Emergency preparedness is an ongoing process. A current Emergency Response Plan is your primary resource and response plans can range in complexity, from single-office investigations to campus-wide evacuations. It’s important to set aside time and resources to update your Emergency Response Plan regularly.
Top Three Reasons to Update an Emergency Response Plan
- Environmental changes
- Newly available technologies
- Newly discovered vulnerabilities
Your Environment
Change is inevitable. In most campuses and large buildings, new construction projects are consistently underway, changing physical layouts, occupancy, and safety requirements. Three challenges are top of mind when it comes to new construction:
- Changing entrances and exits for daily operations and emergency evacuations
- Evolving electronic security demands
- New and transient tenants occupy the space
New spaces may be confusing for the security response team. Ensure all team members are clear on any modification to the Emergency Response Plan due to new construction or renovation projects. Consider that occupants may not be aware of mustering locations, areas of refuge, or the nearest exits. Security cameras that once had a clear view down a hallway or across an open space may now be obstructed, requiring relocation and/or additional cameras. Perimeter changes may need to be considered as well. Are new mustering locations required? Is the fence line changing? Are new vehicle access points being created where local emergency responders will need to enter? Consider your stakeholders and be prepared to have a detailed discussion about your Emergency Response Plan.
New Technologies
If you have a dated Emergency Response Plan, newly installed video surveillance systems may not be included. Perhaps your current cameras don’t have enough resolution to accurately play a role in an emergency response. Maybe it’s time for a camera system upgrade that can reduce nuisance responses and provide officers with relevant and dynamic emergency details in advance.
Your Access Control System can engage threat levels, initiate a lockdown, or help identify locations of potential victims or threats.
Perimeter detection systems can be easily integrated to security camera systems. Desk officers can verify alarms immediately, rather than waiting for an officer to respond to the alarm location which could take minutes. This saves time, and potentially, life and property.
Mass notification may need to be upgraded or modified to ensure clarity and volume.
New or Existing Vulnerabilities
Regularly review your Emergency Response Plan with stakeholders to identify gaps and add revisions. Revisions may be due to physical, environmental, or operational changes that have gone unnoticed until the scheduled periodic review.
BONUS Fourth Reason
Emergency Response Plan reviews ensure familiarity with the document, its location (digital AND hard copy), and its application under duress. A coordinated and effective response is one that is practiced.
We’re Prepared to Get You Prepared
The Vision team is ready to assist you in utilizing technology with your scheduled Emergency Response Plan. Technology advancements and unified solutions, when designed and deployed properly, can be an integral part of your next Emergency Response Plan evaluation.
Professional Security Partner
The Vision team can survey your building, coordinate an IT-inclusive design, and professionally install and integrate hardware and software. Vision can also create a custom managed and hosted services plan, freeing up your staff to perform their core responsibilities, provide a safe working environment, and maintain the system. IT will appreciate the maintenance services as well. Limiting their involvement in regularly scheduled software and firmware updates may be the benefit they need to stay focused and effective.
The Vision Investment Protection plan, like your system, can scale and change with your organization. Together, you’ll uncover potential problems before they arise. Additionally, Vision Investment Protection provides onsite and remote response, safeguarding your staff and securing your facility.
Vision has a full-time AutoCAD engineer on staff. Our engineering team can provide planned drawings, riser diagrams, and as-built diagrams in both electronic and hard copy formats for every project. We provide complete network installations, maintenance, database conversions, software installations, and upgrades. Our engineering team has both Cisco and Microsoft certifications.
Schedule a Security Consultation with the Vision Team Today
