People and plans: training's role in homeland and workplace security: is your business secure? Here's how some organizations and training functions are preparing for the unexpected

T+D, Sept, 2003 by Eva Kaplan-Leiserson

Readiness Quiz

Do you know what to do in an emergency situation at work? Whether a crisis is an act of terrorism, workplace violence, or a natural disaster, it's important to be prepared. Take this quiz to assess your readiness.

True or False?

1) To control bleeding in yourself or someone else, keep the injured area level.

2) If threatened by someone with a gun, follow the person's directions.

3) In a fire, use the back of your hand to feel if a door is hot.

4) If you're trapped in debris, shout repeatedly so rescuers can find you.

5) One evacuation plan should be used for different types of emergency situations.

Short Answers

6) Name three supplies a workplace should have on hand in the event of an emergency.

7) Define "shelter-in-place." When should that strategy be used?

8) How much bottled water should you allow for each person to drink per day?

QUIZ

Answers:

1) False. Elevate the injured area above the heart if no bones are broken.

2) True. Maintain eye contact and keep talking while following directions. Never try to grab the gun.

3) True. Feel the upper, middle, and lower parts of a closed door. If hot, find another way out..

4) False. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. Yell as a last resort; instead tap on a pipe or wall.

5) False. Evacuation plans should be developed for various incident scenarios.

6) Acceptable answers include first aid supplies, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food.

7) "Shelter-in-place" means staying inside at a present location to avoid contamination in the event of a chemical or biological attack.

8) Plan for two quarts to one gallon per person per day.

* Sources/Jane's Workplace Security Handbook, redcross.org, ready.gov

The New "Cheek-ohs"

There's a new title in Washington, D.C: CHCO, pronounced cheek-oh. These chief human capital officers were established per a provision in the 2002 Homeland Security Act. Each U.S. federal executive department and major agency was required to select a high-ranking official as its CHCO; his or her mission is to ensure that the agency recruits, hires, trains, develops, and deploys a diverse, highly skilled workforce. Each CHCO is responsible for creating and maintaining a performance culture in his or her agency, linking performance expectations to strategic goals and agency values.

The CHCOs from cabinet departments form a CHCO Council, also mandated by the Homeland Security Act. The 25-member council, which held its first meeting in June, is chaired by Office of Personnel Management director Kay Coles James. The council will provide human resources policy direction and insight across the U.S. government, suggesting reforms and legislative action. A CHCO Academy will offer traditional classroom courses as well as e-learning opportunities to the chief human capital officers to create a shared understanding of the position's responsibilities and share best practices.

Additional Resources

* Department of Homeland Security * www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/index.jsp