June 10, 2002—The US General Services Administration (GSA) Web site contains a page providing tips and guidance on making all types of buildings safer places. The GSA encourages employees to prepare themselves to respond to emergencies, and to investigate any suspicious activity and report concerns to the appropriate security and law enforcement personnel.
The page includes some Common Sense Advice:
- Know whom to contact in an emergency.
- Don’t be reluctant to seek assistance.
- Report suspicious persons or packages.
- Know your role in cases of emergency.
- Know your Occupant Emergency Plan.
- Wear your identification badges.
- Challenge people not wearing ID badges.
- Post only appropriate material on the Internet.
- Be cautious of phone and open area discussions.
- Protect computer passwords.
- Don’t leave your computer unattended.
- Report unusual requests for information.
- Know what to do with suspicious packages/letters.
- Know where guards are posted.
- Fully cooperate with security checks.
The document also gives tips for the following situations:
- How to Handle Suspicious and Possibly Contaminated Mail
- Actions for a Telephone Threat
- Actions for a Chemical/Biological Threat
- Actions for a Bomb Threat
- If Faced with a Gun, Knife, or Weapon Threat
