It seems like there are more and more discussions of how we can keep ourselves and our children safe while in school or at work.
That’s prompted one local company to show a product designed to stand-up to the most extreme conditions, including gun shots.

Dick Petrerson, Owner of Window Enhancements of Mosinee says he’s seen more demand for his product than ever before. "It’s going to keep the shards from flying around. It is to keep the glass together after it’s broken. This holds the whole thing together."

He’s talking about windows that are treated with a special film that can hold glass together during even the most brutal attacks. The film covered windows have been used around the country.
They cover windows in anything from FBI offices to credit card company headquarters, and lately, they've gotten even more attention right here in Wisconsin

"We’ve been receiving more calls from business owners, as well as schools requesting more information and also bids,” says Brian Rosenberger, of Sun Control of Minnesota, a company that works as a distributor for Peterson’s product.

In case of an actual emergency, law enforcement says the protective glass is a great precaution and can save lives, but people do need to be ready for anything if they do find themselves in a time of crisis, says Everest Metro Police Chief Wally Sparks.

"You need to watch out you need to take precautions. I don’t think there is any one step. obviously being able to slow down the process of someone getting in can be crucial, and these windows seem to do that,” says Sparks.

Chief sparks says that making sure you know the person you are letting in your workplace or school can save lives, but still, specially designed glasses are never a bad option.

"When they can’t get in and now there taking some extra efforts for that step, that alone may be enough to say lets take off this is taking too long, the cops are coming."

Peterson says prices vary on the film that he uses to cover windows. Regularly, they cost right around $17-19 per square foot.

NewsChannel 7 made calls to a variety of different school districts in our area. Most of them have taken extra precautions to be safe. For example, the Merrill Area Public Schools Safety Director says they have considered installing such products. They want to ensure they work, and that they’re cost effective before any installation.