Page 15 - Campus Security & Life Safety, September 2017

“The protocol for sending an emergency message in use on April 16 was cumbersome, untimely, and problematic when a decision was needed as soon as possible. The police did not have the capability to send an emergency alert message on their own. The police had to await the deliberations of the Policy Group, of which they are not a member, even when minutes count. The Policy Group had to be convened to decide whether to send a message to the univer- sity community and to structure its content.”
Another critical aspect that can help first responders in a worst-case scenario is making maps and other diagrams of campuses avail- able. Even if an organization is in sync with public safety leaders in the planning process, those officers and firefighters first arriving at a scene may not know where to respond. The ability to quickly access a building layout is essential for saving lives when seconds count.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
No matter how robust an organization’s plans might be in dealing with a variety of disasters, they are virtually worthless if they are never practiced. In addition to holding at least two internal tabletop training exercises per year covering all possible scenarios, organizations should try to hold one major response table- top or full-scale exercise that incorporates public safety personnel.
Tabletop exercises simulate a real-life event, complete with stressors that can be rep- licated over and over. It forces people to think on their toes and revert back to established protocols in order to take the next step of the training event. There may even be some issues brought to forefront as a result of holding the exercise that no one was aware of previously. Organizations that conduct tabletops are gen- erally able to respond better during an actual emergency because their plans have been tested and employees or students have prac- ticed how to respond.
Additionally, holding regular drills, say for sheltering in place during severe weather or for fire evacuations, should take place at least once a month. This takes little time, can be very basic in nature, and keeps folks aware of where they need go in the event of an actual emergency.
LEVERAGE NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Technology continues to shape every indus- try and security is no exception. As the development of mass notification and other emergency communication systems contin- ues to evolve, being able to utilize the newest systems and devices will only help organiza-
tions improve their response during emer- gencies of all types. The capability to track and locate all people on a given campus in real time by simply using smartphones and then integrate that information with existing access control, video surveillance and other security systems installed within a facility is available today.
Putting this type of data at the fingertips of first responders will undoubtedly save lives in the future. Every organization owes it to their stakeholders to explore these technologies, learn how they can put them to use in their
own facilities and mitigate against potential tragedies down the line.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower was once quoted as saying “plans are useless, but plan- ning is indispensable.” Truer words have never been spoken when it
comes to developing and implementing emergency response protocols.
Jana Rankin is the co- founder and CEO of VuTeur.
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CAMPUS SECURITY & LIFE SAFETY