Terrorism

Last week's attempt by terrorists to get explosives into the US has made us all stop and think about real the terror threat still is. Because it's become more difficult to attack large prominent locations, terrorists are beginning to focus on smaller facilities. If you're wondering how to make your organization safer, this week's articles can help.

Terrorism preparedness requires two actions: taking steps to harden a specific facility from a terrorist act, and taking steps to mitigate an act should it occur. (Item #1)   This article contains good guidance for risk assessment and creating business continuity plans that will lessen the impact of events that threaten a business or organization. (Item #2)   Planning for the aftermath of terrorist incidents is very similar to planning for other disruptions... you have to consider consequences and resources. (Item #3)  

Terrorism experts agree that an attack is likely to succeed because of complacency; look over these tips from a security consultant. (Item #4)   Taking these steps can help you be better prepared to face terrorist threats. (Item #5)   If your building has suffered damage from a terrorist action, here's how to help employees believe it's safe again. (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. Can You Be Prepared For an Act of Terrorism?

Is terrorism preventable? The answer, sadly, is no. The drive and motivation of today's terrorist combined with the almost unlimited target opportunities make terrorism a threat that is unlikely to go away. While terrorist attacks are not preventable, there are actions that can be taken to protect a specific facility, building or organization from a terrorist act.
http://businesscontinuityresources.com/977827-Can-You-Be-Prepared-For-an-Act-of-Terrorism.html

2. Business Continuity Management and the Terrorist Threat

The development of Best Practice Counter Terrorism Management will involve the use of risk analysis and thence management to determine the vulnerabilities of a business. The delineation and estimation of acute specific threats can be part of a security analysis and can be deferred to security experts and law enforcement. The planning for circumvention and recovery from a terrorist event is however the responsibility of management and those professionals, engineers, technocrats and accountants, who know the business and know what are the priorities.
http://www.metts.com.au/counter-terrorism-mngt.html

3. Business continuity planning

Business continuity planning is obviously not just driven by terrorism, but it would be critical to your business's survival if it was affected by a terrorist incident. And the benefits have an even wider impact. Every year nearly one in five businesses suffers a major disruption, and planning to deal with those disruptions is widely regarded as good business sense. Effective business continuity planning is critical to ensuring that the essential functions of your business can carry on despite an emergency.
http://www.cpni.gov.uk/SecurityPlanning/businessContinuity.aspx

4. Security Consultant Offers 10 Terrorism Expert Tips for Business Owners

Every counter terrorism expert understands the concept that 100% security is a myth. Instead of trying to achieve the impossible of 100% security a business owner needs to work very closely with their security consultant to minimize the security risks to their business. Great results can be achieved by close collaboration, but never become complacent because you've been advised you've achieved 100% security.
http://www.content4reprint.com/business/security-consultant-offers-10-terrorism-expert-tips-for-business-owners.htm

5. Terrorism: Seven Starter Steps to Prepare Against the Unthinkable

According to a recent CNN report, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that attempted terrorist attacks against the United States are at an all-time high. As terrorists seek out smaller, easier targets to attack, organizations have reason to be concerned for their own safety. Here are some actions recommended by disaster experts.
http://www.jamesjdonnelly.com/2010/05/terrorism-seven-starter-steps-to-prepare-against-the-unthinkable/

6. Reducing Building Safety Fears

If your organization is a victim of terrorism, your building may have suffered severe damage. Once it's been declared safe to reenter, your employees may still have their doubts. Just saying that a building is safe does little to reduce the fear that occupants feel when they see interior cracks or doors that stick. Explain HOW the inspector determines that a building is safe.
http://www.trauma-pages.com/h/buildsaf.php