Editor's Letter

In This Summer of Discontent Limit Impact of Potential Disasters

With the Iraq War lumbering into its fourth year and the Israelis fighting in Lebanon again, it seems the Middle East and much of the rest of the world is sinking further into despair and desperation in this summer of discontent.

With the five-year anniversary of Sept. 11 looming, the threat of another terror attack on our soil has to be taken seriously. No matter what side of the political fence you sit on, it’s time to re-evaluate any disaster recovery plans you may have for your facility.

If you don’t have a plan, the time to get one is now. With hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, tsunamis and other natural phenomena posing their own threats, industrial, institutional and commercial facilities are more likely to survive if a pre-disaster program of physical security is in place prior to disaster.

According to Marty Watts, president & CEO of V-Kool, Inc., a distributor of security and energy efficient applied window film, security managers need to realize that a comprehensive disaster prevention/mitigation plan recognizes threats from those who would intentionally disrupt business and take lives, as well as the risks from business interruptions caused by natural disasters and catastrophic accidents.

A disaster prevention/mitigation plan and a disaster recovery plan need to be integrated in a security program that sets up a course of action to prevent and mitigate disruptive events with steps to be taken in the event such an incident occurs.

It’s a mouthful, I know, but those responsible for security need to address such issues as computer security, perimeter control, asset protection, business continuity and risk management. Watts says the following suggestions should be among those considered in any organization’s physical security plan.

• Controlled access to all building entrances. In the rush to focus on IT security, controlling access to physical facilities should not be discounted in evaluating threat scenarios.
• 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.
• Replacing surveillance cameras relying on videotape with digital video will make possible more efficient archival monitoring as well as allow the integration of video input into broader digital security databases.
• Storing on-site emergency medical supplies, food, water and communications gear should support an extended stay at the facility by staff in a major emergency. Portable cook stoves, sealed drums of potable water and sufficient numbers of chemical toilets should be available. Pre-disaster training of employees in the use of this equipment is essential.
• The ability to integrate security measures into facility upgrades reduces cost and shortens pay back periods. In addition, taking such steps will reassure staff that management is doing all that is necessary for their protection and well being in the event that disaster strikes.

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

I’m more of a realist, than a pessimist, but I don’t think my concerns about global security are excessive. It’s times and issues like these when it’s wholly appropriate to “think globally and act locally.”

For more on emergency preparedness and disaster mitigation, check out our website, www.fsmmag.com  and V-Kool’s site at www.v-kool-usa.com.

Thanks and good luck.