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 defense system, a door security device designed to protect occupants against trespassers during an active shooter or other emergency situation.
The Barracuda is a freestanding device designed to lock down virtually any commercial door. The product is available in different models to protect inward and outward swinging doors, and is adjustable to accommodate varying door widths.
As a SWAT team medic, Lowe works to prevent shooting tragedies in his Ohio community through active shooter response training programs and has instructed many people on how to react during an emergency lockdown situation. This experience helped Lowe recognize the need for a door security product that was simple to use and highly effective in securing a door.
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 engage the plates to the exterior door jamb, and the device is securely locked in place by inserting a pin.
To secure an outward swinging door, the DSO model is positioned so 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 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 allow for time to install either of the other two models.
The Barracuda is an American made product that features heavy-duty steel construction and a durable powder-coat finish. All models are supplied with a wall-mounting rack for storage.
Read “Comprehensive Safety,” TFM‘s March 2013 cover story on K-12 school safety here.
