In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the new threat of widespread biological attacks across America, the demand for security services and products has taken off. Security has become the primary concern for every organization; protecting employees, customers, and assets from terrorism, sabotage, and general crime has become a new priority.
A report issued on Oct. 1 from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation's Rapid Response Team on airport security notes, “new technologies for the positive identification of passengers, airport workers, and crews, detection of explosives, and more effective passenger and baggage screening should be incorporated in airport security programs as soon as practicable.”
A task force of The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat is exploring several safety plans to increase security and awareness in tall buildings, including the following two:
-
Building systems should be designed with multiple sources and independent distribution routes to better withstand disruptions caused by extreme events.
-
There are numerous measurement, monitoring, and control systems inside and outside a building that, if integrated, could provide on-site and remote information about the building and its occupants to the appropriate authorities in the event of an attack.
Earlier this year, a study from the Cleveland-based Freedonia Group, Inc., “World Security Products & Systems,” projected the world market for security products and systems to grow nearly 9% annually through 2004 (approaching $60 billion). The study predicts the best gains will be seen for electronic security products, including closed-circuit television surveillance systems, access controls, and explosive detection devices.
As the fast-growing security market evolves, new profit opportunities should open up for electrical manufacturers, distributors, and contractors. As cold-hearted as it may seem, we must continue to push forward with our lives, grow our businesses, and help kick the economy back in gear. If we don't, then the terrorists will win.
For those of you involved in the purchase and installation of security systems, this might be just what the doctor ordered.
