Another post-Sept. 11 security change was Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD 12). This directive created a standard form of identification to gain access to government facilities and mandated adoption of this standard by all government agencies. This Website provides more information on HSPD 12. Though the directive is directed at government agencies, like HSPD 3, the private sector can take some cues from it to enhance its security.
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More on the Red Threat Condition
The final level in our look at the Department of Homeland Security’s Threat Advisory System is the final Severe (Red) Threat Condition. This Threat Condition indicates a severe risk of a terrorist attack and suggests a swift response. This response is usually not meant last long but until the severe threat passes. This Website has all the details, but here are a few key points.
More on the Orange Threat Condition
Continuing our look at the Department of Homeland Security’s Threat Advisory System, we’re highlighting the Orange (High) Threat Condition. This level indicates a high risk of a terrorist attack and is the first level to suggest organizations implement some (though not all) emergency plans.
More on the Yellow Threat Condition
Building on our last post on Green and Blue Threat Conditions, we’d like to continue with more information on the Yellow (Elevated) Threat Condition, which happens to be the current threat level. This level indicates a significant risk for a terrorist attack, and as this page details, suggests organizations take the following steps:
More on Green and Blue Threat Conditions
In our last post, we discussed Homeland Security Presidential Directive 3 (HSPD 3) that created the Homeland Security Advisory System. It’s an important topic that we’d like to focus on a little more by looking at each Threat Condition and what it entails. This week, we’ll combine and quickly review the first two conditions – Green (Low) and Blue (Guarded) – because they’ve yet to be used.
HSPD 3 Explained
One development in the post-Sept. 11 world that aids security personnel is the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 3 (HSPD 3). As this page details, HSPD 3 established the Homeland Security Advisory System that created “a common vocabulary, context, and structure for an ongoing national discussion about the nature of the threats that confront the homeland and the appropriate measures that should be taken in response.” It’s important that all security providers understand what HSPD 3 entails, so they can respond appropriately.
Security cameras going HD
High-definition (HD) technology is changing closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems everywhere. HD megapixel cameras offer many advantages over traditional security cameras but are still overcoming a few technology roadblocks. This page offers a very detailed explanation of these advantages and roadblocks, which we’d like to summarize here.
BRAC’s impact on Maryland
Although U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process was announced five years ago, it only recently revved up in terms of personnel relocation. As you can see on this timeline, most of the actual job relocation only began this year or hasn’t even begun yet. So we’re only starting to see BRAC’s impact, but we do know it will be significant.
IP alarm transmitters provide an alarming Internet
Traditionally, alarm transmitters have required dedicated phone lines to send out alerts. With the advent of IP alarm transmitters, alarm systems can now notify appropriate personnel through the Internet. These IP alarm transmitters provide so many benefits, they’re almost essential for a secure facility.
Getting the word out when it counts
Recent events at Discovery Communications and Johns Hopkins Hospital have called attention to the benefits of Mass Notification Systems (sometimes called Mass Notification & Emergency Communications Systems) and have prompted businesses to consider how they would respond in similar situations. The development of Mass Notification systems has drawn heavily on established life safety and fire alarm technology. While fire alarm and MNEC address different kinds of dangers, they share similar objectives