Chapter 25
Emergency Preparedness
Abstract
This chapter explains the active and important role a security officer can provide to an organization during an emergency. In addition, a discussion on basic first aid that an officer can provide to a person in a health emergency, as well as preparations for weather-related emergencies such as tornadoes and floods, are included.
Keywords
AED; CPR; Emergency plan; Evacuation; Heimlich maneuver; Warning; WatchSecurity officers can provide a valuable service in a facility’s overall emergency preparedness plan. Although many organizations have a formal, well-developed plan that addresses the many emergencies that may occur, there are still many businesses, particularly those that are small, that do not have formal written plans that direct employees and arriving emergency services personnel. Therefore, if a security officer or student of this manual realizes that the organization where they work is lacking a formal emergency preparedness plan, a valuable service can be offered!
Role of security in an emergency
Generally, security personnel will play an active, key role in any emergency situation. Security officers may be called upon to notify local emergency services of an emergency, assist in the evacuation of personnel, render first aid to injured employees, and announce emergency instructions over the public address system. In certain situations, the security officer on duty may be required to assume primary responsibility for initiating the emergency response.
Additionally, security officers can provide a key role in the overall planning and development of the emergency plan, the testing of the plan, coordinating any follow-up action required, providing a resource for information such as maps, diagrams, etc. of the facility, and in general, assisting in any way possible.
Overview of the emergency preparedness plan
In planning any response to an emergency, the first question that must be addressed is in identifying the objectives of the plan. Generally, the overall objective of any emergency plan is to:
1. Protect the lives of all employees, visitors, and nearby residents of the facility.
2. Protect all property and physical assets belonging to the organization.
3. Provide a minimum amount of disruption in the daily operation of the business and to restore the daily routine and operation of the business as soon as possible.
4. Provide outside agencies, such as local police and fire departments, with information and resources that allow them to carry out their duties and responsibilities without delay.
Development of the emergency plan
Organizations that fail to take the necessary time to properly prepare for an emergency will run the risk of suffering greater loss and possible embarrassment during an emergency than those organizations that have a well-defined, comprehensive, and tested emergency plan. The following elements are essential for any plan:
1. The plan must be written.
2. The plan must identify objectives and what emergencies will be addressed:
a. Fire
b. Serious injury
c. Tornado/severe weather
d. Flood
e. Winter storm
f. Bomb threat
g. Civil disturbance
h. Chemical spill
3. An emergency plan director or coordinator must be identified as the person primarily responsible for initiating the plan. Each shift must have a designated coordinator and alternates in the event of absence from the facility by the primary coordinator.
4. An emergency preparedness team should be formed on each shift, comprised of both hourly and salaried employees who would provide the following services during an emergency:
a. Extinguishing small fires.
b. Assisting in evacuating the facility.
c. Assisting in the search of the facility during a bomb threat.
d. Assisting in the orderly shutdown of electricity and/or machinery.
e. Providing first aid to injured persons.
f. Assisting arriving emergency services units in entering the facility.
g. Assisting in clean-up procedures after the emergency.
Fire
The first step in the preplanning process for identifying the necessary response to a fire situation is to have a well-developed and written fire prevention plan that minimizes the exposure to fire. This plan should include written policies that address the following:
1. The need to keep all areas clear and free of combustible material.
2. The need to keep all aisles and hallways clear of obstructions that would restrict egress in an evacuation.
3. Enforcement of a “no smoking” policy.
4. The monthly inspection and repair of all fire equipment including extinguishers, fire pumps, fire hoses, etc.
5. The duties of each employee during a fire emergency.
Responsibilities
After a plan has been written that addresses fire emergencies, this plan should be communicated to all employees. Every member of the emergency team must know their assignment and who their identified alternate is in the event of an absence from work. Department managers, supervisors, foremen, and secretaries should be trained as “fire marshals” who will assist during an emergency.
1. Have fire marshals assist in developing evacuation maps and drawings that quickly and easily identify to all employees and visitors where they must go during an evacuation. Evacuation maps should be prevalent and visible throughout the facility.
2. First-aid kits should be obtained and strategically located throughout the facility.
3. An in-house fire brigade should be formed and trained in the use of fire extinguishers and possibly 1½ in. fire hoses. Personal protective equipment such as fire helmets, coats, gloves, boots, face shields, and self-contained breathing apparatus (air-packs) may be required if fire brigade members are expected to do more than just extinguish small fires with fire extinguishers. Depending on the duties required, fire brigade members may need to undergo annual physical examinations.
Security responsibilities
Generally, security personnel will have primary responsibility for initiating the emergency evacuation alarm and contacting the local fire department to respond to the facility. In addition, security personnel will often be assigned to monitor special fire protection equipment, such as fire pumps, to be certain they operate as required.
Additional responsibilities
In addition to what has been previously discussed, the following elements of the fire emergency plan must be addressed:
1. Who will make the determination to evacuate the facility?
2. Who is responsible for communicating and answering questions of television, radio, and newspaper media personnel who respond to the facility? Will these individuals be segregated into one area in an attempt to control their access?
3. Who is responsible for notifying company officials who are not present at the facility? Is an emergency telephone call list up-to-date and easily accessible?
4. Has the local fire department recently toured the facility? Have maps and diagrams of the location of hazardous material been given to them?
5. Who is responsible for testing the plan by conducting a fire drill? Who must approve the fire drill?
6. Who is responsible for writing the final report of the emergency?
7. Who is responsible for conducting follow-up on the items that need attention or follow-up after the emergency?
8. If an employee or visitor is seriously injured, what procedures will be followed in notifying their next of kin?
Serious injury
To be adequately prepared to deal with emergencies involving serious injuries to people, security personnel should receive training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a certified instructor from the American Red Cross or similar organization. The information presented in this section is meant to provide a brief introduction to the most serious injuries a security officer may encounter.
Bleeding
External bleeding is an injury that is easy for a person to identify and is one of the most serious. All adult human beings possess 5–6 quarts of blood. The average, healthy adult can lose a pint of blood without any problems. A pint of blood is the amount withdrawn from a blood donor. However, if a quart or more of blood is lost rapidly, shock and possible death will most certainly occur without emergency care.
One of the best ways to treat external bleeding is to place clean material on the wound until the bleeding stops. By elevating the wound above the victim’s heart, blood flow will normally subside.
There are two major pressure points used to control bleeding: the brachial point in the arm and the femoral point, located in the groin. These are the points where a tie or belt is dramatically used in movies to control excess bleeding. These pressure points should only be used if elevation and direct pressure have not stopped the bleeding.
Shock
Shock is often the result of a serious injury. It can lead to death itself if emergency care is not given at once. Shock occurs when the body’s vital functions, such as blood pressure and breathing, are seriously threatened. Body tissues begin to incur damage and shock begins to develop. Some signs and symptoms of shock include the following:
• Pale or bluish and cold skin
• Moist and clammy skin
• Overall weakness
• Vomiting
• Dull, sunken eyes
• Widely dilated pupils of the eye
• Unusual thirst
Shock requires intensive medical treatment to be reversed. Until emergency medical assistance arrives, a security officer should attempt to:
• Maintain an open airway
• Control all obvious bleeding
• Elevate the legs about 12 in. (unless the injury prevents this)
• Place blankets over the person to prevent the loss of body heat
• Give the victim nothing to eat or drink
• Keep the victim on his or her back (unless the injury prevents this)
• Handle the victim gently
Breathing
Besides excessive bleeding, a person who is not breathing is another serious situation where emergency first aid must be administered immediately or death will result in a matter of minutes.
Upon coming to a person who is injured, tap the victim gently on the shoulder and ask them if they are ok. If you do not receive a reply, call for help immediately. If a phone is nearby, call 911 or another designated number to notify the proper emergency response services.
Until 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended that an airway be established before beginning chest compressions. With new research, the AHA is now recommending hands-only CPR to be conducted in the following manner:
1. Call 911.
2. Try to get the person to respond by calling their name and gently tapping them.
3. Start chest compressions by placing the heel of your hand on the center of the victim’s chest. Put your other hand on the top of the first with fingers interlaced.
4. Press down so you compress the chest at least 2 in. in adults and children and 1.5 in. in infants, 100 times a minute or even a little faster (about the same rhythm as the Bee Gees song “Stayin Alive”).
5. If you have been trained in CPR, now open the airway with a head tilt and chin lift.
6. Pinch closed the nose of the victim. Take a normal breath, cover the victim’s mouth with yours to create an airtight seal, and then give two 1-seconds breaths as you watch for the chest to rise.
7. Continue compressions and breaths (30 compressions, 2 breaths) until help arrives.
Some facilities may now have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site for use in such emergencies.
1. Turn on the AED. It will give you step-by-step instructions.
2. Expose the chest. If wet, dry it. Apply the sticky pads to the person’s chest following the AED’s instructions.
3. Chest hair may need to be trimmed. (AED’s usually come with a kit that includes scissors or razors.) If a medication patch is in the way, it should be removed and the area cleaned.
4. Remove metal necklaces and underwire bras.
5. Check the person for implanted medical devices (outline should be visible under the skin) and body piercings.
6. Defibrillator pads should be at least 1 in. away from implants or piercings.
7. Check that the electrode wires are connected to the AED and make sure no one is touching the injured person.
8. Press the “Analyze” button of the AED.
9. If a shock is needed, the AED will tell you when to push the button. Stand clear as you push the button.
You may need to start or resume CPR and continue until help arrives.
Burns
Burns are a common injury with which first aid responders may come into contact. Burns are generally regarded as the following types:
• First degree: redness, mild swelling of the skin, and some mild pain (similar to a sunburn)
• Second degree: deeper burn, blisters develop, more extensive pain
• Third degree: deeper destruction of the skin, which may involve muscle damage and severe pain
People with first-degree burns should receive first aid consisting of applying cool water (not ice) for 10–15 min and/or a dry sterile dressing.
Second-degree burns should be immersed in cool water and the skin blotted dry. A sterile dressing should also be applied and the person treated for shock. If the burn seems severe, medical attention should be obtained promptly.
According to the Mayo Clinic, for major burns:
1. Do not remove burned clothing. Do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with or near smoldering materials, smoke, or heat.
2. Do not immerse in cold water. Doing so can cause hypothermia and shock.
3. Check for signs of breathing. If necessary, begin CPR.
4. Raise the burned body part(s) above heart level, if possible.
5. Cover the area of the burn with a cool, moist sterile bandage, clean cloth, or towel.
For any type of chemical burn, any remaining dry chemical should be brushed off and the area of the skin should be flushed with large quantities of water for at least 10–20 min. All contaminated clothing and jewelry should be removed. The burned area should be wrapped loosely with a dry, sterile dressing or clean cloth. Rewashing may be necessary if the person experiences increased burning after the first washing. Medical attention should be obtained as quickly as possible.
Electrical shock
When someone is in direct contact with an electrical current, it is critical that the rescuer does not try to immediately free them. A serious electrical shock could also affect the rescuer. The only safe way to rescue the victim is to stop the current that is going through the victim. If an appliance chord is not damaged, attempt to pull the plug. If the plug is damaged, the power should be turned off at the switch box. Be careful not to touch the victim or the appliance until the power has been turned off.
If the electrical injury is a result of a downed power line, do not approach the victim until after the power has been turned off. Emergency services should be notified at once of the injury. Arrange a barrier around the power line in order to prevent injury to others. Do not move the wire with a stick or rope and do not attempt to cut the wire. Wait for professional assistance.
If a victim’s vehicle is in contact with a downed power line, advise the victim to remain in the vehicle. Do not approach the victim until the power has been shut off. If there is immediate danger of the car becoming engulfed in fire, advise the victim to jump out of the vehicle without touching the electrical wire.
The seriousness of the electrical shock injury depends on how much current the victim was exposed to and for how long. If the victim is unconscious, CPR may need to be administered. The victim may have experienced third-degree burns where the current entered and exited the body. The victim should be treated for third-degree burns in the manner previously discussed.
Choking
If someone is believed to be choking, the first thing which should be done is to ask the victim if they can cough, speak, or breathe. If they can, do nothing but monitor the situation. The universal distress signal for choking is a hand or hands around the neck. If someone is choking and cannot breathe, try the Heimlich maneuver to get rid of the obstruction and to clear the airway. If the victim is standing or sitting (conscious), stand behind the victim, wrap your arms around the victim’s waist, and perform the following steps:
• Make a fist with one hand
• Place the thumb side of the fist against the victim’s abdomen below the ribcage, slightly above the navel
• Grab the fist with the other hand
• Press your fist into the victim’s abdomen with a quick upward thrust.
If the victim is lying unconscious:
• Place the victim on his/her back
• Kneel astride the victim’s hips
• Place the heel of one hand against the victim’s abdomen, slightly above the navel
• Place the other hand on top of the fist and using your body weight press into the upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust
• Repeat until object is expelled; CPR may be needed.
Heart attack
A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to some part of the heart has been cut off or severely reduced. Common symptoms of heart attack include the following:
• Pressure in the middle of the chest, sometimes a little left of the sternum; the pain is not confined to the left side of the chest.
• Sometimes the pain can come from the pit of the stomach; vomiting may accompany this pain
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Nausea/vomiting
• Weakness and dizziness
• Sensation that the heart is skipping a beat
About 40 percent of all victims of heart attacks die within the first few hours following the attack. If it is believed a person may be suffering a heart attack or if a person displays the symptoms of a possible heart attack, immediate action must be taken.
The victim should be placed in the least painful position, which is usually sitting with their legs up and bent at the knees. Loosen clothing around the neck.
If the victim loses consciousness, check for a pulse near the Adam’s apple. If there is no pulse and an AED is on site, it should be used. If necessary, CPR should be administered.
Tornadoes and severe weather emergencies
Tornadoes are short-lived local storms containing high-speed winds, usually rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. These tornadoes are often observable as a funnel-shaped cloud associated with a thunderstorm cloud. The funnel is initially composed of nothing more than condensed water vapor and is itself a cloud. However, when the circulation of the funnel reaches the ground, it usually picks up dust and debris, which eventually darkens the entire funnel. Tornado damage can occur on the ground even though the visible funnel does not seem to reach the ground.
Scientists now believe that tornadoes begin within an intense thunderstorm cloud and then develop downward to the earth’s surface. Not all thunderstorms will create tornadoes, but when the proper weather conditions are present (unseasonably warm and humid air at the earth’s surface, cold air at middle atmospheric levels, and strong upper-level “jet stream” winds), severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are more likely to occur. Tornadoes sometimes occur with several smaller vortices rotating inside and around the wall of the parent tornado.
On average, tornado paths are only a quarter of a mile wide and seldom more than 15 miles in length. Tornadoes usually move from the south, southwest, or west at about 30 mph. However, they may move as rapidly as 40 mph, in which care they are more dangerous. From April 3–4, 1974, 148 tornadoes across 13 states killed over 300 people, injured more than 6,000, and caused $600 million in damage. There were many large, long-lived tornadoes in that “super outbreak” of tornadoes. On March 18, 1925, the Tri-State Tornado traveled 219 miles across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana in 219 min and killed 689 people. A tornado’s aftermath is shown in Figure 25.1.
Tornadoes occur in many parts of the world and in all 50 states. The continental plains and Gulf Coast of the United States are most favorable for their formation. Normally, the number of tornadoes is at its lowest in the United States during December and January and at its peak in May. The greatest number of tornadoes occur in April, May, and June.
The list below is based on information from the Tornado Project with the help of a top expert in the field of tornadoes, Dr Bill McCall. It depicts the 10 worst tornadoes in US history:
1. March 1925: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana (695 dead)
2. May 1840: Louisiana, Mississippi (317 dead)
3. May 1896: Missouri, Illinois (255 dead)
4. April 1936: Missouri (216 dead)
5. April 1936: Georgia (203 dead)
6. April 1947: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas (181 dead)
7. April 1908: Louisiana, Missouri (143 dead)
8. June 1899: Wisconsin (200 dead)
9. June 1953: Michigan (115 dead)
10. May 1953: Texas (114 dead)
Tornado Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center (a national guidance center of the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma) for areas potentially threatened by tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. These watches specify a time period and an area where tornado probabilities are highest. Tornadoes may still occur outside the watch areas or time frames. Watches are relayed to National Weather Service offices and to the general public via radio and television. The watch also activates law enforcement officials, civil defense personnel, organized radio spotter groups, and others to be prepared in case a warning is issued.
A Tornado Watch means tornadoes are possible. During a watch, security personnel should notify on-site facility management representatives of the situation and watch for threatening weather.
Tornado Warnings are issued by local weather services to warn that severe thunderstorms with tornadoes may be imminent. A warning may be issued after a tornado or funnel cloud has been spotted by someone or more commonly if there are radar indications of possible tornadoes. Security personnel should always be alert to these storms whenever threatening weather conditions occur.
Tornado and severe weather emergency preparedness
Security personnel can provide a valuable service to their employers by assisting in emergency preparedness before severe weather, such as a tornado, affects an area.
A weather radio should be included in the essential equipment used by security personnel. As part of the emergency preparedness plan, certain key members of management should be notified immediately after learning that a tornado watch has been issued for the area. Notifying management personnel who are on duty that a watch is in effect allows time for certain planning decisions to be made. Even though most tornado watches do not ultimately develop into tornado warnings, some actions may need to be taken. For example:
1. A construction or maintenance manager should be advised of a watch condition because often they have personnel who work outdoors and who may even work in elevated stations. Provided these workers are aware that conditions exist for severe weather, they should have time to seek shelter if weather becomes threatening.
2. Some manufacturing facilities leave windows, doors, and even roof vents open during warm weather months to help in ventilating the facility. These openings may be chosen to be closed at the watch stage. Remember, even during tornado watches where tornadoes do not develop, severe weather such as torrential rain downpours, high winds, and lightning often occur and can cause extensive damage.
Notification of tornado warning
Tornado Warnings must be taken very seriously and action must be taken immediately to notify key management personnel and employees of the danger. Tornado Warnings are issued when either weather radar has detected a funnel cloud, or whenever an actual tornado or funnel cloud has been observed.
Tornado warnings are often issued for an entire area or county. Therefore, a warning may be issued for a county, which is often 25 square miles in size. Your facility may be 10 miles from the exact location of the tornado. This may create a dilemma for management as to whether to instruct employees to go to shelter areas or to continue operations. Once again, the key point for security personnel to remember is to notify key management personnel of the warning in order for them to make whatever decisions they deem prudent.
Shelters
In the workplace, safe shelter from possible tornado damage is not as simple as one would think. In a fire, employees would simply evacuate to the outside. But, in a tornado condition, the safest place is inside, preferably in a basement area. Facilities where several hundred or even thousands of people are working make it impractical to evacuate everyone to a basement area.
As with any emergency situation, pre-emergency preparedness planning is essential. Practical questions such as the following must be addressed before an emergency:
1. Where are safe shelters from a tornado?
2. When will a decision be made, and by whom, to enter the shelters?
3. How long do employees remain in the shelters?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration advises the following safety steps be followed in a tornado warning situation:
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Protect your head!
• In homes and small buildings, go to the basement or to an interior part of the lowest level—closets, bathrooms, or interior halls. Get under something sturdy.
• In schools, nursing homes, hospitals, factories, and shopping centers, go to predesignated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually best.
• In high-rise buildings, go to interior small rooms or hallways.
• In mobile homes or vehicles, leave them and go to a substantial structure. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert with your hands shielding your head.
Tornadoes are only one of a thunderstorm’s killers. Others include lightning, flash floods, and high winds.
Lightning safety precautions
• Stay indoors and away from electrical appliances when storms are nearby.
• If you are caught outside, stay away from metal objects.
Flash floods: Thunderstorm rains can cause flash floods. Be careful where you take shelter.
High winds: Winds are capable of causing great damage.
Large hail: Hail can be very damaging but rarely kills.
Floods
Most facilities’ property is surveyed prior to construction to be certain that the land is not part of any flood plain. Studies of previous floods are maintained by state, city, and county engineering departments. Some land areas may be built on what is called a “100-year flood plain”. Stated simply, this means the statistical probability that the land that is part of this plain will flood, on average, one time every 100 years. Other studies may indicate various areas of land that will flood more often.
In recent years, companies have gone to great lengths to ensure their buildings are not built on flood plains. The costs associated with floods, including business interruption and damaged products, are significant. Often, companies are unable to obtain flood insurance or, if they can, the insurance is very expensive.
However, even with proper building construction planning, it is obvious that not all facilities are protected from flooding. Once again, as with any potential emergency, pre-emergency planning is essential!
1. What is the likelihood of a flood at this location?
2. If early warning is given, what steps can be taken to minimize loss?
a. Can water be blocked using sandbags or other equipment?
b. Can product be protected or should it be moved off-site?
c. If a flood occurs, will employees be unable to come to work or to leave the facility?
In all likelihood, most security personnel will not become involved in flooding situations that are a result of a river flooding. More than likely, flooding situations will occur involving severe rain, which causes small nearby creeks to flood or storm sewers to backup into a facility.
Although loss of life will not usually occur as a result of the flooding of a business, product or equipment damage may be great. Computers that are located in basement areas are susceptible to water damage. Finished products should not normally be stored in basement areas. There is a much higher probability that security personnel will be confronted with rampaging water emitting from either a backed-up storm sewer, a ruptured fire protection pipe, or even a toilet that has run for several hours, rather than flooding from a river.
It is critical for security personnel to know the following:
1. Location of fire-protection shutoff valves and how to close the valves.
2. Location of plastic tarps to protect product and equipment.
3. Location of mops, brooms, and “squeegees” to clean-up excessive water.
4. Phone numbers of key management personnel who must be immediately notified.
Winter storms
In September, the sun leaves the Northern Hemisphere. Until the sun’s return in March, polar air controls the northern continental atmosphere, pushing back the tropical warmth of summer. Winter storms are generated in much the same way as spring and summer thunderstorms. Disturbances occur from cold polar air meeting warm tropical air. These disturbances may become intense low-pressure systems, churning over tens of thousands of square miles in a great counterclockwise direction.
Every winter is a bad year for some portion of the country and winter storms can kill without breaking climatological records. Snowstorm deaths are attributable to automobile and other accidents; overexertion, exhaustion, and consequent fatal heart attacks; exposure and fatal freezing; home fires; carbon monoxide poisoning in stalled cars; falls on slippery walks; electrocution from downed power lines; and building collapse.
The terms watch and warning are used for winter storms, as for other natural hazards. The watch alerts the public that a storm has formed and is approaching the area. The warning means that a storm is imminent and immediate action should be taken to protect life and property.
Security personnel should notify key management personnel of an impending storm, know where basic snow removal equipment such as brooms and shovels are located, and have the phone numbers of key management personnel and snow removal crews at immediate disposal. Personal safety precautions will be extremely important for security personnel who will need to brave the winter elements.
During winter storms, security personnel may be the only individuals at a facility, particularly if the storm occurs during a weekend. Unfortunately, the security personnel who are on-duty when the storm develops will often be required to remain at the facility for extended periods because their relief may be unable to reach the facility. There are many examples of security officers remaining at their posts for 24–48 hours without relief during winter storms. Therefore, security personnel must consider personal safety factors when preplanning for a winter storm:
1. Have your vehicle “winterized” in autumn. Be certain your vehicle is in proper working order.
2. Be certain to have your vehicle’s fuel tank full before starting out to your worksite.
a. Maintain a battery-powered flashlight and radio in your vehicle.
3. Keep some food that does not require refrigeration in your vehicle. Bread, peanut butter, canned food, beverages, and candy will suffice. (Be certain to pack a can-opener!).
4. Keep extra clothing and blankets in your vehicle.
5. Dress to fit the elements. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing in several layers; layers can be removed to prevent perspiring.
If, while on your way to work, a winter storm traps you, it is safer to remain in your vehicle than to attempt to walk to a shelter:
1. Maintain access to fresh air in your vehicle. Freezing, wet snow can completely seal the passenger compartment.
2. Run the motor and heater sparingly, and only with the downwind window open for ventilation. Make sure the tailpipe is free of obstruction. Carbon monoxide poisoning and oxygen starvation can kill quickly!
3. Exercise by clapping hands and moving arms and legs vigorously from time to time. Do not stay in one position too long.
4. Turn on the dome light at night to make the vehicle visible to work crews.
5. Keep watch. If someone else is in the vehicle with you, do not sleep at the same time.
Bomb threats
In developing a bomb threat response plan, there are four general areas of consideration:
1. Planning and preparation
2. Receiving a threat
3. Evacuation
4. Search
Planning & preparation
Only with a properly organized plan will those organizations affected by a bomb threat know how, when, and in what order to proceed. Prevention is another factor that must be stressed. By making access to a facility restrictive as possible, the likelihood of an actual bombing is greatly minimized. Tightened security and controlled entry to the facility will assist in this regard.
With a well-thought-out plan, a bomb threat situation can be resolved with a minimum of risk to people and property, while also minimizing the disruption of normal operations. Proper preparation by security personnel includes assistance in the development of the plan and the evaluation of its effectiveness.
Key management personnel must be assigned primary and alternate levels of authority in order for decisions to be made regarding the threat. Each management member of this team must be familiar with the scope and responsibility of their assignment and have full authority to make necessary decisions. Probably the most important decision to be made will be whether to evacuate or not. A single person should be given the authority to order and direct the evacuation, search, facility shutdown, re-entry of personnel, and any other emergency procedures.
Once an evacuation is ordered, the person-in-charge should be centrally located at a bomb threat control center (often, this is the security office or control center). If a mobile control center is more appropriate, primary and alternate locations should be designated for a stationary control center.
Evacuation and search teams must also be selected during the planning stages. The most likely candidates are volunteers from among those employees who work in the facility on a daily basis. Security personnel and maintenance employees are logical choices because of their knowledge of both the public and out-of-the-way areas of the facility. Usually, members of local police and fire departments can be solicited to assist in the training of the emergency team. It must be stressed that assignments need to be carried out in a swift and confident manner.
One person should be selected to serve as the media spokesperson. Although publicity in a bomb threat situation is usually not sought, a spokesperson can ensure the availability of accurate information to media representatives and could help prevent additional bomb threats resulting from publicizing erroneous information.
Receiving a threat
In pre-emergency planning for a possible bomb threat, which usually occurs over the telephone, all personnel who answer incoming calls should be supplied with a bomb threat checklist. (See Homeland Security Checklist.) When a bomb threat is received, it may be advisable for the person receiving the call to give a prearranged signal. This would allow monitoring of the call by more than one person. Because this may be sometimes difficult to accomplish, serious consideration should be given to recording all incoming telephone calls. Federal law allows for this type of recording because one party (the company receiving the call) agrees to the tape recording. Applicable state laws should be reviewed prior to installing tape recording devices on telephones.
Although comprising a smaller percentage of bomb threats, the written threat must be evaluated as carefully as one received over the telephone. Written bomb threats often provide excellent document-type evidence. Once a written threat is received, further handling should be avoided to preserve fingerprints, handwriting, typewriting, postmarks, and other markings for appropriate examination. It is imperative to save all items connected with the bomb threat document. Bomb threats may also be received by email or package. The email(s) should be saved and suspicious packages evaluated. (See Homeland Security Checklist at the end of the chapter.)
After a bomb threat is received, the next step is to immediately notify the people responsible for carrying out the bomb threat response plan. It is important during pre-emergency planning that a list of these individuals and outside agencies be prepared and readily available. These emergency phone numbers should include key management personnel, as well as police, fire, FBI, utility company, etc. Some facilities may now be equipped with a notification system such as Incident Watch (www.riskwatch.com) that automatically notifies all staff on a predetermined list by phone, email, and text in the event of an emergency. The system is activated by one call to a specified number. This number will normally be posted in close proximity to the phone and in the post orders.
Once received, the bomb threat must be evaluated. During the decision-making process, all threats should be treated as though they involved an actual bomb. The more specific a threat is, the more likely it is that an actual explosive device exists. This type of threat usually provides information regarding the bomb, its placement, rationale for the attack, and when the bomb is going to explode. The type of threat that is not specific, but just merely states that a bomb has been placed in a facility, will normally not involve an actual explosive device.
The most common reasons for a person making a bomb threat are:
1. They want to disrupt normal activities.
2. The caller has definite knowledge of the bomb and wants to reduce the risk of injury.
Terrorists usually select a target according to the potential publicity and political or psychological gain that might be achieved by a bombing. Generally, terrorist bombings are meant to destroy property; however, this is not always true. Criminal bombers select targets for a variety of reasons, which include revenge, extortion, and intimidation.
Evacuation
Once the credibility of the threat has been evaluated, it is necessary to determine what action, if any, should be taken regarding an evacuation. It is necessary to determine whether to:
1. Take no action.
2. Search without evacuation.
3. Initiate a partial evacuation.
4. Conduct a complete evacuation and search.
To avoid any possibility of risk and possible litigation from a charge of negligence, a policy to evacuate any time a threat is received could be made during pre-emergency planning. However, because most threats are hoaxes, such a policy could result in considerable production downtime and would be costly. Many threats are pranks perpetrated by employees or students who know that once a threat is received a complete evacuation of the facility will occur. A more viable alternative is to evaluate each bomb threat on its own merits and evacuate if only deemed necessary.
In order to establish an orderly evacuation, the following items should be enacted:
1. Post evacuation maps which show at least two ways to quickly evacuate a facility.
2. Establish an evacuation signal or alarm system.
3. Select and train evacuation teams. Training should include the control and direction of personnel during an evacuation. Properly trained teams familiar with evacuation procedures, possible hazards, and primary and secondary evacuation routes will greatly assist in an actual evacuation. Evacuation and search team members should wear some sort of identification (i.e., baseball hats) that indicates their authority.
4. Establish areas outside the facility where personnel are to gather and to wait for further instructions. Develop procedures for knowing all personnel are out of the building. Consideration has to be given to visitors at the facility and for employees who may be absent from work on the day of the evacuation.
5. Provide for effective communications through use of two-way radios or telephone communication.
6. Determine procedures for shutting off certain utilities, such as natural gas.
7. Before leaving office space, employees should unlock doors, desks, lockers and file cabinets, and turn off machinery. Lights should be left on. People who are evacuating should remove all purses, briefcases, personal packages, and lunch boxes, which may cause added distraction during the search process. As a precaution, windows and doors should be opened to ventilate and minimize destruction in the event of an explosion.
Search
A decision needs to be made as to whether a search will be conducted in the open with everyone’s knowledge and whether or not the search will be initiated prior to an evacuation. A discrete search, where few employees are notified of the threat, allows for less panic and the continuation of business. Individuals on the search team should be instructed to search their own work areas looking for strange or suspicious objects that appear out of place.
Many factors regarding the search should be considered during the pre-emergency preparedness planning stage:
1. Select search teams. A practical and effective approach is to select employees who are familiar with specific areas of the facility. Floor area wardens may also be designated to direct specific floor or area searches and relay information to the control center.
2. Train search teams in thorough search procedures. Searchers should familiarize themselves with normal building sights and sounds.
3. Determine search sequence and procedures. The usual search sequence is to start on the outside and work toward the inside. Once inside, start at the lowest level and work upward.
4. Designate control center locations and control center operators.
5. Provide for bomb disposal, firefighting, rescue, medical, and other emergency assistance.
6. Maintain strict key control. Availability of master keys is important because limited access is a common obstacle to speedy searches.
If a suspicious object is located, do not touch it and do not assume that it is the only device. Note its location, description, and proximity to utility lines (gas, water, and electric). Relay this information to the control center. A discovery of this object does not end the search. More objects may be found. The entire facility must be completely inspected.
Because a thorough search can be lengthy, fatigue is an important consideration. Effective training will help lessen the effect of hours of tedious searching. If a prolonged search is unavoidable, search teams should be given break periods.
Suspicious packages
Boston Marathon bombing April 15, 2013
During the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, two pressure-cooker bombs exploded, killing three people and injuring an estimated 264 others. The bombs exploded about 13 seconds and 210 yards (190 m) apart, near the finish line on Boylston Street. Officials swept the area for bombs twice before the explosions; the second sweep occurred 1 hour before the bombs went off. People were able to come and go freely and carry bags and items in and out of the area. The Boston Marathon bombing is concerning for two reasons:
1. It is a recent act of terrorism committed against citizens of the United States.
2. The area immediately surrounding the location of the bombing had been searched twice prior to the explosions. In public settings, it is increasingly difficult to identify suspicious packages.
Each security officer will face a unique situation as he or she completes his or her required patrols. Hospitals, college campuses, industrial facilities, retail areas, and entertainment complexes all present significant, individualized challenges with regard to making sure no suspicious packages are left in place without investigation. Each officer should familiarize himself or herself with areas routinely patrolled so that he or she has knowledge of what is normal.
If a suspicious package is found, the officer should keep his or her distance from the package. Do not approach or tamper with it in any way. Follow the guidelines as stated in the on-site post orders. This will usually involve notifying a supervisor or other designated employee who will make the decision about notifying authorities and whether an evacuation is necessary.
Chemical spills
In recent years, environmental protection has received increased attention from most businesses as well as local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. With various “right to know” laws designed to protect employees, visitors, and emergency response personnel, most organizations have taken the necessary pre-emergency planning steps to minimize chemical leaks and or spills. However, accidents and incidents will occur, and often security personnel will be required to be involved in the emergency response to a chemical spill.
The first consideration for security personnel is to learn as much information as possible about the various chemicals and other materials used at the facility. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are required to be available at various locations at a facility for employees to review if they desire. These MSDSs provide information on a particular chemical or material, such as:
1. Is the material flammable?
2. How corrosive is the material to the skin?
3. What to do if the material touches the skin, mouth eyes, etc.
4. What to do if the material is inhaled
5. Is personal protective equipment such as gloves, face shields, boots, coats, aprons, and self-contain breathing apparatus required to be worn by a person when handling the material?
6. What to do if a spill occurs
It is extremely important for security personnel to know where the MSDS are stored. These should normally be found in the post orders. In the event of an emergency that does not involve a spill but may involve a fire, emergency responders will want to know precisely what chemicals are used at the facility and their exact location.
Usually if a spill occurs during normal operations, security personnel will be basically responsible for notifying emergency response units and for directing them to the spill location. However, if a spill or leak is discovered over a weekend, holiday, or other facility shutdown time, on-duty security personnel will need to implement the Emergency Preparedness plan.
If a security officer discovers a possible spill, it is critical that they use extreme caution in attempting to evaluate the seriousness of the situation. To simply enter a spill area without personal protective equipment or without knowledge of the source of the spill is extremely foolish. It puts not only the health and safety of the security officer at risk but also further endangers the facility!
If a spill is suspected, attempt to first determine what might be the source. Are you familiar with the material used in the area? Can you see the container or pipes near the spill? Can you read any warning signs or numbers? Can you smell anything? What does it smell like? Can you see condensation or a fog-like mist? What can you hear?
Key management officials responsible for controlling a spill should be notified immediately, whether you are still unsure as to the source and type of spill or know for certain. Continue to contact management personnel until you have received appropriate instructions. At some facilities, security personnel may be required and expected to notify outside emergency services prior to contacting local management. However, if in doubt, security personnel should first attempt to notify a key management official.
Once a management official has been notified, security personnel may be expected to attempt to contain the spill or leak. Never attempt to contain a significant spill or leak unless you have been properly trained in the use of personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus. However, if properly trained, security personnel may be able to contain the spill by using a clay-like substance or other absorbing material, which will serve to absorb the material.
Security personnel may be instructed by the management representative, or if outlined in writing in the Emergency Preparedness plan, to contact the local fire department or Hazardous Material Response team. At this time, an evacuation of the facility and adjacent homes and businesses may be ordered. Again, each facility’s emergency response to a chemical spill will vary depending upon the material which has been spilled, the amount of the spill, the toxicity of the material, and the instructions detailed in the pre-emergency planning stages.
At all times, the safety of personnel is the single most important element in responding to a chemical spill. Failure to use personal protective equipment has injured and killed many emergency responders who failed to evaluate the situation prior to entering the contaminated area. Even if a rescue of another person is necessary, be certain that appropriate safeguards are taken into consideration before rushing into an emergency.
Summary
In planning any response to an emergency, the first question that must be addressed is in identifying the objectives of the emergency plan. An emergency plan must be developed and detailed in writing to address a variety of emergencies that might affect an organization.
The written plan should identify the following:
1. An Emergency Plan Director or Coordinator
2. An Emergency Preparedness Team
Detailed instructions addressing emergencies such as fire, serious injury, tornadoes and severe weather, floods, winter storms, bomb threats, civil disturbance, and chemical spills are just some of the emergencies that could affect an organization and that should be addressed.
The safety of individuals and protection of property are the essential objectives of any effective emergency preparedness plan. A great deal of time in planning for a possible emergency is required to insure a proper response in an actual emergency.
In planning any response to an emergency the first goal is to identify the objectives of the plan. Generally, the overall objective of any emergency plan is to:
Protect the lives of all employees, visitors, and nearby residents of the facility as well as all property and physical assets belonging to the organization
Provide a minimum amount of disruption in the daily operation of the business
Restore the daily routine and operation of the business as soon as possible
Provide outside agencies such as local police and fire departments with information and resources that allow them to carry out their duties and responsibilities without delay.
• Organizations that fail to take the necessary time to properly prepare for an emergency will normally suffer greater loss and possible embarrassment during an emergency than those organizations that have a well-defined, comprehensive, and tested emergency plan.
• An Emergency Plan Director or Coordinator must be identified as the person primarily responsible for initiating the plan. Each shift must have a designated coordinator and alternates in the event of absence from the facility by the primary coordinator.
• After a plan has been written to address various emergencies, this plan should be communicated to all employees. Every member of the Emergency Team must know their assignment in dealing with each type of emergency.
Review of security officers role in an emergency
Although the duties and responsibilities for security officers in dealing with an emergency will vary between companies, for the most part, security officers are responsible for ensuring the following:
• Assisting in pre-emergency planning
• Notifying emergency services
• Notifying first-aid responders
• Providing first aid and CPR
• Announcing emergency instructions over the public address system
• Documenting the emergency events
Exercises
1. What are the benefits of well-prepared emergency plans?
2. Why are clear-cut responsibilities important in response to emergencies?
3. Describe the steps suggested to deal with the following injuries: electrical shock, bleeding, choking, burns, and heart attacks.
4. What vital role can security personnel play in assisting an organization with emergency preparedness?
5. What steps should be taken when dealing with a bomb threat?
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