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).

Below is a summary of what was discussed at the BOMA/Chicago Preparedness Committee meeting on December 15th. The meeting was hosted by Ron Tabaczynski (BOMA) and Tom Henkey (Vice-Chair, Titan).

The meeting included members of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), Chicago Police Department (CPD), Crime Prevention and Information Center (CPIC), Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Threat landscape briefing by Charles Junirs, Intelligence Officer for DHS, detailed to the CPIC Fusion Center

• Chinese efforts at intellectual property theft, including cyber activity, organized criminal elements, supply chain disruption, and academic recruiting;
• Cyber threats including both state and private/non-state offenders, with recent Russian efforts being especially concerning;
• Related topic of the large-scale SolarWinds breach that affected both public sector and private sector organizations;
• Terrorist acts by lone offenders or small cells, with domestic violent extremists remaining a top concern through early 2021.

BOMA/Chicago Update:

• Update on recent and upcoming protests/demonstrations/gatherings in the Loop;
  • The overall tempo of protest activity is down, despite two recent events at Millennium Park
• Commercial buildings are not currently experiencing any limitations due to the capacity issues city-wide;
• Multiple communication methods on spontaneous or short-notice events, including Chicago Public Private Task Force (CPPTF) and BOMA Slack channel.

Public Sector Updates:

CPD, 1st District:

• Gatherings and demonstrations have decreased overall;
• Vehicle thefts are up, while robberies and other crimes continue to be down year-over-year;
• CPD-CAPS community policing office is holding a virtual discussion on strategic planning.

CPD, 18th District:

• Noted that vehicle thefts are up, primarily due to keys left in running cars by delivery drivers;
• Overall, crime is down year-over-year.

CFD:

• Noted that drills are ongoing with social distancing measures;
• Fire safety director (FSD) course is being performed virtually with sign-up for February 17-19 class coming soon.

OEMC:

• Monitoring ongoing weekend activities and events;
• Assisting in the coordination of vaccine logistics.

CPIC:

• The fusion center continues to monitor events;
• There are major updates of the FIMS/CP3 system pending in 2021.

DHS:

• Assisting with vaccine prioritization guidance for essential roles;
• Update on SolarWinds hack is vital information for all partners.

Next Meeting:

• The next meeting is scheduled for January 19th, 2021, and held via Microsoft Teams.

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 Group attended the Chicago Public/Private Task Force (CPPTF) teleconference on November 12th, 2020. Organizations that participated in the meeting include BOMA/Chicago, Office of Emergency Management (OEMC), ChicagoFIRST, Chicago Cultural Properties Security Group (CCPSG), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), CPIC Fusion Center (CPD CPIC), Chicago Hospitality Entertainment and Tourism Security Association (Chicago HEaT), Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHHA), Security Council of Professional Educators (SCOPE), Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB), and the Chicago Federal Executive Board (CFEB). 

Below is a recap of what was discussed during the meeting.

COVID Update

• COVID rates continue to trend upward;
• The City of Chicago announced a State at Home Advisory for city residents

Public Safety Updates

• OEMC:
  • The agency is providing a regular recap of election preparedness and security measures;
  • The COVID response is ongoing, including a virtual Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• CPD-CPIC:
  • The Center is continuing to monitor multiple planned public gatherings

COVID Member Update

• ChicagoFIRST reported that the majority of members are not planning on returning to the office until the spring of FY21;
• BOMA building occupancy is currently around 15% of capacity;
• Cultural properties have essentially shuttered;
• Hospitals are shifting back to the COVID-centric status seen this past spring

Business Operations Center (BOC)

• The business operations center was activated as an overflow location for private-sector security and awareness during the election period;
• Hosted by the Hyatt Regency;
• The attendance peaked at approximately 20-25 attendees;
• After action review is still pending

Next Meeting

• The next meeting is on December 10th via conference call

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.

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

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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