The recent outbreak of viral infections around the world shows how quickly exotic diseases can spread in modern times. As traveling worldwide only becomes faster, the chances of similar occurrences only increases. Symptoms to look out for that are flu-related include high fever, cough, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, and a sore throat. If you suspect you have the flu, see your doctor right away.

Below are tips and considerations for situations where you or people you know develop symptoms or sickness from a flu-like illness.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay at home when you are sick. The rest will help you recover, and seclusion prevents spreading the illness to others.
• You can carry an infectious virus for five to seven days after symptoms appear. Young children and people with weakened immune systems might be contagious for more extended periods.
• Make sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Sneezing and coughing both release fine particles of mucus and saliva into the air. Other people can inhale these particles. If a healthy person comes in contact with the germs and then touches their mouth or nose, they can catch the illness.
• To help maintain your body’s ability to fight against infections, make sure to get plenty of sleep, stay physically fit, reduce your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This practice can help prevent the entry of germs and viruses into your body and can help prevent you from spreading germs and infections if you are infected.
• Wash your hands often to remove any traces of the virus.  
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill. Studies have shown that the flu virus can live for two to eight hours after being left on a surface.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Viral Infections in the Office

Taking precautionary measures is a significant step towards avoiding sickness. Below are tips and considerations for preventing illness from viruses.

• Provide hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer.
• Provide waste receptacles and ask that tissues be discarded immediately after usage.
• Keep work stations and office spaces routinely clean.
• Take the time to educate employees on the benefits of a healthy and clean work environment.
• Promote a healthy living culture to boost the immune system.
• Collaborate with your local health department and other organizations for the latest information.

For more information

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/flu/resource-center/freeresources
The US Government’s Flu Resource: www.flu.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).

The Chicago Police Department, Crime Prevention & Information Center recently released the following security preparedness bulletin to help in providing a safe and secure environment for Chicago’s private sector. Below are useful options for you to consider.

Scope

The Chicago Police Department has compiled the following options for consideration to assist the City of Chicago’s private sector in creating a safe and secure environment. Given the nature of mass gatherings, predicting who will attend and what their motivations will be is difficult and unreliable. It is possible that individuals unassociated with the group will imbed themselves to exploit the group’s emotions and/or to incite and/or conduct acts of violence.

Options for Consideration

• Secure items that can be easily used to cause damage such as construction materials, outdoor seating, tables, garbage containers, etc.
• Have security conduct outside sweeps and look in areas where items could be secreted such as in planters, bushes, and dumpsters. If anything is found of a suspicious nature, immediately report it by calling 911.
• Identify alternate egress and ingress for building occupants and first responders. If main entrance is not accessible, ensure that alternate access location is communicated via 911 and if safe to do so, have someone positioned to guide first responders to area of needed assistance.
• Identify alternate vehicular and pedestrian pathways in the event of roadway or sidewalk impediments.
• In the event of criminal behavior, utilize CCTV systems to capture relevant behavior and secure it for follow-up investigation.
• Review existing security plans and procedures to ensure they address issues such as shelter in place and/or lock-down procedures.
• If any information is identified that could impact public safety, contact 911 immediately.

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).

When temperatures plunge, you need to prepare for the severe weather conditions ahead. Along with being careful of traveling and staying warm, consider reducing outdoor activities during the extreme cold, especially activities involving the elderly and very young.

Traveling when Cold Out

Colder temperatures produce dangerous conditions when ice surfaces on places such as sidewalks and roadways. That is why it is important to be especially careful and alert to prevent accidents from occurring.

By Car

• When driving in icy conditions, be careful about speeds and keep a safe distance between other vehicles.
• Take extra precautions of your surroundings, especially after dark, when there is bad weather, and around school zones.
• Prepare a cold-weather kit in your car and include items such as food, water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a windshield scraper, blankets, road salt, etc.
• If taking a long trip, notify others and let them know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• If possible, it is best to avoid driving all-together when weather conditions are dangerous.

Walking Outside

• Be careful and cautious about overhanging icicles, especially when walking in in a metropolitan area.
• Wear snow boots when ice is present outside as leather soles are more at risk of slipping.
• Take shorter steps when walking through slippery icy conditions to reduce the risk of falling.
• Avoid putting your hands in pockets to help in a situation when you lose your balance or fall.  

Staying Warm in the Freezing Cold

One of the most important ways to avoid the dangers of cold weather conditions is by planning ahead.

Dress Warm

• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing along with a heavy winter coat.
• Wear a winter hat that covers your ears.
• If possible, cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Have some sort of covering for your hand, like gloves or mittens.

Frostbite

Frostbite is the most common injury from cold weather and is the result of exposure of skin to the conditions. The injury reduces feeling in your skin and affects the fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks. Pay attention to any sign that may signal frostbite, such as:

• Numbness
• Skin that has an odd firmness
• Bright white or grayish-yellow skin
• If a pain in your skin or redness occurs, return indoors, as frostbite may be beginning.

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 holiday season is a wonderful time to go shopping, enjoy holiday festivals, travel, attend New Years Eve parties, and spend time at home with friends and family. However, stores, malls, holiday festivals and streets downtown are packed with unsuspecting people not necessarily paying attention to their surroundings. This can make for an ideal situation for pickpockets, burglars, and robbers.

This is why we would like to share these safety tips below for you to consider to make your holiday experience a memorable one. Happy Holidays from Titan Security Group, and as always, feel free to reach out to us with any security or safety-related concerns.

Holiday safety tips for you to consider:

Be Alert

• Be aware of your surroundings, walk with confidence, with your head up and stay in well-lit areas. Those who appear to be pre-occupied are more likely to be targeted by an offender.
• When walking with purses, shopping bags, or other personal belongings, make sure to keep your items close to you, and not in reachable places for others to grab. Keep wallets in the front of your pants or the breast pocket of your coat.
• Keep a close watch on credit cards and balances– report any suspicious behavior right away.
• The Chicago Police Department may not respond to an incident that does not involve a crime in progress. Non-emergencies include crimes such as pickpocketing, theft from an automobile, deceptive practices, criminal damage to property, garage burglary, and other offenses in which the offender is no longer at the scene. The police non-emergency number is 3-1-1.

Be Discreet

• Never carry large amounts of money, use credit cards instead of cash.
• Dress comfortably and casually, thieves and pickpockets are more likely to be attracted to expensive clothing and jewelry.

Protect your Vehicle

• Try to park as close to your destination as possible and in a well-lit area.
• Put all shopping bags or valuable items in the trunk of your car, or in a space where they are not visible.
• When driving, be courteous of other drivers, stay alert, and allow extra time for increased traffic and slippery roads.
• Be prepared for emergencies on the road by having a winter “survival kit” in the vehicle. This includes items such as a working flashlight, extra batteries, cellphone charger, First Aid Kit, ice scraper, and snow-brush.

Secure Your Home

• When leaving the house for lengthier periods, make sure to leave lights on at home.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to grab any packages that may be delivered while you are away and hold on to them until you can get them.
• Be careful when using candles by making sure they are kept away from decorations or other flammable materials.
• Do not overload power strips. Do not plug space heaters or other devices that use extra current flow into power strips.
• Consider turning off holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
• Read tags and manuals of holiday toys, electronics, and appliances to make sure you are following safety and age guidelines.
• Take your time when decorating for the holidays, use ladders safely and ask for an extra hand when needed.

Holiday Package Theft

• Track your deliveries online and confirm when the delivery occurred. You can sign up for email and text notifications to track your packages from initial shipment to its arrival at your home, or the recipient’s address if you have the gift delivered directly to them.
• If possible, and allowed by your employer, switch the delivery location to your work where it can be received by someone and not left on the porch.

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 holiday season is a great time to spend time with family and friends to enjoy the holiday festivities. The holidays are also a particularly busy time of year for many families. As you put up decorations and gather friends and family together to celebrate, keep these safety tips in mind.

Shopping Safety and Security Tips

Shopping malls are a popular place to visit during the holiday season. As with any place with large crowds, it’s important to be prepared and safe so that you can enjoy the holiday experience to the fullest.

Tips to consider when you are traveling:

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Travel Safety and Security Tips

Often, the holiday season is a busy travel time for everyone. Here are some safety and security tips for you to consider to make your trip a memorable and relaxing time.

Tips to consider when you are traveling:

• Make sure your home looks lived in.
• Stop mail and cancel all deliveries, or ask a friend or neighbor to make daily collections.
• Hide empty garbage cans.
• Have a friend or neighbor keep your yard maintained.
• Put an automatic timer on several lights and on a television or radio.
• Leave your blinds or shades in their normal position.
• Leave a key with a trusted neighbor.
• Store valuables in a safe deposit box.
• Tell a neighbor you trust about your departure and return dates. Supply that neighbor with phone numbers in case of an emergency.
• Ask the police department to periodically check your residence.
• Lock all windows and doors, including the basement and garage.

Security Tips for Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Use

Tips to consider when using an ATM:

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

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).

A situation involving civil unrest or disturbance can take multiple forms but typically involves a protest or demonstration. It is imperative to plan for such events so that you have the opportunity to have a plan in place, increase security measures, add additional officers, communicate with the tenants and work with local police officers. Below are some tips for you to consider.

Pre-event Actions

• Review the following with Building Management:
  • Main point of contact for issues (Manager, Security, etc.)
  • Lock-down procedures for the building (# of people gaining access to the building, temperament of crowd in the building, complete lock-down or only limiting to badged employees, etc.)
  • Communication to building tenants on any changes to access control
  • Additional staffing needs
  • Templates for internal mass messaging to building employees and/or tenants
  • Worst-case scenario (Safe zones within building, Chicago Police Department intervention, etc.)

• Conduct a site survey of all access points and camera systems
  • 1^st floor windows, doors/locks are in good working condition (no cracks/loose hinges)
  • Unmanned areas are secure or can be secured if needed (dock, emergency exits – do not block exits)
  • Camera views are functioning and recording

• Inform staff of possibility of increased traffic
  • Remain vigilant with all post orders (Visitor Management processes)
  • Observe and report activity around perimeter of the building (Increased traffic, temperament of crowds, direction of crowds, protest signage/verbiage)
  • Review security officer processes
    • Maintain Professionalism – do not engage protestors
    • Be polite
    • Communicate with management
    • Document everything
    • Lock-down processes (Manual lock or access control software)

Event Actions

• Follow information via news channels and from management to monitor when activity may be increased in your area
  • Ready mass communications
  • Boots on the ground – Conduct perimeter and interior patrols prior to event.
  • Stay in the lobby or near CCTV controls during the event
  • Communicate as often as possible with management (Client and Titan)
  • Be ready to respond to emergency situations
  • Be prepared to hold over security, engineering, or management staffing

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 43rd Annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 10, 2021. The Marathon will begin with the wheel chair participants at approximately 7:20 a.m., the main race starts at 7:30 a.m. Titan would like to provide the following information to keep both spectators and runners safe and provide up-to-date information on events surrounding the marathon.

More than 35,000 runners from 50 states and 100 countries will be running on Sunday. The course runs through 29 neighborhoods in Chicago and is approximately 26.2 miles in length.

Starting Times

    7:20 a.m. – Men’s Wheelchair Start

    7:21 a.m. – Women’s Wheelchair Start

    7:23 a.m. – Handcycle Start

    7:30 a.m. – Wave 1 Start (Red)

    8:00 a.m. – Wave 2 Start (Blue)

    8:35 a.m. – Wave 3 Start (Orange)

Road Closures

Click here to view a map with the full list of road closures

Course Map

Click here to view a map of the course

COVID-19

All participants must be fully vaccinated or provide a negative coronavirus test result from within the previous 72 hours.

Private Security Partners

• Report suspicious packages and behavior, make sure staff know it is common for marathon runners to stash gear along the route
• Focus security cameras towards race and critical assets, ensure your DVR is recording and that staff are trained on gathering video.
• Please consider staffing camera control rooms even if not generally staffed on the weekend
• If you have uniformed security personnel, please place them in forward positions along the race route
• Minimize the number of false suspicious activity calls by notifying the police if you are using undercover personnel

Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) Training Videos

The DHS has developed training videos on suspicious activity indicators to assist with
recognizing the kinds of suspicious behaviors that may be related to terrorism activities.

• https://www.dhs.gov/nationwide-sar-initiative-nsi/online-sar-training
• https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something/are-you-ready-to-seesay
• https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something#

Safety Tips

• 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
• If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible

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).

Incidents involving active threats or active shooters remain a concern. Fortunately, there are tangible actions we can all take before, during, or after such an incident to make ourselves, our neighbors, our coworkers, and our communities safer. The following overview provides general guidance to minimize or mitigate the impact of violent assailants, and includes links to additional informational resources.

Before – Prepare and Prevent

• Foster a respectful work environment and report deviations
• Recognize the signs of deteriorating mental health and stability 1.) Unusual stress or “trigger events” at home or at work, 2.) Significant changes in appearance or hygiene, 3.) Behavioral changes such as isolation or outbursts
• Develop and maintain a current, all-hazards emergency operations plan
• Prepare facility with training and education, alert system(s), and multiple exit routes

During – Respond

• Notify: Call 911 when safe to do so, providing street address and floor number, and alert building occupants of situation via public address and/or mass notification systems.
• Secure: Lock down the building, including all access points such as entrances, loading docks, and garages. To avoid additional risk, only first responders should be allowed to enter.

Take Action: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends the following courses of action when faced with an active threat.

• Run, rapidly move away from the threat. Evacuate only if escape route is available and it is safe to do so.
• Hide, shelter in place when evacuation is not an option, Hide in a secure area, away from suspect’s view.
• Fight, incapacitate the aggressor. Directly attack the perpetrator only as a last resort and if there are no other options.

After – Recover

• Follow instructions by security and first responders
• Assist neighbors/coworkers who may be injured or traumatized
• Perform accountability checks and report to first responders
• Help law enforcement gather potential witnesses
• Take care of yourself, make use of counseling or employee assistance program services

Additional Resources

• Department of Homeland Security: https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/active-shooter-preparedness
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: https://www.fbi.gov/about/partnerships/office-of-partner-engagement/active-shooter-resources
• Ready.gov Website: https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter