The Locksmith Journal Sep-Oct 2014 - Issue 34 | Page 44

PROUD SPONSORS OF THIS PAGE hardware&security Device locks down classroom or commercial door to block intruders in seconds Sadly, America has seen an horrific number of school shootings. Between December 2012 and June 2014 there were a shocking 74 such tragedies. In response, an influx of products has hit the market in an effort to help save lives. Recognising the need for a simple, strong and highly effective solution, The Bilco Company, a manufacturer of specialty access products, has teamed up with Troy Lowe, decorated military veteran, firefighter and SWAT team member, to manufacture and distribute the Barracuda intruder defence system, a door security device designed to protect occupants against building trespassers. “We have been using Barracuda intruder defense system in our training programs and have found that individuals are confident and comfortable with the simplicity and effectiveness of the devices.” The Barracuda is a free-standing device designed to lock down virtually any commercial door in an emergency situation. The product is available in different models to protect inward and outward swinging doors, and is adjustable to accommodate varying door widths. A product demonstration video can be accessed via Bilco’s YouTube channel. As a SWAT team medic, Lowe works to prevent shooting tragedies in his community through active shooter response training programs and has instructed thousands of people on how to react during an emergency lockdown situation. He has seen firsthand how quickly people panic and lose control over their fine motor skills during these simple training exercises. This experience helped Lowe recognise the need for a door security product that was simple to use and highly effective in securing a door. “From the beginning, my goal has always been to keep as many people as safe as possible and have found that the best way to accomplish this is to deny the intruder access to building occupants,” said Lowe. “We have been using Barracuda intruder defence system in our training programs and have found that individuals are confident and comfortable with the simplicity and effectiveness of the devices.” ‘my goal has always been to keep as many people as safe as possible’ The Barracuda DSI model protects inward swinging doors. With the door closed, the product is placed on the floor and the user slides the metal plates under the door. Pushing outward on the handles engages the plates to the exterior door jamb and the device is securely locked in place by simply inserting a pin. To secure an outward swinging door, the DSO model is positioned so that the bar rests on the door jamb on either side of a closed door and the built-in hook is placed over the door handle. The device is secured by spinning the turn handle until it is snug in place. Finally, the DCS model is the fastest and easiest way to secure a door in an emergency situation. It simply slides over the door closer to prevent the scissor action that would allow the door to open. The DCS model can be used as a standalone product or as an accessory to buy more time for installation of either of the other two models. “It is clear that the security industry is in need of an innovative product that can quickly and safely secure rooms in schools and comme ɍ