Threats aren’t just from Al Qaeda, they’re from workplace violence, fire and toxic releases, expert says.
WILTON, Conn., Oct. 29, 2004 — Corporations lack three essentials to be prepared for terrorist attack or any emergency incident like workplace violence, fire and toxic releases according to Bo Mitchell, president of 911 Consulting LLC and former police commissioner of Wilton, Connecticut.
The new videotape threatening a massive attack against the United States by a purported American member of Al Qaeda should motivate corporate leaders to make emergency preparation a priority, said Mitchell.
“There are three essentials every workplace should provide to protect its people, property and assets during any emergency,” said Mitchell. “The ‘security trinity’ includes a written emergency response plan, annual personnel training and regular drills. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to find a workplace that is adequately prepared.”
Mitchell, who is certified in Homeland Security, said that even if company leaders don’t believe terrorism is a threat to their facilities, other threats leave them vulnerable to injury, lawsuits and worse.
“Workplace violence, fire, bomb threats, toxic releases and even severe weather can lead to injury and cripple a company for days or weeks,” said Mitchell. “When you have an emergency response plan and train your people and hold regular drills, you can be prepared for nearly any emergency situation.”
Mitchell, who has toured hundreds of corporations to evaluate their emergency response plans, has identified:
- The six stages of denial that lull top executives into complacency
- The three myths corporate leaders believe about police and fire emergency response capability
- The three myths held by fire and police regarding corporate emergency preparedness
- The blind spot in Homeland Security that leaves millions of people vulnerable
About 911 Consulting: 911 Consulting assesses the emergency preparedness of organizations and workplaces. Once vulnerabilities are identified, a comprehensive plan for addressing those vulnerabilities and strengthening existing procedures is designed. Each plan is tailored to the organization’s risk exposure, culture and local emergency response capability. In addition, 911 Consulting provides personnel training and drill exercises.
About Bo Mitchell: Mitchell is the founder and president of 911 Consulting. He served as Police Commissioner of Wilton, Connecticut for 16 years. He is certified in Homeland Security by the American College of Forensic Examiners International; a Certified Protection Professional by ASIS International, a worldwide organization of security management professionals; and a Certified Management Consultant by the Institute of Management Consultants.
Media contact: smitchell@911Consulting.net