Terrorism

"US foils Iran terror plot" read a recent headline in a British newspaper, describing the plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador... Once again, we have had an attempted act of terror at home, and it is likely such incidents will continue into the foreseeable future. In light of this, we felt we should revisit some information on dealing with such incidents.

Terrorism can happen anywhere; your organization could become a target as well. (Item #1)   There are ways to prepare for terrorism just as for other threats. (Item #2)   Here's an online program to help you and your organization become more aware of terrorism. (Item #3)  

Suspicious letters and packages? Here's what to do. (Item #4)   Good news for your events - hotels now emphasize terror training. (Item #5)   If your organization does experience a traumatic event, here are some symptoms you might want to watch out for. (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Terrorism Planning

The term "terrorism" means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience. The risk of private industries becoming the target of a terrorist attack is increasing. As industries explore new endeavors, and as data availability throughout the World Wide Web becomes more widespread, the "target list" of possible terrorist victims grows longer and longer.
http://www.businesscontinuityinternational.com/Anti%20Terrorism%20Planning.htm

2. Contingency Planning and Risk Management for Terrorist Attacks

The fact that terrorism is intentionally performed by fellow human beings can heighten the emotional trauma after a terrorist attack, as well as make it more difficult to understand your risk. When a terrorist event happens, it is imperative to follow the instructions of police, fire, and other officials. However, you can prepare in much the same way you would prepare for other types of threats.
http://www.lootok.com/Resource_Directory/risk-terrorism.php

3. Terrorism Awareness and Prevention

This website is an online training course to help you understand the threat to our society, your part in protecting your community, and some common sense measures you can take... it will help you understand the threats of terrorism and protect your organization using common-sense measures.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/terrorism_awareness/9270

4. What to do about suspicious letters or packages

You know what kind of mail and packages you usually get. Look for things that are out of the ordinary. A package of concern would likely have several of the features described here.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ep-mu/packages-eng.php

5. Hotels place emphasis on terror awareness training

Traditionally seen as a "soft target" because of their open access nature, hotels can present significant challenges to a security manager. There is a delicate balance that must be achieved between providing an adequate level of security for guests and ensuring that their stays are pleasurable.
http://www.bcdvideo.com/solution-resources/industry-articles/hotels-place-emphasis-terror-awareness-training

6. Critical Incident Stress Information Sheet

Even though the event may be over, you and your employees/coworkers may experience some strong emotional or physical reactions. It is very common, in fact quite normal, for people to experience emotional aftershocks when they have passed through a horrible event - sometimes right away, sometimes hours or days or even weeks later. The signs and symptoms of a stress reaction listed here may indicate that some help is needed to get over the trauma.
http://www.trauma-pages.com/h/cisinfo.php