Surviving a Bomb Blast
by Protection Essentials

As we have learned from the recent Boston Marathon bombing and other countless terrorist attacks since 9/11, those who seek to inflict massive casualties and terror on a populace prefer explosives as their primary means of destruction. The reasoning is simple to understand: such devices are typically cheap, readily available, and effective.The FBI publishes an annual report entitled Terrorism in the United States which summarizes domestic terrorist activity. Their pie chart shows the dramatic preference for bombs.

Source: US Department of Justice. Terrorism in the United States 2002-2005. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Web. 02 September 2013.

Very few weapons have a proven history of mass destruction like the simple bomb. Since the 1200s, explosive devices have been used effectively both in combat between belligerent forces, and as instruments of terror against civilian populations. Today, bombs continue to be used by those who wish to cause a maximum amount of death and mayhem in the shortest amount of time. The lethality has actually increased as we continue to design our commercial buildings with more glass surface area. Blast pressure typically kills less than 2% of individuals within the immediate blast radius. Collateral ballistics kill and maim the majority of people with glass being the most lethal at 85%.

After the Oklahoma bombing in 1995, it was mandated that every US government building window have bomb blast protection. When a bomb is detonated glass shards are hurled through the air at an incredible speed, slicing through crowds of people and killing vast numbers of bystanders who may have otherwise survived the initial detonation. This scenario happens in the majority of terrorist bombings. This problem is so severe that construction companies and government building contractors spend money mitigating the risk of such injuries. Blast events such as these give rise to an industry known as glass hazard mitigation or window hardening.

Blast curtains have been proven to be the most cost effective glass hazard mitigation solution available, and are currently are installed in buildings all around the world. Safetydrape® is the only blast curtain that meets or exceeds testing mandated by the Department of Defense. Safetydrape® is designed to capture glass shards that result from an explosion, and it has been proven in tests, demonstrations, and live bombing situations to prevent injury and death. Safetydrape® is a sheer, so users may still view outside. The design still allows for emergency exit windows, does not necessarily look like a security product. Best of all, Safetydrape® is the only product that can be installed no matter what type of wall substrate you have. This unique feature makes it the best solution for retrofitting existing structures – like your home – or other new construction projects with tight budgets.

Whether you want Safetydrape® for home or office use, blast curtains are a trustworthy solution for improving physical security. Even though you may not have a direct hit on your home or place of work, the collateral damage can still be monumental. When the Murrah Federal Building was bombed in Oklahoma City in 1995, glass breakage was recorded more than 1-mile away.

Installing Safetydrape® curtains will increase the odds of surviving such attacks. The Safetydrape system is also surprisingly affordable, easily installed, and readily available. You owe it to yourself, your family, or perhaps even your employees and customers, to take the initiative and consider Safetydrape blast curtains for your home or business.