Emergency Preparedness
COVID-19/Coronavirus – Frequently Asked Questions
What
can be done right now to prevent the spread of the coronavirus? Per
guidance from subject matter experts such as the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) and the Chicago Department of Public health (CDPH),
hygiene and social distancing are the best tactics for individuals and
organizations to undertake at this point in the outbreak. Wash your hands
frequently, utilize approved cleaning products and sanitizer on high-contact
surfaces, do not touch your face, do not gather in groups of ten or more and
keep at least six feet of distance from others when possible.
How
do we tell rumor from fact at this time? There are certainly a
lot of rumors and misinformation circulating about coronavirus and the
governmental response. Trusted resources and subject matter experts such as the
CDC and CDPH can be referenced via the links listed below. Announcements by
senior elected officials and public safety authorities can be considered
reliable sources. Forwarded text messages or emails and social media websites
have proven to be extremely unreliable sources of information during this
outbreak and should not be further forwarded or shared.
What
has Titan done to prepare for a pandemic? Aligned with industry
best practices, Titan has written and implemented a corporate emergency
operations plan (EOP) and a business continuity plan. Both documents assist
senior leadership in decision making and asset allocation during crises such as
a pandemic.
What
is Titan’s policy for staffing during a pandemic? Titan
will work with our Clients to meet baseline security requirements for a given
facility. In the event of a widespread or other major disruption Titan may
implement the following measures:
- Reducing staffing to minimal coverage per
location
- Implementing 12-hour shifts for security
personnel (note that overtime generated due to this step would be billable)
- Suspending non-essential building activities
(weekend training classes, etc.)
What
does the Governor’s “stay-at-home” directive mean? Travel
restrictions for non-essential personnel were put in place by Governor Pritzker
effective March 21. For security professionals, this has very little impact.
Public transportation, roads, hospitals, grocery stores, and gas stations
remain open. We are approved to travel to and from our workplaces and will
continue to provide a safe environment at our buildings. Other vital
functions such as police, fire, property management, engineering, and delivery
drivers are also authorized to travel as needed.
Is
there a credentialing system to get back into the city? It is
highly unlikely that City authorities will place extreme access-control
measures on the CBD. If any such restrictions were applied, law enforcement
would coordinate reentry to this area once the Incident Commander had deemed it
safe to return. Chicago utilizes the FIMS/CP3 system to identify critical
infrastructure partners, and the emergency contacts listed in the system would
be prioritized for reentry.
What
comes next? The current viral outbreak could be disruptive
to businesses for weeks or even months. Many companies will continue or expand
their work-from-home policies, and expand their use of technology such as
remote videoconferencing. Security and property management professionals should
continue to:
- Follow guidance from subject matter experts
such as the CDC and CDPH
- Actively monitor reliable sources of
information
- Initiate and follow their business continuity
plans
Online Resources