HavenLock Inc. Enhances Board with New Appointments: James Rothstein and Janice Orlando

HavenLock Inc., an industry frontrunner in active shooter prevention smart lock technology, is thrilled to confirm the induction of James Rothstein and Janice Orlando into its Board of Directors. The integration of these respected professionals signifies HavenLock’s ongoing commitment to advancing its tech-driven approach in the locking sector.

James Rothstein: Boasting a remarkable 30-year trajectory in the security domain, James has been an influential figure, guiding key decisions within notable security-focused corporations. Presently an operating partner at Lee Equity Partners and holding the reins as Chairman of the Security Industry Association, James Rothstein commented, “I am really excited to join the board of Haven and support this veteran-owned business in their quest to prevent active shooters from gaining access to facilities, whether that is schools, commercial facilities, or religious institutions. I truly see the opportunity for global impact with their unique approach and technology, revolutionizing the locking industry.”

Janice Orlando: With significant roles at the Pasadena Angels Executive Committee and as a Venture Partner with Untapped Ventures, Janice’s proficiency spans production, manufacturing, and SaaS. A long-time supporter of HavenLock in her capacity as an angel investor, she’s now keen to elevate her involvement. Janice Orlando shared her thoughts, saying, “I have been working with Haven as an angel investor for several years, and I am proud to join the board to support them in scaling the company. The work Haven is doing to serve our communities and make them feel safer is a noble cause, and one that we should all be proud of.”

Our CEO, Alex Bertelli, voiced his appreciation, stating, “I am tremendously grateful for James and Janice joining the Haven board. We couldn’t be more fortunate to have both of these excellent business leaders guiding us to the next level. James’ industry experience will allow us to gain access to the market faster, serving more customers in the industry. Janice’s expertise in scaling businesses and building resources will help us support that growth.”

Veteran Ventures Capital, HavenLock’s principal investor, extended their commendation. Dr. Josh Weed remarked, “I am delighted to welcome James and Janice to our Haven Board of Directors. James’ 30+ years of security industry experience and expansive network, along with Janice’s entrepreneurial experience as a founder, operator, and angel investor, are the right people at the right time for Haven’s growth plans. Each of them has already made meaningful contributions to Haven, and I look forward to working together as a Board to further accelerate the company’s growth and expansion strategy. Equally as important, their enthusiasm for the HavenLock solution and support of Alex’s product vision is a strong endorsement of the company’s future trajectory.”

With the bolstered strength of its Board of Directors through the inclusion of these seasoned professionals, HavenLock remains steadfast in its mission of enhancing community safety via its state-of-the-art active shooter prevention tools.

LockDown Security System Earns Prestigious SAFETY Act Designation

Safety Act Designation HavenLock, a leading provider of innovative security solutions, has recently received the SAFETY Act Designation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for its Haven LockDown active shooter defense system. This is a significant accomplishment for HavenLock, as Haven LockDown is the only locking system of its type to receive this award, which highlights the company’s commitment to providing advanced security solutions to help mitigate the risk of active shooter incidents.

The SAFETY Act, established by Congress as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, offers legal liability protections to companies that develop and deploy qualified anti-terrorism technologies that could save lives in the event of an attack. With SAFETY Act Designation, clients such as venues, schools, and commercial facilities are not liable for any claims relating to the award holder’s services in the event of an act of terrorism. The provider of the service enjoys a liability cap commensurate with its insurance coverage. This award underscores the importance of the SAFETY Act Designation and how it supports companies like HavenLock that provide advanced security solutions.

To achieve the SAFETY Act coverage, HavenLock has been working with The Homeland Security Consulting Group (HSCG) and its Founder, David McWhorter, PhD, for many years. HavenLock’s partnership with HSCG has helped to ensure that Lockdown was safe and effective in a threat scenario. The SAFETY Act Designation process is rigorous, and this partnership has enabled HavenLock to meet the requirements and expectations of the DHS in its evaluation of Haven LockDown.

Haven LockDown is an innovative locking system that provides a crucial barrier to entry in emergency situations. This ensures that doors cannot be breached, making it an effective solution in the event of an active shooter incident. With the SAFETY Act Designation, HavenLock can offer customers the assurance that its anti-terrorism technology has been rigorously evaluated and deemed effective by the DHS. This recognition provides clients with the most reliable and effective active shooter defense system available, reinforcing HavenLock’s commitment to providing advanced security solutions to mitigate the risk of active shooter incidents.

“Receiving this award reinforces our commitment to providing a safer environment for people to work, study, and worship in. Working with DHS on this award was a massive undertaking that took us years to ensure that Lockdown was safe and effective in a threat scenario,” said Alex Bertelli, CEO of HavenLock. This statement underscores HavenLock’s commitment to developing advanced security solutions to help mitigate the risk of active shooter incidents and highlights the company’s dedication to providing a safer environment for people.

In summary, HavenLock’s SAFETY Act Designation for its Haven LockDown active shooter defense system highlights the company’s commitment to providing advanced security solutions to mitigate the risk of active shooter incidents. HavenLock’s partnership with HSCG and recognition by the DHS reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation and ensuring that its clients have access to the most advanced technology to mitigate security risks. With the SAFETY Act Designation, HavenLock can offer clients the assurance that its anti-terrorism technology has been rigorously evaluated and deemed effective by the DHS, providing the most reliable and effective active shooter defense system available.

2022 Mass Shooting Statistics

2022 Mass Shooting Statistics

Presently, there have been over 400 mass shootings in 2022. According to research, that number climbs every single day. Statistics show there were 417 mass shootings in 2019, 611 mass shootings in 2020, and 693 in 2021, meaning these stats have a high potential to break records by the end of this year. The tragedy of mass shootings seems to be unique to only this country. Why are mass shootings so common in America, and why are they still increasing?

The United States has been through a handful of mind-altering events, such as a global pandemic, national lockdown, and civil unrest, all in just the last two years. While major events existed before, there has been an upsurge in gun violence since 2020. Such hardships are making mass shootings more prevalent, and people are begging for reform.

Gun Violence in America

On average, more than 110 Americans are killed by guns every day. In addition to this, more than 200 are injured by gun violence every day. It’s safe to assume that the effect of gun violence extends far beyond those who are killed and injured. In America, gun violence has shaped the lives of millions who witness, experience, and know those who have been in such a situation. As you can see, the magnitude of everyday gun violence is almost incomprehensible.

Research shows that gun suicides make up 59% of deaths in America, and gun homicides make up 38% of deaths in America. This means that 6 out of every 10 gun deaths are those who own a gun and choose to end their own life, and 4 out of every 10 gun deaths are those who own a gun and choose to end someone else’s life. The United States’ gun violence rate is 26 times higher than that of other high-income countries. The impact this has on American citizens is catastrophic.

The Cause for the Increase in Mass Shootings

United States civilian firearmsWhile the number of mass shootings in the United States has always been high, studies have shown that the pandemic and its aftermath have jump-started the big increase in violence over the past couple of years. Covid-19 imposed sudden physiological and financial strain across the US, which then amplified fear, isolation, and hardship among Americans. The increase in gun violence is synonymous with an increase in firearm purchases, and the United States has twice the amount of guns per 100 people than any other country.

While it is certainly true that the ownership of guns exacerbates the problem of mass shootings, it is not the cause. Other countries in the world that have a significant amount of guns do not portray the same numbers as we do regarding mass shootings. Perhaps it is this country’s celebration of vigilantism and our cultural value of fierce individualism that make mass shootings so popular. We are one of the world’s strongest military forces and have a habit of settling disputes with guns. This, paired with powerful and negative social forces in today’s society is fueling the fire of mass shootings. These social forces include financial fear, distrust in the government, racism, hate crime, domestic terrorism, and overall increased disbelief in the American dream. All of these social forces are extremely prevalent in today’s current climate, more out in the open than ever since the 2022 pandemic. Taking these factors into consideration, it is no shock this country is on the precipice of a breaking point with mass shootings.

Minimizing the Risks

The staggering increase in gun purchases, paired with mass shootings, means it’s impossible not to think about the possibilities of experiencing gun violence firsthand. There are many proactive solutions to minimize the risks of mass shootings in your place of work, school, and even your own home. Take precautions by implementing weekly lockdown drills at your place of work, which better prepares everyone in case of an emergency. Increase security measures such as lockdown door systems, security camera systems, hiring armed guards, and knowing how to spot a potential active shooter can help divert a situation before it even happens. All of these are great precautions to take when wanting to minimize the risk of mass shootings in the US.

Perhaps the most beneficial precaution to take is implementing common-sense gun legislation. Implementing the proper infrastructure to prevent gun violence in America is the next plausible step in minimizing the risk of mass shootings. As an example, a reduction in automobile deaths in the United States is one of the greatest successes of public health intervention. Implementing seat belts, safer manufacturing, and stricter qualifications to purchase a car have prevailed in decreasing deaths by car crashes. The same could easily be done with guns.

We need to grow and heal our country to fully change the cycle of mass shootings in the US. The statistics of mass shootings in 2022 prove that these numbers are only increasing, and we as a country need to be taking stronger precautions to diminish the tragedy of this kind of violence.

Sources:

  1. https://everytownresearch.org/report/gun-violence-in-america/
  2. https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/
  3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wicked-deeds/202206/the-real-reason-mass-shootings-are-the-rise
  4. https://everytownresearch.org/report/gun-violence-in-america/
Suggested Lockdown Procedures for Schools

Suggested Lockdown Procedures for Schools

The best strategy to improve school safety is to be familiar with lockdown procedures. Events like the Columbine and the Sandy Hook shooting have taught us that, unfortunately, school shootings are becoming more common as the years go on. Understanding the right procedures and security measures can make a difference between life and death for your staff and students.

An emergency lockdown happens when there is danger, and faculty and staff need to ensure the safety of their students by acting quickly and efficiently. It’s crucial that all staff members be trained and educated on how to handle emergencies in dangerous situations.

Why Should Schools be Better Prepared?

In the last couple of years alone, the United States has seen an uptick in the purchasing of guns and mass shootings. The gun violence archive has counted over 300 mass shootings this year, painting a scary picture for the months to come. To help create more situational awareness, schools should take extra precautions if an emergency ever arrives at the school’s doorstep. These include extra security measures like lockdown doors, knowing how to spot a potential threat, and adding additional lockdown procedures.

There are multiple different events to be prepared for. The types of emergencies that require extra lockdown procedures include:

  • Active shooter or mass shooting
  • Hostage holding
  • Protests and riots
  • Natural disasters

Now that you know what kind of events require extra precaution, here are a few tips to consider to better prepare you for an emergency.

Know the Layout of your School

While this seems self-explanatory, you would be surprised at how many faculty members do not know the full layout and available exits in their school. Teachers and staff should be aware of all classrooms, room numbers, hallways, and exits within the school. Knowing this information will be crucial to making decisions and communicating during a hostile situation.

Plan How to Barricade your Classroom

Assess the environment of your classroom and plan how you would barricade and lock the doors. Arrange furniture, your desk, and the students seating in strategic ways in the room. Planning how to handle a true lockdown beforehand will ensure better protection and preparation for your students while in the classroom.

Utilize Alternative Evacuation

In the instance that there is an active shooter in the hallways, or the doors are barricaded, understand how to utilize the windows for evacuation purposes. This depends on whether it is safe enough to climb out the windows in an emergency. Practice opening the windows in your classroom so that you are prepared if you ever need to use them as an evacuation tactic. If your classroom windows do not open, you may have to break the window if necessary.

What to do if a Lockdown is Issued

Utilizing the above tips could help make an attack harder when you are better prepared for it. Each school may have a different set of lockdown procedures to know. However, below are the most common lockdown procedures all faculty, staff, and students should abide by.

  1. Lock the doors and windows
  2. Turn off the lights and close the blinds
  3. Instruct the students to stay quiet and away from any doors and windows
  4. Silence all technology like computers and phones
  5. Count every student in the room
  6. Wait until further instruction

General Sequence of Events during a Lockdown

Each lockdown is unique based on the circumstance. However, a lockdown is typically the same sequence of events, meaning it’s more than possible to prepare as best you can for any situation. The first thing that will happen is the sounding of an alarm. An alarm is set off to immediately notify the staff of an intruder or a natural disaster. This is the first step in the lockdown procedure, and upon hearing this signal, faculty and staff should prepare accordingly.

The second step is to commence the lockdown procedures for the specific disaster. This is where teachers lock the doors to their classrooms and get the students away from the doors and windows. Someone will call 911, where the police should arrive, and implement further instructions on how to proceed. During the lockdown, teachers should maintain a secure classroom. Teachers should keep the students in a safe area away from the doors and windows, and should not open them under any circumstance unless told to do so. Teachers should also take a head count of their students, and if any are missing, notify someone immediately.

After the event has passed means it is the end of the lockdown and is safe for teachers and students to come out of their classrooms. The school principal should also notify the parents of the students if the parents do not already know.

Teachers should constantly be prepared for a lockdown, and practice these drills with their students. The more everyone is prepared, the safer the environment is in case of a tragedy.

Sources:

https://www.adt.com/resources/school-lockdown-procedures
https://www.alicetraining.com/alice-institute-training/7-tips-setting-classroom-support-alice-concepts/
https://easterndatacomm.com/what-teachers-need-to-do-in-an-emergency-lockdown/
https://www.weareteachers.com/lockdown-drill/

How to Recognize a Potential Active Shooter

How to Recognize a Potential Active Shooter

The United States has seen record highs in the last couple of years regarding mass shootings. The gun violence archive has counted over 300 mass shootings this year, and that number keeps rising every day. There is no official definition of a mass shooting, but we can concur it is defined as firearm incidents involving four or more victims. Statistics show there were 417 mass shootings in 2019, 611 mass shootings in 2020, and 693 in 2021. These numbers show an obvious incline, making it impossible not to take precautions.

While implementing extra security measures like lockdown door systems, armed security guards, and training can mean the difference between life and death, the safest bet to eliminating an active shooter threat is before they become an active shooter. This includes knowing the signs of someone contemplating violence and being able to recognize the makings of a potential active shooter.

Observable Behaviors of Concern

The FBI conducted a study on the most common observable behaviors in active shooters. While some behaviors are common among everyone, it is the displaying of multiple behaviors at once in the daily lives of these individuals to be concerned with. The study concludes that at least 5 of these behaviors are common in all active shooters, and most, if not all active shooters experience mental stressors in their everyday lives. These mental stressors include depression, anxiety, paranoia, and other factors in their lives that may warrant their violence. Below are a few signs to look out for to recognize a potential active shooter.

An Obsession with Gun and Mass Shootings

Gun violence is a fixture in American society. Since embedded into the Constitution as the Second Amendment, guns have been prevalent in the United States. It is relatively easy to obtain one and even easier to know how to fire one. Consequently, Americans’ obsession with guns has led to a dangerous mindset instilled in us at a young age. Look out for individuals who are overly obsessed with gun violence and mass killings.

Easy Access to Firearms

While it’s one thing to be obsessed with guns, it’s another to be obsessed with owning them. Someone who brags about easy access to firearms or owns one already can become a potential threat. Again, the Second Amendment makes it legal to be a gun owner in the United States, but being openly passionate about guns and their associated violence is a red flag.

Being a Target of Long-Term Bullying

Studies show that being bullied, and also being the bully directly correlate to violence within both parties. 70% of students who have experienced bullying carry a weapon to school. That weapon could very much be a gun and could result in serious violence. When considering factors of a potential threat, bullying should be high on that list.

Extreme Isolation or Withdrawal

Early childhood trauma, like extreme bullying and home violence, is a common denominator among most active shooters. These early childhood traumas can build up to hopelessness, despair, and social isolation. When someone starts activating differently in this sense, take note, and make an effort to find out what caused their social withdrawal, as it can lead to dangerous effects.

 Excessively Aggressive Response to Minor Issues

Someone who is experiencing inner turmoil may have an aggressive response to a seemingly minor issue on more than one occurrence. This marks a lack of self-regulation and can lead to serious harm. The inability to regulate strong emotions when faced with a difficult situation is detrimental to them, and others. An aggressive response can result in an aggressive reaction, so being able to spot someone with low self-regulation can be preventative.

Overt Threats of Violence

Studies show that more than half of active shooters communicate their violent nature to their victims or third parties before a mass shooting. This can involve verbal or written threats, as well as leakage of feelings, fantasies, or intentions of harm to a third party. Violent imagery and videos are also another sign of intense aggression and should be watched very closely.

Conclusion

Gun violence and mass shootings are a multi-faced problem, one that needs more solutions than we currently have. Staying prepared and understanding the signs of a potential active shooter can save your life, and theirs. More often than not, people wait until after the mass shooting to identify what could have been the cause of such inner turmoil. If anyone demonstrates a combination of these signs, be cautious and take action.

Sources:

  1. https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports/mass-shooting
  2. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2022/05/26/what-considered-mass-shooting/9944794002/
  3. https://abcnews.go.com/US/america-gun-violence-problem/story?id=79222948
  4. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/481307
  5. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/05/27/stopping-mass-shooters-q-a-00035762