Assessing Vulnerabilities to Enhance Security

A risk assessment that identifies potential acts of violence, develops planning scenarios, and identifies vulnerabilities of people, property, and operations are parts of a comprehensive preparedness program.

Scenarios should take into consideration the potential locations and timing when an act of violence could occur. Vulnerable times are when large numbers of persons arrive and at the end of the day when most leave. Scheduled special events when large numbers of persons congregate should be carefully planned, and awareness of spontaneous demonstrations is imperative.

The risk assessment should evaluate the ability to detect threats and acts of violence, alert first responders, and warn people to take protective action. The adequacy of, and vulnerabilities or weaknesses in, prevention, deterrence and protection should be evaluated and mitigated to the extent feasible.

The risk assessment should evaluate the following:

• Site location, layout, and building exterior
• Building design and layout including egress routes and areas of refuge
• Surveillance, alerting, warning, communications, and protection systems
• Physical and operational security
• Employee risk factors including travel to, and work at, off-site locations
• Human resources policies and procedures
• Workplace violence prevention program
• Emergency planning for acts of violence including coordination with law enforcement
• Employee and responder training and drills and responder exercises

Read the Preparedness Bulletin: Acts of Violence for a comprehensive planning guide that includes:

• Defining the Problem: Threats & Acts of Violence
• Conducting a Risk Assessment to Identify Vulnerabilities & Planning Scenarios
• Actions to Prevent or Deter Acts of Violence
• Emergency Planning to Protect Life & Property
• Business Continuity & Recovery
• Program Implementation: Establishing a Capability to Protect Life & Property
• Resources for Risk Assessment, Prevention, Deterrence & Plan Development.

Check out our Preparedness Bulletins for guidance on risk assessment, business impact analysis, supply chain risk, protective actions for life safety, acts of violence, hurricane preparedness, flood preparedness, thunderstorms, lightning, and tornadoes, winter preparedness, and auditing your preparedness program.

Also, check out the links to preparedness resources on the internet. This curated list is well organized to provide you with a one stop location for valuable information.