February 14, 2003—On February 7th, the US government increased the national threat level of terrorist attacks from yellow “elevated risk” to orange “high risk,” the next-to-highest threat level. Facilities managers who are looking for specific actions to prepare for the increased threat of terrorist activity have several online resources that can help.
Because the nature of the threat remains unknown which may mean the difference between implementing an evacuation plan or moving personnel to an airtight location—experts say FMs should prepare a variety of contingency plans.
A few of the suggested anti-terrorism security measures from BOMA.org, include:
- Encourage personnel to know emergency exits and stairwells.
- Increase the number of visible security personnel wherever possible.
- Rearrange exterior vehicle barriers, traffic cones, and roadblocks to alter traffic patterns near facilities and cover by alert security forces.
- Institute/increase vehicle, foot and roving security patrols varying in size, timing and routes.
- Implement random security guard shift changes.
Several security sources have also recommended reviewing HVAC operations in the event ventilation would have to be minimized. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does suggest turning off ventilation, including furnaces, air conditioners, vents and fans, it also advises taking into consideration how much oxygen will be required for the occupants, “Ten square feet of floor space per person will provide sufficient air to prevent carbon dioxide buildup for up to five hours,” says FEMA.
The Red Cross Disaster Service also suggests that businesses determine the need to restrict access as well as request reinforcement from private security firms. Businesses should also contact vendors and suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures.
In addition to having an evacuation plan in place, Washington, D.C. Police chief Charles Ramsey made the following suggestions in The Washington Post:
- Update employee contact lists
- Monitor the radio for reports; consider battery-operated radios as backup
- Scrutinize incoming packages
- Security cameras: keep tapes for at least 10 days and do not reuse tapes excessively to prevent wear and tear
- Telephones: consider battery-operated walkie-talkies as a backup to regular and cell phones
The following Web sites also provide useful information for disaster preparedness:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA is an independent agency tasked with responding to, planning for, recovering from and mitigating against disaster.
CDC, Bioterrorism Preparedness & Response
Contains fact sheets on anthrax, smallpox, radiological emergencies, biological and chemical agents.
BOMAs Emergency Preparedness & Response Downloadable Files, including key pages from BOMAs new “Are Your Tenants Safe? BOMAs Guide to Security and Emergency Planning” publication.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Environmental Protection Agency
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
