 50 mph. Our products cater to every requirement, whether defining spaces, protecting pedestrians, or safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Cost-Effective Perimeter Protection Solutions
Perimeter security investments pay off. TYMETAL’s shallow mount crash bollards are budget-friendly yet highly effective, with minimal maintenance and replacement costs. If struck, only the cover needs replacing, leaving the base intact.
The Future of Comprehensive Perimeter Protection
In an uncertain world, one thing is certain: the need for robust perimeter security is unshakable. Alone, bollards can mitigate vehicle impacts and guide traffic. Combined with fences and gates, they form a comprehensive security network for modern infrastructure.
TYMETAL leads the way in perimeter security. Contact us today to explore our solutions, tailor them to your needs, and discuss customization options.
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In addition to these insights, we invite you to check out our latest news updates:
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Stay informed and secure with TYMETAL.