Spring weather in the Midwest and Great Lakes can be especially fast-changing and unsettled. Such conditions can lead to risks due to wind, hail, heavy rain, and even tornadoes. Taking simple precautions can help managers and supervisors prevent accidents and injuries.

Spring Storms

Per the National Weather Service (NWS), severe thunderstorms are storms capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Hail this size can damage property such as plants, roofs, and vehicles. Wind this strong can break off large branches, knock over trees or cause structural damage to trees. Some severe thunderstorms can produce hail larger than softballs or winds over 100 mph, so please pay attention to the weather, so you know when severe storms are possible. Thunderstorms also produce tornadoes and dangerous lightning; heavy rain can cause flash flooding. In severe weather, security personnel are advised to head indoors, away from exterior doors and windows, and listen for weather alerts and updates.

Driving Safety

Slips can happen when entering and exiting your vehicle, so be cautious. Use a three-point stance when getting in and out of your vehicle. Use a grab-bar or door frame for stability. Be aware that the vehicle itself can lose traction, causing uncontrolled skids.

• When roads are slick or wet, slow down, leave extra following distance between yourself and other cars, and do not make sudden vehicular movements.
• If you begin to skid, turn the wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go. Ease your foot off the accelerator, and do not hit the brakes.
• Know the weather conditions and visibility you will encounter and plan ahead.
• Inspect your vehicle for proper equipment, including tires, lights, and windshield wipers.
• Keep lights, windows, and mirrors clean. This is especially important in low visibility situations such as heavy rain, darkness, or fog.
• If pulling over due to an emergency, increase your visibility to passing traffic. Activate the vehicle’s hazard warning lights, wear your safety vest, set up a warning triangle or flares, and assume that oncoming traffic does not see you.

Final Tip: Whether on foot or in a vehicle, high winds can produce debris or indicate worsening weather. Take shelter and take care during severe weather!

Additional Resources

Stay aware of changing weather conditions. Consider signing up for weather alerts from:

• The City of Chicago’s Notify Chicago
• National Weather Service (NWS)

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

Now that COVID-19 vaccinations have been authorized and recommended for use in the United States, accurate vaccine information is critical. To help prepare and educate the public, the Centers for Disease Control and Preparation (CDC) has listed myths and facts about COVID-19 vaccines to help understand what information is credible and accurate. Below are six myths and facts about the COVID-19 vaccine for you to consider.

How do I know which sources of COVID-19 vaccine information are accurate?

It can be difficult to know which sources of information you can trust. Learn more about finding credible vaccine information.

1.) Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?

No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

There are several different types of vaccines in development. All of them teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity (protection against the virus that causes COVID-19) after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

2.) After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?

No. Neither the recently authorized and recommended vaccines nor the other COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.​

If your body develops an immune response—the goal of vaccination—there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.

3.) If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible—although rare—that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again. Learn more about why getting vaccinated is a safer way to build protection than getting infected.

If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Experts are still learning more about how long vaccines protect against COVID-19 in real-world conditions. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

4.) Will a COVID-19 vaccination protect me from getting sick with COVID-19?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccination works by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19.

Being protected from getting sick is important because even though many people with COVID-19 have only a mild illness, others may get a severe illness, have long-term health effects, or even die. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you, even if you don’t have an increased risk of developing severe complications. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

5.) Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?

No. COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.

There are currently two types of COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized for use in the United States: messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and viral vector vaccines.

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines, which teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. The mRNA from a COVID-19 vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. This means the mRNA cannot affect or interact with our DNA in any way. Instead, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease. Learn more about how COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work. ​

Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a viral vector vaccine. Viral vector vaccines use a modified version of a different, harmless virus (the vector) to deliver important instructions to our cells to start building protection. The instructions are delivered in the form of genetic material. This material does not integrate into a person’s DNA. These instructions tell the cell to produce a harmless piece of virus that causes COVID-19. This is a spike protein and is only found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. This triggers our immune system to recognize the virus that causes COVID-19 and to begin producing antibodies and activating other immune cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection. Learn more about how viral vector vaccines work.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infection from COVID-19. That immune response and the antibodies that our bodies make protect us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.

6.) Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day?

Yes. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you may receive a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to you.

There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines.

Like all vaccines, scientists are studying COVID-19 vaccines carefully for side effects now and will continue to study them for many years.

Additional Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccination
• Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines

As the City of Chicago, and surrounding areas continue to navigate through the current winter storm warning, Titan Security remains positioned to support our clients during these challenging times.

• Titan’s 24/7 Security Operations Center is active with additional operators to take all calls at any time and can be reached at (312) 902-3400.  
• Extra Titan Field Supervisors in marked vehicles have been deployed to respond to incidents and support onsite staff members.
• Additional trained backup staff have been identified to provide support, if necessary.  
• Titan’s Director of Emergency Management Services, former OEMC, Certified Emergency Manager, is leading our communication efforts including gathering and providing information to our clients and team members.
• Titan’s Managers including Senior Leadership team members are active and visiting sites to support staff and clients.
• Titan Electronics Service Technicians are active and available to service any electronic security equipment that may have been impacted by the winter storm.
• Titan is working with our active CPD partners to provide Off-Duty Law Enforcement support.

Per the National Weather Service, the winter storm warning remains in effect until Noon, Tuesday, February 16th.  In response to the winter storm warning, Titan’s managers may be required to take extraordinary measures including but not limited to the items below, which may result in additional billing for our services during this time:

• Transporting security officers to and from work in company and personal vehicles;
• Arranging ride share or taxis for security officers to and from work;
• Coordinating parking for security officers that were able to drive to work; and
• Modifying schedules to ensure coverage is in place, even if it required overtime.

As we continue to experience these challenging winter weather conditions, the safety of Titan’s employees, as well as the safety of our clients and their visitors, remains Titan’s top priority.  Please refer to Titan’s cold weather safety tips on the news and resource section of our website. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding security coverage or Titan’s Winter Weather Support, please contact your Titan representative or the Titan office at (312) 902-3400.  We will continue to communicate with you via email and at https://marksmantitan.wpengine.com/news-and-resources/.

When winter weather conditions become severe, it’s essential to prepare for any potential safety risks. Here are seven tips to help keep you safe and aware in preparation of dangerous weather conditions. 

1) Look for Weather Forecast Updates

• Check www.weather.gov for weather updates.
• Look for winter weather warnings; warnings are searchable by local climate and are issued when significant snow and/or wind chills are expected.

2) Dress Warmly

• Dress in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer.
• When it is cold, wear a hat and gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf or facemask.
• Wear warm and waterproof footwear. When temperatures are very low, or the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. For any exposed areas, such as the ears, nose, fingers, and toes, lose heat the fastest.

3) Plan Ahead

• Develop a cold-weather safety plan in advance to ensure safety concerns are addressed when it’s extremely cold or when the wind chills are significant. 

4) Limit Time Outside

• When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit your time outdoors.

5) Stay Dry

• Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
• Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.

6) Keep Active When Outside

• Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.

7) Be Aware

• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
• Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly, and those with circulation problems.

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

Referred to by law enforcement as vehicular hijacking, the crime of carjacking is on the rise in many urban areas. Chicago in particular saw approximately 700 cases in 2019, 1400 cases in 2020, and 150 cases in January of 2021. Here are safety tips to help keep you and your vehicle safe, as well as what to do if you are unfortunately the victim of a carjacking. Drivers should always maintain situational awareness and pay special attention to any suspicious persons loitering in the area.

Tips to Prevent Carjacking

• Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended
• Do not leave your vehicle keys or fob in the vehicle
• Drivers should keep doors and windows locked when in the vehicle
• Keep any bags or valuables out of view
• Never leaving any children or pets unattended in a vehicle for any period of time
• Drive away from any potentially threatening situation
• Offenders tend to be males in groups of 2-4, often in their teens
• Often victims are parked and sitting in the car
• Keep adequate distance from the car in front of you to not get blocked in

What Carjackers Are Looking For

• Gas stations
• Curbside pickup locations
• Desolate intersections with stop lights
• Parking garages
• Residential driveways
• Highway exit ramps

What To Do if It Happens

• Know your license plate and VIN number
• If the victim of an attempted carjacking, get kids or pets out first, relinquish the car
• Do not argue and move away from the vehicle
• Note getaway car and direction of flight to share with 911
• Provide a detailed description of the offender(s), including any vehicle description and license plate information

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided best practices and guidance related to suspicious items or suspicious activities. Explosive devices were among the hazards present during last week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol building. And as with any potential or actual incident, all suspicious activity or threat information should be immediately sent to local law enforcement agencies. Criminals or terrorists sometimes conceal improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in backpacks, suitcases, or other common items. If an item is determined to be Hidden, Obviously Suspicious, and Not Typical (aka “HOT”), use the “RAIN” process to safely determine if an item is a serious threat or just unattended. If an item is determined to be suspicious, you should:

• Recognize the Indicators of a Suspected Explosive Device
• Avoid the Area
• Isolate the Suspected Item
• Notify Emergency Services (911)

In addition, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) stands ready to support our partners to address any ongoing improvised explosive device security concerns. A wide range of resources are available to facilitate the sharing of threat and incident information, assist in decision-making, and enhance security capabilities. The following provides web-based entry points for seeking security assistance and access to various Counter-IED resources:

CISA Office for Bombing Prevention Resources

• Suspicious vs. Unattended (HOT/RAIN) Card: Unattended vs. Suspicious Item Postcard and Poster | CISA
• Bomb Threat Guidance: DHS-DOJ Bomb Threat Guidance | CISA
• Bomb Making Materials Awareness Program: The RACK Card and Employee Card are well suited for businesses, both attached
• What To Do: Video Series: Training Video Series (dhs.gov)
• VBIED Parked Vehicles Identification Flip Card: VBIED Identification Card (dhs.gov)
• Office for Bombing Prevention: www.dhs.gov/obp | [email protected] and TRIPwire website: https://tripwire.dhs.gov/

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

Thought Leadership by Tom Henkey

Director of Emergency Management, Titan Security Group

Let’s face it, not many of us are going to miss 2020. It has been a brutal year in so many ways – a pandemic, economic collapse, a bitter election cycle. If it were possible to push an enormous “societal reset” button to welcome 2021, most of us would leap at the opportunity.

Make no mistake, our largest challenges will not disappear simply because the calendar changes. The same challenges will be waiting for us on January 1. And regardless of political affiliation, those in the safety and security field should accept neither excuses for failure nor lowered expectations in addressing critical challenges.

Leaders should rather be ready to address multiple high-priority challenges head on, on day one.

Effective COVID response: the COVID-19 pandemic will not magically disappear merely because one or more effective vaccines have been identified. Despite the herculean scientific effort that was required to develop multiple inoculations, significant difficulties remain ahead. Effective hygiene, social distancing, and mask-wearing will continue to be required for months. The raw logistical hurdles to safely and effectively vaccinate hundreds of millions of people are daunting. Widespread disinformation and distrust continue to swirl around any vaccine effort, particularly in such a politically charged environment. We will win the fight against this virus, but it is not over yet.

Prepare for natural hazards: A virus is not the only hazard we are facing. The range of challenges facing us in 2021 certainly includes extreme weather. An utterly unprecedented hurricane season battered Latin America, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast. Wildfires simultaneously scorched an unprecedented amount of acreage in the Western U.S. These issues are neither regional nor temporary, and must be addressed much more coherently and competently going forward. National and international efforts will be required to effectively counter the impacts posed by climate change and the next pandemic (because there will be a next pandemic).

Prepare for human-caused hazards: Despite years of promises by politicians of all stripes, our critical infrastructure continues to be in dire need of maintenance and repair. These crucial structures, utilities, and technologies are simply too important to ignore any longer. Domestic terrorism has undergone an atmospheric rise in both frequency and death toll in recent years – a trend which will accelerate further without truly decisive action. And international terrorism has been in a period of relative calm, but must not be discounted as a future threat.

Demand qualified agency leaders: Precisely because of the challenges noted above, stellar leadership is required within the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. Organizations must provide fearless leadership in 2021, on issues ranging from the pandemic to terrorism. Emergency management and homeland security leaders must be honest, competent, and transparent. Nothing less is acceptable to the professionals who have dedicated their careers to public safety – nor should it be acceptable to the public itself. When the stakes are this high, failure must not be normalized.

Relight the economic engine: If we manage to get this daunting list right from start to finish, we have a chance to witness a truly historic economic recovery take place. Make no mistake, we are in the midst of a deep recession – it is simply impacting the economy unevenly, with some sectors bearing the brunt of the damage. If we are collectively able to break the back of the pandemic, and to display effective leadership in addressing both natural and human-caused hazards, the broader economy will come roaring back. The broader markets love predictability, and employees are particularly motivated to get back to work. Rarely have the challenges in an economic downturn been so clearly defined and identifiable.

Yes, 2020 has been a year to forget in many ways. Yet 2021 can be made memorable – historic, really – for all the right reasons. We just have to be ready to put in the work, and set our expectations high.

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

Titan Security is proud to partner with our public-sector safety agencies to identify potentially disruptive activity in and around the Chicago Loop. Please monitor this space for updates as they become available.

Anticipated Demonstration Activities

• 12/04 @ 9:00am, 659 W Washington (Family Planning Associates), Group will gather for their cause “Spreading Christmas Joy and Hope for Women that there are Options Besides Abortion”
• 12/04 @ 12:00pm, 123 N Wacker (Australian Consulate), Group will gather for their cause “S.O.S. from Australia”
• 12/04 @ 6:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group may gather for their event “Teen Trend Meet Up”
• 12/05 @ 10:00am, 120 E Delaware (Four Seasons), Group will gather for their cause “Crash Heartland Holiday Fundraiser – Heartland Alliance Jails Kids 4 Money”
• 12/08 @ 5:00pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park), Group will gather for their cause “A Chorus for All: Singing for the Freedom to Vote”
• 12/10 @ 4:30pm, 140 E Oak Street, Group will gather for their cause “Fur Protest”
• 12/13 @ 12:00pm, 101 W Ida B Wells (DHS Office), Group will gather for their cause “Protect Immigrant Workers! Rally for Worker Protection”
• 12/18 @ 12:00pm, 806 N Michigan (Water Tower Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “International Migrants Day: Rally on Climate, Immigration & Labor”
• 12/31 @ 5:00pm, 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza), Group will gather/ride for their cause “Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan”

Safety Tips Near/During Protests

• If you see something suspicious, report it
• Carry water and stay hydrated
• Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
• Utilize the buddy system
• Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
• Leave any valuables at home
• Do not jump any barricades
• Secure handbags and wallets
• Stay calm and pleasant
• Follow your own instincts
• Leave yourself room to move quickly

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

To help prepare for the evolving set of challenges we face concerning buildings and restaurants’ security and safety, here are some tips to consider per the Department of Homeland Security. Although there are no credible or imminent threats, buildings and restaurants should consider implementing protective measures to reduce the risk of harm.

Protecting Buildings During Public Demonstrations 
 
To mitigate potentially adverse effects when individuals commit unlawful acts during or concurrent with public demonstrations, building managers and operators should consider:

• Closing their business for the day
• Identifying scheduled local demonstrations and adjusting business hours
• Maintaining emergency plans that include evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures
• If businesses are tenants, working with building owners on security preparations, to include shutting down power, water, and ventilation
• Removing valuables from plain view and increasing the visual security of your business to deter a criminal act
• Establishing perimeters around the facility to restrict access
• Within the perimeter, removing items that could be thrown through windows and locking trash receptacles
• Blocking access to non-window openings such as mechanical vents to prevent forcible entry
• Securing and monitoring emergency exit doors
• Purchasing general liability and property insurance to cover loss, damage, or theft
• Avoiding the obstruction or provocation of protesters
• Ensuring closed-circuit television cameras are operable and the facility is properly lighted
• Hiring security guards and increasing security presence during demonstrations

 
Protecting Customers in Outdoor Eating Venues
 
An increasing number of restaurants and other eateries use sidewalks, parking lots, and streets to expand outdoor seating to accommodate social distancing guidelines following the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are some cost-effective mitigation methods to protect outdoor venues:

• Using commercial barriers to block roads and promenades
• Setting up temporary bollards and speedbumps
• Reducing seating capacity to limit crowd size
• Using natural barriers, like trees and planters
• Implementing a layered approach to security, in which concentric circles of barriers surround the venue
• Increasing law enforcement presence during peak pedestrian hours
• Securing sidewalks as well as streets

 
Suspicious Behavior Indicators Near Outdoor Eating Venues
 
Restaurant employees and management should be vigilant of suspicious individuals and report suspicious behavior that may include:

• Individuals loitering in an unauthorized area where vehicles are parked or serviced
• Individuals loitering, parking, or standing in the same area over multiple days with no reasonable explanation
• Individuals attempting to gain information about the operations and security of areas where large crowds gather
• Vehicles with altered or fraudulent tags lingering near or among crowds

 
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
 
This post was repurposed from the Department of Homeland, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

In cold and/or wet conditions, common dangers include slips and falls, as well as vehicle accidents. Taking simple precautions can help staff, tenants, and visitors prevent accidents and injuries.

Precautions to Take

Keep exposed skin to a minimum when working or transitioning an outside post – frostbite can occur in just a few minutes. Remember to drink plenty of water even in the winter months, as rapid dehydration can occur in cold temperatures.

Preventing Slips

• Areas that may become slick and require extra caution include stairs, ramps, tile floors, parking lots and metal parts of equipment.
• Have a snow and ice removal program in place, and make proper notifications regarding hazards.
• Place non-skid floor mats and caution signs in slippery, high traffic areas.
• Use traction devices that strap onto shoes when conditions require them.
• Use the right shoes. Slip resistant soles are essential. Shoe soles need to have thin cuts, often called sipping, that disperse water and grip the ground.
• Titan Security has a slip resistant shoe program. Supervisors and managers should assist with officer awareness.

Driving Safety

Slips can happen when entering and exiting your vehicle, so be cautious. Use a three-point stance when getting in and out of your vehicle. Use a grab-bar or doorframe for stability. Be aware that the vehicle itself can lose traction, causing uncontrolled skids.

• When roads are slick, slow down, leave extra following distance between yourself and other cars and do not make sudden vehicular movements.
• If you begin to skid, turn the wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go. Ease your foot off the accelerator, and do not hit the brakes.
• Know the weather conditions you will encounter and plan ahead.
• Inspect your vehicle for proper tires and other winter driving gear.
• Be sure that cold weather gear is on board and ready for use.
• Assume that roads, bridges and exits are icy, and be ready for them.
• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean. This is especially important in low visibility situations such as darkness, ice or fog.
• If pulling over due to an emergency, increase your visibility to passing traffic. Activate the vehicle’s hazard warning lights, wear your safety vest, set up a warning triangle or flares and assume that oncoming traffic does not see you.

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).