Titan Security Group attended the recent security briefing on October 27th hosted by the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office, Chicago Police Department (CPD), and the Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC). The call included approximately 700 attendees from a variety of industries and sectors to discuss upcoming events. The City of Chicago has a 10-day preparedness plan that will take effect on Friday, October 30th. 

The following information should be considered to ensure your site is prepared for any potential security and safety matters.

• Previous infrastructure protection plans will inform preparedness efforts during this time.
• The Wabash Street Bridge will be raised on November 3rd; the other bridges will only be raised as needed.
• The Board of Elections will be included among the agencies present at the Emergency Operations Center that will be stood up by the OEMC.
• A supporting Business Operations Center (BOC) at Hyatt Regency will open on November 2nd.
• Messaging will be coordinated via the OEMC Joint Information Center (JIC).
• CPD officers and assets will increase their presence and visibility at upcoming events.
• Additional security staff is a positive resource for law enforcement.
• It is helpful to position security personnel in high-visibility locations.
• Avoid “Solo staffing” in buildings, if possible.
• It’s important to verify information or incidents before sharing with others.
• CPD to increase focus on identifying stolen vehicles within the Loop.
• Consider access-control measures and limiting points of entry for buildings.
• Inspect buildings and facilities for pre-event surveillance or possible projectiles.
• Verify operational status and positioning of security cameras.
• Boarding-up is not explicitly recommended; it is up to individual businesses to decide whether or not to do so.
• External triggers, such as police-involved shootings, may impact local activity.
• Traffic control will be in place, similar to earlier instances of civil unrest.
• The Mayor and Governor have discussed using the Illinois National Guard, which is available but not yet deployed. 

Communication Channel Resources

• Security Slack Communication Channel
• ChiBiz text messaging alerts via www.chicago.gov/chibizalerts

Titan Security is positioned to support our clients in preparation for the upcoming Election Day.  We are currently experiencing a high volume of additional coverage service requests, please make any requests as soon as possible. Additional coverage service requests can be made by contacting your Titan representative or the Titan office at (312) 902-3400. Once confirmed, extra security coverage can be cancelled up to four (4) hours prior to the shift but extra coverage may not be available closer to the election date.  Note: All extra coverage requests that result in overtime hours worked by Titan staff will be billable at overtime rates due to the nature and timing of this extra service.  

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).

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).

In preparation for Election Day on November 3rd, and related events, consider the following steps to ensure your building site is prepared for any potential security and safety matters. Titan Security remains positioned to support our clients in preparation for the upcoming Election Day.

Steps to Take:

• Remove loose materials or potential projectiles at your site;
• Ensure cameras are cleaned and functional, with clear points of view;
• Be prepared to engage board up services, consider having board up materials onsite;
• Secure your revolving doors or public entrances;
• Consider reducing means of ingress and egress to isolate building activity making it easier to monitor;
• Identify any ATMs or retail space onsite or nearby, which may be potential targets;
• Consider enhanced security coverage including extra security coverage or off-duty law enforcement;
• Sign up for City business messaging via www.chicago.gov/chibizalerts; and
• Monitor alerts from Titan via securechicago.com/posts.

What Titan is Doing:

• Titan’s 24/7 Security Operations Center is active to take all calls at any time and can be reached at (312) 902-3400.
• Titan’s Director of Emergency Management Services, former OEMC, Certified Emergency Manager, and Vice-Chair of the BOMA/Chicago Preparedness Committee, leads 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’s Field Supervisors remain active in marked vehicles to respond to incidents and support onsite staff members.
• Titan Electronics Service Technicians are active and available to service any electronic security equipment.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding security coverage or if you need to add additional coverage, please contact your Titan representative or the Titan office at (312) 902-3400 as soon as possible. Once confirmed, extra security coverage can be cancelled up to four (4) hours prior to the shift but extra coverage may not be available to confirm closer to the election date.

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

As the American public continues to digest the news of a widespread coronavirus outbreak within the White House, it provides a stark moment of reflection for those of us who have some responsibility for a place of business or similar location.

After all, if this threat made its way into one of the most secure facilities on the planet, how can we possibly keep it outside of our walls? The answer, frankly, is that we may not always be able to meet that goal. But having the right mentality and a realistic timeframe makes our odds of success far better.

From the outset of this novel or new virus emerging in Asia, it has been clear that this will be an extended or long-term crisis. This makes complacency one of our biggest threats. We know the effective mitigation measures – frequent handwashing, not touching our faces, maintaining social distancing, wearing face coverings or masks, not gathering in large groups. But if we are to be honest with ourselves, we’d admit just how difficult it is to maintain such vigilance month after month after month.

This will truly be a marathon and not a sprint. Modern human beings simply aren’t wired for this mindset. We expect to see immediate results, instant satisfaction.

Unfortunately, pandemics don’t work that way. They are slow-rolling crises – ebbing and flowing over time as infection rates rise and fall. And the only two developments that can truly bring about a positive conclusion are an effective treatment regimen or a reliable vaccine.

A few recommendations for areas worthy of ongoing action would include:

Take the long view. Due to the nature of this hazard, we need to maintain the right mentality and the right time horizon. This will truly go a long way towards setting each of us, and our operations, up for success. Complacency is the enemy, and refreshing and updating internal messaging is vital to keeping organizations focused. Ignoring best practices for even the briefest of windows can let the virus into the most protected of facilities.

Build on what is working. When possible, avoid reinventing the wheel. If there is an existing emergency process or protocol in place which can be adapted to the resurgent threat of coronavirus, such “edits” are preferable to starting from scratch. Organizations of any size should be furiously reviewing existing emergency and continuity-of-business plans for any and all relevant processes.

Stay on top of logistics. Don’t be lulled into complacency on needed supplies. Highly sought-after products include effective cleaning supplies, disinfectants, virus tests, masks, and face shields. All organizations must review their supply chains to assure they are given priority by primary suppliers, while setting up alternative channels as backups. We have not seen the end of hoarding and widespread shortages for critical materials.

Fully leverage relationships with other sectors. Subject matter experts – including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health departments – should continue to be relied upon for their continued subject-matter expertise. Strengthening existing relationships with partners from the public and nonprofit sectors can be vital to weathering extended crises.

Be prepared to deal with positive cases. If the beast does get inside the walls, we have to have a plan. Any team member experiencing COVID symptoms should stay home, self-isolate, and contact their doctor via phone or email. (Testing locations in Chicago: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html?#tab-shouldtest ) It is vital that employers then perform internal contact tracing to identify any other stakeholders that have come in contact with any confirmed case.

Be honest and direct with stakeholders. This battle will ultimately be won or lost at the local level, and addressing internal and external stakeholders with a trusted, consistent, and competent voice is absolutely invaluable during a period of crisis, including notification of positive test results (by location not name). Employees, vendors, customers, and clients need to know what is being done on their behalf, and what is coming next.

Individual lives and businesses, as well as the overall economy, still hang in the balance. This is not the time to let up, or to be lulled into thinking the challenge has passed. Instead it is the time for each of us to demonstrate decisive and innovative leadership – to hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.

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 Chicago Fire Department is offering the initial Fire Safety Director (FSD) course November 4th through 6th in a new online/remote format. To register for the course, visit the link below. 

Renewals and expired certifications are being addressed with some additional social-distancing protocols being implemented for safety reasons. Reach out to the CFD contact information provided below to schedule a one-on-one appointment following social distancing guidelines (likely at the Fire Prevention Bureau station at Dearborn/Illinois).

Candidates can register for the course via the Chicago Fire Department website at https://webapps1.chicago.gov/FireSafety/. 

General questions and renewal inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or 312-747-1675 / 312-747-1699.

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).

Anyone can start a youth preparedness program, or join an existing one. The Youth Preparedness Catalog is a great place to start if you are looking to implement a youth preparedness program or activity.

Building a youth preparedness program takes a lot of work. However, many resources are available to help you with the process. The resources below will walk you through seven steps to implementing a youth preparedness program, while checklists and workbooks will help you out along the way. Many of these resources are available in both Spanish and English.

Why Youth Preparedness?

Children make up about 25 percent of the population of the United States, and are the future of our communities. While they face unique vulnerabilities, they can also play an important role during emergencies. However, many programs do not consider children in their planning, whether at home, at work, or in transit. It is important that children know what to do in an emergency and that all disaster planning, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts include children’s unique needs and abilities.

Getting Started

Youth preparedness is important to the resilience of any community. As the leader of a youth preparedness program, you are supporting the preparedness effort within your community. The resources below will help ensure that you are on the right track as you launch your program.

Resources

• Youth Preparedness Program Implementation Checklist
• Youth Preparedness Catalog: Disaster Preparedness Education Programs and Resources
• Implementing a Community-Based Program

---

This article was repurposed from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA website “https://www.ready.gov.” To view the original article, visit https://www.ready.gov/kids/resources-for-emergency-planners/start-a-program

When emergencies strike, public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you. This page describes different warning alerts you can get and how to get them.

Wireless Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are just one of the ways public safety officials can quickly and effectively alert the public to serious emergencies. They are sent through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which integrates the nation’s alert and warning systems, technologies and infrastructure.

What you need to know about WEAs:

• WEAs can be sent by state and local public safety officials, the National Weather Service, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the president of the United States.
• To provide comments or concerns about a WEA sent in your area contact local officials directly.
• WEAs can be issued for five alert categories: imminent threat, public safety, AMBER, Presidential, and test messages.
• WEAs look like text messages but are designed to get your attention with a unique sound and vibration repeated twice.
• WEAs are no more than 360 characters and include the type and time of the alert, any action you should take and the agency issuing the alert.
• WEAs are not affected by network congestion and will not disrupt texts, calls or data sessions that are in progress.
• Mobile users are not charged for receiving WEAs and there is no need to subscribe.

If you are not are not receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts here are some tips to troubleshoot your mobile device:

1. Check the settings on your mobile phones and review your user manual (you may be able to find this online too)
   • Older phones may not be WEA capable, and some cell phone models require you to enable WEAs.
   • Most mobile service providers call these messages WEAs, but some manufacturers refer to them as “Government Alerts,” or “Emergency Alert Messages.”
2. Check with your wireless providers to see if they can resolve the issue
   • All major phone providers and some smaller providers participate in WEA
   • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) registry of WEA providers
   • FEMA Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS)

Emergency Alert System

• The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that allows the president to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency. The alerts are sent through broadcasters, satellite digital audio services, direct broadcast satellite providers, cable television systems and wireless cable systems.
• The EAS may also be used by state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information such as weather information, imminent threats, AMBER alerts and local incident information targeted to specific areas.
• The president has sole responsibility for determining when the national-level EAS will be activated. FEMA is responsible for national-level EAS tests and exercises.
• The EAS is also used when all other means of alerting the public are unavailable.

NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office.

• NWR broadcasts official warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• NWR also broadcasts alerts of non-weather emergencies such as national security or public safety threats through the Emergency Alert System.

Resource Links

• Federal Alert Overview
• City of Chicago “NotifyChicago” System
• City of Chicago “ChiBiz” Alert System

---

This article was repurposed from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA website “https://www.ready.gov.” To view the original article, visit https://www.ready.gov/alerts

For the National Preparedness Month of September, Titan is proud to have the locally-based subject matter expertise to partner in a wide range of safety, security, training, technology, and emergency planning efforts.

As you assess your preparedness measures, we stand ready to assist. Titan offers fire and life safety training, including fire safety seminars and fire drills that will help prepare and inform building employees and tenants of guidance and best practices for critical emergencies. Titan is also pleased to offer best-in-class, all-hazard emergency planning services.

Benefits of Titan’s fire life safety training and education include:

• Multiple layers of fire life safety training available, tailored to the needs of a specific property
• Seminars for tenants and building employees are presented in an interactive, live remote/virtual format – including polling questions and Q and A sessions
• For Category 1 and Category 2 buildings over 540 feet in height, fire/evacuation drills are performed live and in-person, utilizing public-health social-distancing best practices, as required by ordinance
• Fire/evacuation drills for Category 3 and Category 4 buildings may be performed at Client discretion – live and in-person, or utilizing the interactive remote/virtual platform
• All Titan programs are presented by local, Chicago-based professionals (never subcontractors)
• Our offerings are proven, customized, flexible, and highly cost-competitive

Benefits of Titan’s emergency planning services include:

• Customized and building-specific materials, not “cookie cutter” templates
• Planning documents designed to meet best-practice National Incident Management System (NIMS) standards
• Titan’s unique all-hazards model addresses a wide range of threats – including fire, flooding, civil unrest, and medical emergency/pandemic
• An unmatched range of ongoing support in the form of filing plans with the City of Chicago, reviewing and maintaining planning documents, and access to a digital mobile safety app

If you would like to learn more, contact Titan’s Director of Emergency Management, Tom Henkey at [email protected] or 312.902.3400. 

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

Additional Emergency Supplies

Since Spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Replace expired items as needed.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Kit Storage Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

• Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
• Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

---

This article was repurposed from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA website “https://www.ready.gov.” To view the original article, visit https://www.ready.gov/kit

It’s important to talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster because they may not be together if and when a disaster strikes. It’s important to know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establishing a family meeting place that’s familiar is essential for making it easy to find one another. Below are four steps for you to create a plan today.

Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?
5. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
6. Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans due to coronavirus.
7. Do you have cloth face coverings (for everyone over 2 years old), and disinfectants?

Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind some of these factors when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use it as a guide to creating your own.

• Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

---

This article was repurposed from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA website “https://www.ready.gov.” To view the original article, visit https://www.ready.gov/plan