Security & Crisis Management Leadership Forum - The Business Council of Fairfield County

Security & Crisis
Management Council

Tools for Your Business
Continuity Plans
Pandemic Planning
Resources
Successes to Date
Lessons Learned

Since September 11, 2001, government and business leaders have taken important steps to improve homeland security and plan effectively for any anticipated crisis. In 2002, The Business Council formed the Security & Crisis Management Council. Together, representatives from the corporate community and public sector regularly dialogue on issues of security and crisis preparedness. This committee has been critical in providing opportunities to develop workable solutions with the public sector on how to manage a potential incident. It is clear, that the business community working together can effect positive change.

Tools for Your Business Continuity Plans

The Fairfield County Business Alert is a partnership with Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Send Word Now, and the cities/towns of Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk and Stamford. Businesses from these areas can now make time-sensitive decisions immediately with up-to-date information from the public sector through this new communication system. The FCBA is the only emergency communications network of its kind in our region.
Established the Corporate Emergency Access System (CEAS) within the city of Stamford. This is a joint relationship with the Business Network of Emergency Resources (BNet), the corporate community and the City of Stamford. Recognized by law enforcement, CEAS is a credentialing system that allows organizations to access their damaged property quickly after a catastrophic event. For additional information on becoming part of the Stamford CEAS Program, contact Tanya Court at 705-0668.

>> Read More: Sept. 2005 presentation to the Southern Connecticut Building Owners and Management Association (pdf; 1M)

Successes of the Council to Date:

Participation in regional readiness exercises at the Naval War College, Newport, RI, the City of Stamford and the City of Norwalk.
Inclusion in state Homeland Security Department sponsored neighborhood risk assessment for the City of Stamford.
Expansion of best practices dialogues within the corporate community.
Policy and development advocacy on security issues through Congressman Christopher Shay’s office.
Creation of an ad hoc emergency communication system with the corporate community and representatives of Stamford OEM, Fire and Police Departments. If you would like to learn more or participate in this system, please contact Tanya Court at 705-0668.

Provided recommendations to the City of Stamford’s OEM on after-action crisis management report

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Lessons Learned

Communication is Key. You cannot manage an incident if you don’t know what is going on. Just about every incident or exercise identified communication, or lack thereof, as a critical issue. Companies need information to make decisions.

“The time to learn to dance is not the night of the prom”. Have a plan. Practice it. Know your partners. Don’t be shy about involving yourself in public sector drills and activities. With 85% of the critical infrastructure either owned or operated by the private sector, actions of the private sector must mesh with those of the government sector. The only way to learn to function as a team is by drilling and training together. With familiarity comes credibility.

Homeland Security is a shared responsibility requiring the coordinated action on the part of the federal, state, and local government; private sector and the public at large. The critical role of the private sector and the media as partners in disaster preparedness, response and recovery needs to be fully recognized by the government sector.

An incident management structure that is understood and embraced by all first responders is essential. Responders need to utilize the same management framework as they manage critical incidents.

The Security & Crisis Management Council relies heavily on the commitment and support of security leaders from the corporate community. Through mutual cooperation and vigilance, the Council can continually provide a critical voice on security matters that affect our community. Any member is strongly encouraged to contact Tanya Court (203) 705-0668 to participate in the Security & Crisis Management Council.

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The Business Council of Fairfield County
One Landmark Square, Suite 300
Stamford, CT 06901-2679
General Phone: (203) 359-3220
Fax: (203) 967-8294
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