Below is a summary of what was discussed at today’s BOMA/Chicago Preparedness Committee Meeting. The meeting was hosted by the Health Care Service Corporation at 300 East Randolph. This monthly meeting included a wide range of attendees, including members of the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Police Department – Crime Prevention Information Center, Department of Homeland Security, and other government agencies.

Chicago Police Department

• Significant restructuring within the Chicago Police Department, including a new department (Counterterrorism and Special Functions) and moving from three geographic area commands to five.
  • This also includes new commanders in the 1st and 18th Districts as well.

 Department of Homeland Security

• Megan Drohan is returning to D.C. soon
• A threat at a Batavia school involving homemade explosives was halted thanks to a tip

Chicago Police Department 1st District Update

• New Commander is Alderen; Area Central will now be known as Area 3
• Recent CTA gun violence has an arrest pending
• NBA All-Star events were widespread, but there were no significant issues reported

Chicago Police Department 12th District Update

• Commander Chung remaining in the 12th District
• Area 3 will handle the majority of special events in the city going forward

Chicago Police Department 18th District Update

• New Commander is Stevens
• There was lots of NBA activity over the weekend
• Emergency planning and FIMS database participation are vital

Chicago Fire Department Update

• Public-private partnerships have significantly evolved in recent years
• Properties need current first responder guides/plans
• Multiple elevator entrapments in Loop recently

Office of Emergency Management & Communications

• NBA All-Star events had an emergency operations center (EOC) activated
• Advance outreach and canvassing took place near NBA locations
• New house of worship safety initiative underway

Upcoming Events

• April 14 – BOMA overview of legalized cannabis.

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

The recent outbreak of viral infections around the world shows how quickly exotic diseases can spread in modern times. As traveling worldwide only becomes faster, the chances of similar occurrences only increases. Symptoms to look out for that are flu-related include high fever, cough, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, and a sore throat. If you suspect you have the flu, see your doctor right away.

Below are tips and considerations for situations where you or people you know develop symptoms or sickness from a flu-like illness.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay at home when you are sick. The rest will help you recover, and seclusion prevents spreading the illness to others.
• You can carry an infectious virus for five to seven days after symptoms appear. Young children and people with weakened immune systems might be contagious for more extended periods.
• Make sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Sneezing and coughing both release fine particles of mucus and saliva into the air. Other people can inhale these particles. If a healthy person comes in contact with the germs and then touches their mouth or nose, they can catch the illness.
• To help maintain your body’s ability to fight against infections, make sure to get plenty of sleep, stay physically fit, reduce your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This practice can help prevent the entry of germs and viruses into your body and can help prevent you from spreading germs and infections if you are infected.
• Wash your hands often to remove any traces of the virus.  
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill. Studies have shown that the flu virus can live for two to eight hours after being left on a surface.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Viral Infections in the Office

Taking precautionary measures is a significant step towards avoiding sickness. Below are tips and considerations for preventing illness from viruses.

• Provide hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer.
• Provide waste receptacles and ask that tissues be discarded immediately after usage.
• Keep work stations and office spaces routinely clean.
• Take the time to educate employees on the benefits of a healthy and clean work environment.
• Promote a healthy living culture to boost the immune system.
• Collaborate with your local health department and other organizations for the latest information.

For more information

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/flu/resource-center/freeresources
The US Government’s Flu Resource: www.flu.gov

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

The Titan Security Group attended today’s Chicago Public/Private Task Force Meeting on February 13th, 2020.  Below is a recap of what was discussed during the meeting.

• Chicago Police, 1st District
  • Alderen was named District Commander, Alderen is formerly with the 1st, and is familiar with the 1st District
• Chicago Police Department, 12th District
  • The NBA All-Star Game at the United Center is coming up on February 16th
  • There were at least two significant gun busts in the District this month
• Chicago Police Department, 18th District
  • Stevens was named District Commander, Stevens is formerly with the 18th and is familiar with the 18th District
• Chicago Department of Public Health
  • Coronavirus remains a top priority for the Department
  • The Department is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control
  • The Department is pushing out a large amount of information
• Federal Executive Board
  • A forum on new marijuana laws at FEB is scheduled for March 5th
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  • Megan Drohan is returning to Headquarters
  • Chuck Dushane will be the sole protective security advisor (PSA) in Chicago until a replacement is named
  • Iran tensions have been decreasing, but heightened cyber concerns remain
• Office of Emergency Management (OEMC)
  • A large number of special events are coming up
  • Concerns remain about the lakefront weather and erosion effects
  • The OEMC would like to remind the private-sector to face cameras towards the public way during significant events
• Additional reports:
  • Michael Edwards is the new Executive Director of the Loop Alliance
    • The Alliance represents retail/mixed-use properties along the State Street corridor
  • The next CPPTF meeting is on March 12th

Multiple significant events coming up, including:

• St. Patrick’s Parade & River Dyeing on March 14th at the Chicago River
• Shamrock Shuffle on March 22nd at Grant Park
• Chicago White Sox Home Opener on March 26th at Guaranteed Rate Field
• Chicago Cubs Home Opener on March 30th at Wrigley Field
• Polish Constitution Day Parade on May 2nd at Grant Park
• Memorial Day Parade on May 23rd at State-Lake to Van Buren

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

Thoughts and Analysis by Tom Henkey
Director of Emergency Management, Titan Security Group

As you have likely heard from various news outlets, a serious illness outbreak has occurred in Asia, and a number of cases have been identified here in the United States – all related to individuals who had traveled to the original area of the disease outbreak. The illness has been identified as a coronavirus, named after a specific type or strain.

The virus was first identified in the Wuhan province of east-central China. Because it had not been observed in humans before, it is referred to as a novel virus. Like the common cold or seasonal flu, this illness is caused by a microscopic virus that can cause infection to spread. While the virus is new and medical professionals are learning more about it each day, initial assessments indicate it has a low fatality rate – similar to seasonal flu – yet is highly contagious. The risk here is therefore that the contagion spreads to so many people, that even a 3-to-5% fatality rate could lead to a very high death toll.

Coronavirus symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty Breathing
• Severe Illness

As with any virus, you can protect yourself and others by:

• Washing your hands regularly with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – remember to wash your hands afterward.
• Avoiding close contact with sick people. If you are sick, stay home from school or work for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

In addition to these general measures, the building management community may benefit from:

• Cleaning staff implementing additional cleaning and disinfecting measures on frequently handled surfaces such as door handles, handrails, countertops, elevator buttons, computer keyboards, etc.
• Engineering staff reviewing HVAC protocol to control airflow via overpressure or under pressure
• Using the coronavirus outbreak as an opportunity to review and refresh facility pandemic or communicable disease emergency plans
• Working with tenants to review work-from-home protocols for non-essential staff
• Advocating that building, tenant, and contractor employees stay at home or seek medical attention if they are exhibiting any of the symptoms noted above
• Report any unusual illness or cluster of symptoms to the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 312-746-SICK (7425)

Note that there is no cure for coronavirus – however, many of the symptoms can be effectively treated. Like any outbreak of communicable disease, the chain of contagion will be broken when the virus is isolated from other healthy individuals and is therefore unable to spread further.

Additional information may be found via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) website at www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

The 69th Annual NBA All-Star Game, 112th Chicago Auto Show and related events are coming up in Chicago over the next two weeks. To help you plan, below are event times and public safety tips to get you ready and informed.

NBA All-Star Game Schedule of Events

Friday, February 14th

4:00 pm CT: Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Announcement

6:00 pm CT: NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

8:00 pm CT: NBA Rising Stars

Saturday, February 15th

9:30 am CT: NBA All-Star Practice & Media Day

7:00 pm CT: Skills Challenge, 3-Point, and Slam Dunk Contest

Sunday, February 16th

7:00 pm CT: NBA All-Star Game

Location of Events: United Center

For more information on the NBA All-Star Game, visit: www.nba.com/allstar

Chicago Auto Show Schedule of Events

Saturday, February 8th – Sunday, February 16th

10:00 am – 10:00 pm CT: Chicago Auto Show

Monday, February 17th

10:00 am – 8:00 pm CT: Chicago Auto Show Family Day

Location of Events: McCormick Place

For more information on the Chicago Auto Show, visit: www.chicagoautoshow.com

Public Safety Tips:

• If you see something suspicious, report it
• Carry water and stay hydrated
• Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
• Utilize the buddy system
• Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
• Leave any valuables at home
• Do not jump any barricades
• Secure handbags and wallets
• Stay calm
• Follow your instincts
• Leave yourself room to move quickly
• If you see an unattended bag, alert police as soon as possible
• Keep an eye out for potential emergency exits
• Take notice of bizarre behavior, untended objects, strange odors and vehicles traveling at abnormal speeds 
• Determine a location to meet if you split up from your group
• Contact onsite security officers or law enforcement if you notice any suspect items

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

The Chicago Police Department, Crime Prevention & Information Center recently released the following security preparedness bulletin to help in providing a safe and secure environment for Chicago’s private sector. Below are useful options for you to consider.

Scope

The Chicago Police Department has compiled the following options for consideration to assist the City of Chicago’s private sector in creating a safe and secure environment. Given the nature of mass gatherings, predicting who will attend and what their motivations will be is difficult and unreliable. It is possible that individuals unassociated with the group will imbed themselves to exploit the group’s emotions and/or to incite and/or conduct acts of violence.

Options for Consideration

• Secure items that can be easily used to cause damage such as construction materials, outdoor seating, tables, garbage containers, etc.
• Have security conduct outside sweeps and look in areas where items could be secreted such as in planters, bushes, and dumpsters. If anything is found of a suspicious nature, immediately report it by calling 911.
• Identify alternate egress and ingress for building occupants and first responders. If main entrance is not accessible, ensure that alternate access location is communicated via 911 and if safe to do so, have someone positioned to guide first responders to area of needed assistance.
• Identify alternate vehicular and pedestrian pathways in the event of roadway or sidewalk impediments.
• In the event of criminal behavior, utilize CCTV systems to capture relevant behavior and secure it for follow-up investigation.
• Review existing security plans and procedures to ensure they address issues such as shelter in place and/or lock-down procedures.
• If any information is identified that could impact public safety, contact 911 immediately.

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).