Building Protection
Homeland Security

This document covers the following threats
  1. Chemical/Biological Threat:
  2. Airborne threat
  3. Contaminated Mail
  4. Telephone Threat:
  5. Bomb Threat:
  6. Gun, Knife, or Weapon Threat:
  7. Homeland Security Information, Level Orange
  8. Potential indications of weapons of mass destruction

Chemical/Biological Threat:

Ask the following questions:

  What chemical or biological agent is it?
  When is the agent going to be released?
  Where is it right now? (Building/Floor/Room)
  Who put it there?
  What does it look like?
  What will cause it to spread?
  What will trigger it?
  Where did you get the agent?
  Why are you doing this?
  What is your name?
  What is your phone number/address?
  Write down description of caller's voice - (gender, age, tone, accent, speech impairments.
  Write down background noises.

Airborne threat

In the event that we receive an aerosol or gas threat, we need to secure the buildings and minimize the amount of air infiltration.   Depending on the circumstances, people may want to leave.   As long as they are informed, that is okay.

Follow these steps to reduce the impact:

1 Notify security to warn people of the threat and to remain inside the buildings Post signs at all entrances that: 
     A. People should stay inside until the all clear is given .
     B. The air conditioning will be turned off .
     C. To minimize air changes, use only the revolving doors if required to exit.

2 Turn off the circuit breakers to the air handlers and exhaust fans.

Building Room Panel Items A     AHU, rest rooms A     Café exhaust, fans A     AHU, rest rooms B     AHU, rest rooms B     AHU, rest rooms B     AHU, rest rooms C     AHU, rest rooms C     AHU, rest rooms D     Exhaust D     Air conditioners

3 Depending on the threat,  consider tapping all doors.

How to Handle Suspicious and Possibly Contaminated Mail:

  Examine unopened envelopes/packages and look for suspicious features .
  Handle incoming mail in a designated, separate mail area .
  Wash your hands after mail is opened .
  Restrict mail room access to authorized persons.

Types of suspect mail:

  Excessive postage, no postage, or non-canceled postage
  No return address or fictitious return address
  Improper spelling of names, titles, or locations
  Unexpected envelopes from foreign countries
  Suspicious or threatening messages written on packages
  Postmark with different location than return address
  Distorted handwriting or cut and paste lettering
  Unprofessionally wrapped packages or excessive use of tape, strings, etc
  Packages marked Fragile-Handle with Care, Rush-Do Not Delay, Personal or Confidential
  Rigid, uneven, irregular or lopsided packages
  Packages discolored, oily, or an unusual odor
  Packages with soft spots, bulges, or excessive weight
  Protruding wires or aluminum foil
  Visual distractions

If you receive a suspicious package, letter, or object:

  Remain calm.
  Do not open the package or letter.
  Do not shake or empty the contents of a suspicious package or envelope.
  Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others, or allow others to examine it.
  Put the package or envelope on a stable surface; do not sniff, touch, taste, or look 
         closely at it or any contents that may have spilled.
  Do not touch your eyes, nose, or other body part.
  Shut off window air conditioning units and fans.
  Isolate the package and close off the room by shutting all doors and windows.
  Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.
  Report to supervisor, Security and FBI (using 911 will connect you to these sources).
  Advise fellow co-workers to avoid the area.
  Don't leave area until told by responding units.
  Ensure all persons who have touched the letter wash their hands with soap and water.
  List all persons who have touched the letter.
  Shower with soap and water.

[Note: Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for continual updates at wwwcdcgov]

Telephone Threat:

  Stay calm and courteous.
  Report threat immediately to 911.
  Write down the time, incoming extension number and exact wording of the threat.
  Do not allow this phone line to be used again to allow law enforcement personnel the ability to trace the call.

Bomb Threat:

  Keep calm Keep talking.
  Don't hang up.
  Signal a co-worker to get an extension.
  Ask caller to repeat the message and write it down.
  Repeat questions, if necessary.
  Ask where the bomb is and when it is set to go off.
  Listen for background noises.
  Write down noises, gender, pitch of voice and accent.
  Ask person's name, exact location, phone number.
  Signal a co-worker to call Security or 911.
  Notify your immediate supervisor.

Gun, Knife, or Weapon Threat:

  Stay calm Quietly signal for help.
  Maintain eye contact.
  Stall for time.
  Keep talking - but follow instructions from the person who has the weapon.
  Don't risk harm to yourself and others.
  Never try to grab a weapon.
  Watch for a possible chance to escape to a safe area.

HOMELAND SECURITY Level Orange  
National Infrastructure Protection Center Suggested Guidance on Protective Measures Information Bulletin 03-002 February 7, 2003.

-- take additional precautions at public events
-- review contingency plans to work at an alternate site or with a dispersed work force
-- review plans to restrict access to facilities

-- announce threat condition high (orange) to all employees
-- consider full or partial activation of emergency operations center
-- review policy and plans relating to restricting access to critical facilities and infrastructure
-- conduct periodic inspections of building facilities and HVAC systems for potential indicators/irregularities
-- direct people to the Red Cross website for further review of protective measures for families and businesses http://wwwredcrossorg/services/disaster/beprepared/hsas
-- enhance security at critical facilities
-- institute/increase vehicle, foot and roving security patrols
-- implement random security guard shift changes
-- increase visibility in and around perimeters by increasing lighting and removing or trimming vegetation.
-- implement stringent identification procedures to include conducting "hands on" checks of security badges for all personnel, if badges are required.
-- remind personnel to properly display badges, if applicable, and enforce visibility.
-- rearrange exterior vehicle barriers to alter traffic patterns near facilities.
-- arrange for law enforcement vehicles to be parked randomly near entrances and exits.
-- approach all illegally parked vehicles in and around facilities, question drivers and direct them to move immediately. If the owner can not be identified, have vehicle towed by law enforcement.
-- if possible, institute a vehicle inspection program to include checking under the undercarriage of vehicles, under the hood, and in the trunk. Provide vehicle inspection training to security personnel.
-- instruct citizens to report suspicious activities, packages and people, and report all suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement.
-- encourage personnel to avoid routines, vary times and routes, and pre-plan with family members and supervisors.
-- validate vendor lists for all routine deliveries and repair services.
-- restrict vehicle parking close to buildings.
-- inspect all deliveries and consider accepting shipments only at offsite locations.
-- instruct people to be especially watchful for suspicious or unattended packages and articles either delivered or received through the mail.
-- send a public information officer to the state joint information center.
-- install special locking devices on manhole covers in and around critical infrastructure facilities.
-- initiate a system to enhance mail and package screening procedures (both announced and unannounced).
-- review current contingency plans and if not already in place, develop and implement procedures for receiving and acting on: threat information, alert notification procedures, terrorist incident response procedures, evacuation procedures, shelter in place procedures, bomb threat procedures, hostage and barricade procedures, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) procedures, consequence and crisis management procedures, accountability procedures and media procedures.

POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF THREATS INVOLVING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION (WMD)
-- unusual/suspicious packages or containers, especially those found in unlikely or sensitive locations, such as those found near air intake/HVAC systems or enclosed spaces.
-- unusual powders or liquids/droplets/mists/clouds, especially found near air intake/HVAC systems or enclosed spaces.
-- signs of tampering or break-in to a facility or maintenance/utility area
-- reports of suspicious person(s) or activities, especially those involving sensitive locations within or around a building
-- dead animals/birds, fish, or insects
-- unexplained/unusual odors. Smells may range from fruity/flowery to sharp/pungent, garlic/horseradish-like, bitter almonds, peach kernels, and new mown grass/hay.
-- unusual/unscheduled spraying or discovery of spray devices or bottles

The NIPC encourages individuals to report information concerning suspicious activity to their local FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) office, http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm, the NIPC, or to other appropriate authorities. Individuals can reach the NIPC WATCH AND WARNING UNIT at (202) 323-3205, tol1 free at 1-888-585-9078, or by email to nipc.watch@fbi.gov.

Assembled from various sources by J. R. Howard