Emergency Action Planning and Security
Emergency action planning is a broad scope that encompasses a lot of different resources and components. It brings all the operations and options under one umbrella to execute the safest and most effective way to protect people and property from emergencies. Security is one of the most essential tools to use in an emergency action plan. Thus, it is very important to understand and create a strong security program to support your emergency action plans.
Security exists to protect assets, people, property, data, and resources. This can be done in several different ways
physical security barriers
security personnel
cybersecurity
access control
Information gathering
Each of these are important in different ways in different circumstances. Educating yourself, and understanding what is vital to the security of your business is your responsibility. It can be extremely overwhelming at times, and that’s why it is important to take your time. Learn one small step at a time. If you need to ask professionals to come in, ask! Taking a step back, evaluating or re-evaluating if there is anything to be done, is something every asset will benefit from. Especially your emergency action plans.
EAPs need all the resources possible - the more security systems are in place, the more efficient and effective the plans will be. EAPs outline how to mitigate, recognize, alert, respond, and recover from emergencies. If we break each of them down - security assets start showing up.
1. Mitigation
-Integrated Surveillance Systems
-Layered Access Control
-Physical Security Hardening
-Cybersecurity Protection
-Strategic Lighting & Visibility
-Clearly Defined Security Policies
-Continuous Training & Scenario Drills
-Visitor & Vendor Management Controls
2.Recognition
-Real-Time Monitoring & Behavioral Detection
-Access Log Auditing & Credential Tracking
-Environmental & Threat Indicators
-Network Monitoring & Anomaly Detection
-Situational Awareness Reporting
-Internal Threat Reporting Pathways
-Performance & Readiness Evaluation
-Check-In & Real-Time Accountability
3.Alert
-Automated Alarm Systems
-Security Team Activation
-Mass Notification Platform
-IT Security Alerts
-Panic & Duress Alert Systems
-Multi-Channel Communications (PA, Radio, Digital)
-Automated Emergency Messaging
-Supervisor & Leadership Notification
4.Respond
-Trained Security Personnel
-Controlled Lockdown Procedures
-Coordinated Emergency Response Team
-Cyber Incident Response Protocol
-Law Enforcement / First Responder Coordination
-Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place Execution
-On-Site Medical & Crisis Support Teams
-Personnel Accountability & Headcount Verification
5.Recover
-Post-Incident Surveillance Review
-Credential Reset & Access Revalidation
-Damage Assessment & Facility Stabilization
-System Restoration & Data Integrity Review
-After-Action Review & Improvement Planning
-Policy Refinement & Reinforcement
-Retraining & Capability Strengthening
When these security measures are in place for an organization, it makes writing their Emergency Action Plans easier. Need to gain accountability of all your employees after evacuating? Have an effective access control system. Want to see if the building is safe after an earthquake in the middle of the night? Have a surveillance system. This can also happen the other way. Need a plan for communicating quickly with other employees in case of an active threat situation? Put panic buttons in. Working on your recovery plan for a cyber attack? Use a security system.
An effective EAP will be strengthened and supported by a good security system. No matter if you’re starting to improve security or EAPs first, they will both benefit each other. They stand independently but are intertwined to ensure the utmost protection for every asset.
What does this mean for you?
Evaluate your emergency action plans
Evaluate your security measures
Determine simple, immediate changes to put into place today
Make a few goals to put more permanent solutions in place
Incorporate them into your EAPs
