Last week, we discussed the need for a balanced approach to disaster preparedness. There must be balance both between cyber and physical security, and between pre- and post-disaster planning. When reviewing pre-disaster planning, security managers must also be mindful of their facility's physical security. This week, let's look at some specific things security managers can do to achieve a balanced, comprehensive disaster prevention and mitigation (DPM) plan.

Security Considerations

Those responsible for security need to consider such issues as computer security, perimeter control, asset protection, business continuity and risk management. They should ensure that their organization's DPM plan addresses the following issues:

• Access: All building entrances and any other access to physical facilities must be controlled.
• Alarms: Alarm systems in high value storage areas and electronic monitoring of specific important pieces of equipment must act as a second line of defense to enhanced perimeter security.
• Surveillance: Replace surveillance cameras that rely on videotape with digital video. This will enhance the efficiency of archival monitoring and make it possible to integrate video input into broader digital security databases.
• Generators: As demonstrated by Hurricane Katrina, electrical generators that operate on diesel, propane or natural gas are essential. Gasoline-powered generators are less valuable due to limited storage capacity and the relatively short shelf life of gasoline. Generators should be hard-wired to building systems utilizing automatic transfer switches so that employees will not need to manually operate equipment.
• Supplies: Store on-site emergency medical supplies, food, water and communications gear to support an extended stay at the facility by staff in a major emergency. These supplies could include:
  • Unisex clothing, such as jumpsuit coveralls and sturdy footwear to protect against leaking water and debris;
  • Portable cook stoves;
  • Sealed drums of potable water; and
  • Sufficient supply of chemical toilets.

  It's essential that employees receive pre-disaster training in the use of this equipment.

• Security Design Review: Your DPM plan should include a review of how security/safety measures can be implemented incrementally over the coming five years during routine building renovation and redesign. You can reduce costs and shorten pay-back periods by integrating security measures into facility upgrades. This will also reassure staff that management is doing everything necessary to protect them against disaster.

4 Ways to Build-in Safety and Security

Building-in safety and security limits the risk of injury and property damage. It also protects access to computer systems thereby making it possible to recover more quickly from disruptive events. There are many ways to build safety and security into an organization's physical environment. Here are just four examples:

1. Install security window film: Okay. I admit I'm biased, but security window film and laminated glass can strengthen windows to withstand hurricane driven wind-blown debris that can cause glass shards to strike building occupants. Security window film helps windows withstand earthquake stress, accidental and intended impact and explosive force.

2. Secure equipment and furniture: Facilities in areas prone to earthquakes should secure large file cabinets, shelving and equipment to the walls or floors to prevent injury when seismic events occur. By securing objects, you'll also reduce the risk of injury if hurricane or tornado force winds penetrate building interiors.

3. Create safe rooms: Rooms securely shielded from the elements offer protection against hurricane and tornado force winds and can be constructed to secure key executives from attempted abduction. To reduce cost, an existing interior restroom can be retrofitted as a safe room. Provisions should be made to store emergency supplies in that location. In larger facilities it may be necessary to retrofit several restrooms or other spaces to provide adequate staff protection.

4. Use aesthetics to enhance security & safety: Building-in security and safety does not have to compromise a facility's aesthetic character. You can prevent some electronic eavesdropping with ordinary-looking electronic signal-blocking window glass, or use heavy flower containers, decorative fountains and ornamental fencing to defend building entrances. For effective and aesthetically pleasing results, engage a security firm employing experts in both security and building and landscape design.

Your DPM plan should identify and prioritize which renovations and redesigns to the physical facility need to be made, and the equipment and supplies to be purchased. Most importantly, the DPM plan should assign responsibility to specific individuals and departments for the implementation of the steps that need to be taken.

Conclusion

Needless to say, full coordination and ongoing communication between those responsible for DPM and DR planning is essential. You also need the commitment and support of top management to overcome turf battles among those departments responsible for carrying out the wide range of security initiatives. Anything less than the enthusiastic commitment of an organization's leadership increases the likelihood of failure and impedes the clear establishment of lines of accountability necessary to achieve successful implementation of the program.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK

Playground Safety

After viewing your article last week on children's outdoor swing sets, I would like to add that people should be aware of, and careful of, some of the preservatives and water-proofing solutions available for use on outdoor wooden children's play and lawn furniture and decks. Many of these products are arsenic based and have potent fungicidal and pesticide properties. The large outdoor gym set-ups, which are very popular these days, should be inspected by parents, guardians and other responsible parties, for the kind of preservatives present and those to be used to maintain them.

As well, it's a good idea to scrutinize the kinds of primers and paints used to maintain and beautify metal and wooden children's toys and outdoor activity equipment and furniture. We are all aware of the terrible toll of sick and injured children each year due to poisoning in the household but a great many are in the yard. Weed-killers used on our lawns and around lawn furniture and patios are particularly nasty for children and pets, but are often ignored or not appreciated as a potential hazard. A significant number of adults are also poisoned by using and paints and preservatives improperly, in poorly ventilated areas and without proper PPE. Work safe, play safe and have a great summer.

Robert Hogan
P.M. Inspector
Electrical Department
IOCC
N.L.

Do you have a safety tip you'd like to share with the members of SafetyXChange? Send them to catherinej@bongarde.com and let us know if we can use your name and company  name.

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