Terrorism Task Force: Know in Advance What a Difference a Day Makes

Last week, Brussels airport was terrorized. And a few months ago terrorism  struck the US, on our streets. The streets of America. In California. Husband - wife team who left behind their only child. Wow. Not supposed to happen...? Really? Brussels Airport? What's next? How should companies, building owners and business be ready for basically anything?

This might be worth reading. It is taken directly from the FBI page on how to prevent terrorist attacks. This is a message that bears repeating, no matter where you live in the world:

"Your assistance is needed in preventing terrorist acts.

It's a fact that certain kinds of activities can indicate terrorist plans that are in the works, especially when they occur at or near high profile sites or places where large numbers of people gather—like government buildings, military facilities, utilities, bus or train stations, major public events. If you see or know about suspicious activities, like the ones listed below, please report them immediately to the proper authorities. In the United States, that means your closest Joint Terrorist Task Force, located in an FBI field office. In other countries, that means your closest law enforcement/counterterrorism agency.

Surveillance: Are you aware of anyone video recording or monitoring activities, taking notes, using cameras, maps, binoculars, etc., near key facilities/events?

Suspicious Questioning: Are you aware of anyone attempting to gain information in person, by phone, mail, email, etc., regarding a key facility or people who work there?

Tests of Security: Are you aware of any attempts to penetrate or test physical security or procedures at a key facility/event?

Acquiring Supplies: Are you aware of anyone attempting to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammunition, dangerous chemicals, uniforms, badges, flight manuals, access cards or identification for a key facility/event or to legally obtain items under suspicious circumstances that could be used in a terrorist attack?

Suspicious Persons: Are you aware of anyone who does not appear to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment, or near a key facility/event?

"Dry Runs": Have you observed any behavior that appears to be preparation for a terrorist act, such as mapping out routes, playing out scenarios with other people, monitoring key facilities/events, timing traffic lights or traffic flow, or other suspicious activities?

Deploying Assets: Have you observed abandoned vehicles, stockpiling of suspicious materials, or persons being deployed near a key facility/event?

If you answered yes to any of the above...if you have observed any suspicious activity that may relate to terrorism...again, please contact the Joint Terrorist Task Force or law enforcement/counterterrorism agency closest to you immediately. Your tip could save the lives of innocent people, just like you and yours."

In light of terrorist activity in Brussels recently, here is a list of what you might consider doing in light of a crisis. In addition, you should review your crisis plans - not just your operational plans, but your external communication program plans.

These tips come directly from HOMELAND SECURITY:

1. Do no harm. Words have consequences. Use the right words.

2. Don't babble. Know what to say. Say it, repeat it. (Hire a crisis expert to guide you through this and in many cases, to go on camera as your spokesperson, especially in times of emotional crises.)

3. If you don't know the answer, stop talking.

4. Focus on informing the audience. Use common language.

5 Expect everything you say to appear in print and the electronic media.

6 Never lie.

7 Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

8 Avoid using “No comment,” explain why you can’t.

9 Don't argue or lose your cool. The media always wins if you do.

10 Don't speculate, guess or accept assumptions.

The above items can be found on Homeland Security's web page regarding communications in a crisis. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/fbi-crisis-communications-trifold-reference-guide.pdf

In addition, I recently completed Crisis Training from the CDC. I will be making some posts on what I learned in that training in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here are a few more things to consider:

1. Be sure that your crisis plan is in place. Be sure that your internal communications systems are coordinated. If you have a media spokesperson, ensure that everyone in the company knows who they are, has all of their their phone numbers and email address. Send out a directive to all employees letting all employees know that they should not talk to the media and should direct all media contacts to the media spokesperson. Consider inviting your crisis spokesperson to a meeting of site managers and operations managers. It can help to know the person in advance when they need to come to your site to assist you with a crisis.

2. Review crisis policies. Is your company/building compromisable? What controls do you have in place to help your gatekeepers identify problems? When would you change policy and demand that all employees and visitors be checked with more vigilance? What is the procedure for that?

3. Are all entrances being closely monitored by humans, not just security cameras? Where are your areas of vulnerability?

4. In the event of a crisis, how prepared are you? Have you trained your employees properly to protect civilians and victims?

5. Review your image - how are you vulnerable externally? What can you do to mitigate that risk? 

6. Take a look at the FBI's suspicious behavior poster. Post it if needed or cirulcate it with key security personnel. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/suspicious-behavior-poster.pdf

7. What happens in a crisis? Where is your strategic command center? Who will be in charge of decision-making for executives? Operations? Communications? Do you have a dedicated hotline or conference line for crisis communications?

8. Consider the public/victims. In the case of a tragedy, what is your plan to protect the public and potential victims?

This is new ground. Be sure that you are covered. For more information please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. We are happy to perform a free or low cost vulnerability audit.