As the demand for renewable energy continues to expand, solar farms and wind farms have become vital contributors to the global energy movement—and areas like Upstate New York have become hot spots for farming renewable energy. These installations are key drivers of the state's transition to a sustainable energy system.  Just like with other sources of energy, solar and wind farms require robust safety and security measures to protect valuable equipment and infrastructure. Fencing systems play a crucial role in safeguarding such installations by providing physical barriers against trespassing, theft, vandalism and potential hazards.  Here, we’re exploring the importance of fencing for alternative energy solutions like solar and wind farms, including the many advantages of these perimeter structures, the types of fencing most suitable for applications in Upstate New York and the considerations for ensuring strong, effective fencing design and implementation. Benefits of Fencing for Solar Farms & Wind [...]

Domestic attacks on electrical infrastructure have become more prominent in the news, in part due to recent headline-worthy occurrences like the gunfire assault on electrical substations in Moore County, North Carolina. And while these events may not be the norm, they do highlight the growing challenge of protecting electrical infrastructure from extremist groups and other malicious actors. It’s a problem that seems to be on the rise. As CBS News reports, “Physical attacks on the U.S. power grid rose last year by 71%, compared to 2021 and surpassed 2020 figures by 20%. The industry's preeminent clearinghouse predicts the number of serious incidents will continue to rise this year.”  Given the looming threat, every substation should be considering this issue and taking action to assess their safeguards against such an attack. From loss of power for potentially thousands of homes and businesses, to major financial impacts on targeted electrical companies, [...]

Prisons and correctional facilities require some of the highest levels of security, an evolving challenge that demands a dynamic approach to perimeter security and an up-to-date prison fencing system. Upgraded designs and solutions for these high-threat properties have become more important than ever. Here, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most essential features for an effective prison security fencing system, and why it’s critical to upgrade any current fencing solution that doesn’t meet the mark. Major Security Challenges Facing Prisons Given the prevalent dangers posed both within and outside the perimeter of a prison or correctional facility, security must focus on preventing escapes and deterring the exchange of contraband—typically across a large-scale property.  So let’s start there: with the sheer size of a prison or correctional facility’s grounds. Because of how extensive these properties are, securing and monitoring the entire area requires a fencing solution that [...]

Designing and installing security fencing that can effectively protect and meet the individual needs of a property is a critical effort. Given the vital security outcomes you seek, as well as the substantial investment involved, you want to ensure you’re hiring a security fence company that has deep experience, nuanced expertise and wide-ranging knowledge and skills. One of the ways to investigate a company’s qualifications is by reviewing their certifications.  Truthfully, not every security fence company out there has the breadth of certifications to illustrate their competency in various areas of security fencing implementation. At Rutkoski Fencing, Inc (RFI)., we take training and qualifications very seriously, as illustrated by our list of achieved certifications for both individual employees and the company at large. Continuously expanding our expertise with professional certifications is just another way we never stop improving, growing and connecting. Check out our following list of fence- and [...]

Athletic field fencing can serve a variety of functions, from controlling crowds and supporting security efforts to delineating separate sporting fields, creating distinct areas (like dugouts and spectator sections), and ensuring the safety of players and fans alike. Therefore, the right fencing design and solution for your application will depend on a number of factors related to the sport(s) and needs at hand. Let’s take a look at what types of athletic field fencing are most common, as well as some other important considerations for this kind of fencing installation. Common Types of Athletic Field Fencing The most widely used type of fencing for athletic fields is chain link, given its versatility, durability and economical cost. Surprisingly difficult to scale or break through, chain link fencing also provides a certain level of visibility that’s crucial in an athletic setting, particularly those that entertain spectators. A low-maintenance solution, chain link [...]

The requirements for securing an organization’s physical space varies widely based on a collection of risk factors. For certain types of properties, there’s a very high risk of security threat, necessitating a more dynamic approach to defense elements like perimeter fencing. These can include places such as prisons, at-risk youth centers, airports and government buildings, to name a few. At such high-risk facilities, it’s vital to apply specially designed perimeter fencing with anti-climb characteristics.  An anti-climb security fence is implemented based on some specific features that make it difficult-to-impossible for someone to scale. Let’s take a closer look at what these anti-climb fencing components entail. A Focus on Height Specifications One of the primary ways a fence prevents scalability is through its vertical size. Quite simply, the greater the height of a security fence, the more challenging it will be for trespassers to breach.  While standard fencing solutions may [...]

As cryptocurrency ownership rates accelerate around the globe, the mining of bitcoin becomes a more necessary and valuable enterprise. The emergence of crypto mining farms is increasingly prevalent, with many taking up residence in formerly used warehouses and industrial facilities.  Because these buildings house computers designed to run as quickly as possible 24 hours a day—and often require electrical substations to power the operation—they face some pretty unique security risks. That means ensuring a high level of security is paramount, which starts with securing the physical perimeter via a specialized fencing system. Risks & Vulnerabilities for Crypto Mining Facilities Crypto mining farms typically encompass large areas of property with structures designed to meet the specific needs of operating high-performance computers around the clock. This often equates to a series of metal buildings with proper heat ventilation and access to immense amounts of power.  To generate the megawatts of electricity [...]

Traffic noise has long been a concern for federal, state, and local entities, prompting the first sound barrier to be constructed in 1963. Over time, there’s been significant advancements in the concept, design and implementation of sound walls. And while highway sound management is a leading application for concrete walls, there are also a number of reasons why this type of fencing is important and highly beneficial for both facility security and community safety. Today’s precast concrete walls are highly impenetrable, making them one of the most heavy-duty security fencing systems available. These structures are nearly impossible to scale and can withstand winds of hurricane proportions. Their sound reduction capabilities make them ideal solutions for highway needs, and their strength and security features render them ideal choices for applications in government and municipal properties, critical infrastructure and the commercial landscape. Dynamics of Precast Concrete The installation of precast concrete [...]

There are approximately 153,000 public drinking water systems and more than 16,000 publicly owned wastewater treatment systems in the United States. According to our nation’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, more than 80 percent of the U.S. population receives their potable water from these drinking water systems, and about 75 percent of the U.S. population has its sanitary sewerage treated by these wastewater systems. Given this sector’s impact on public health and human activity, it is necessary to think about the numerous security threats capable of endangering water treatment sites and facilities. Ensuring a safe and continuous supply of water is vital to so many aspects of life. And while this utility is easy to take for granted, securing it should never be an afterthought. Beginning with a highly secure fencing system, it’s essential to prioritize the protection of our nation’s water supply. The Threat Landscape Earlier this year, [...]

With federal funds flowing into PA municipalities, there’s been much consideration over how these entities can leverage allocated money to improve various aspects of life for Pennsylvanians. From public health initiatives and assistance for essential workers to critical efforts to improve and modernize infrastructure, there’s no shortage of ways to put these funds to good use.  Disbursement of Federal Funds Over the summer, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that the first payments under the American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program have been sent to qualifying Pennsylvania municipalities. PA counties, cities, boroughs and townships are eligible for $6.15 billion from the program. “It’s a top priority at Treasury,” Garrity said, “to make sure these payments get into the hands of local leaders quickly and efficiently so they can be used to help address the effects of the pandemic.” Pennsylvania has more than 2,500 municipalities [...]