Is your company BERT trained?
BERT is Business Emergency Resiliency Training. A presentation about it was presented recently by Brea’s Economic Development Department to local business representatives at the Brea Civic and Cultural Center.
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Brea Emergency Manager Lisa Keyworth and Brea Police Sgt. Alfonso Kunze were the presenters, and explained to those in attendance what their companies should do to protect their employees and customers in an emergency, including an active attack.
Keyworth emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness through business emergency management. She emphasized maintaining emergency supplies and giving certain employees specific duties in an emergency. We were told businesses should follow OSHA’s Emergency Response Plan, which every business is required to have. And hopefully be familiar with it and have it readily available.
Keyworth also spoke of the importance of employees knowing the company’s emergency evacuation plans and first aid fundamentals. She encouraged people to be personally prepared by having your own basic emergency kit with water, meal bars, first aid kit. I keep one in my car truck, and recently used the tennies in it when I had a shoe strap break while away.
She also informed us about the recent Carbon Fire in Carbon Canyon and how mutual aid was employed from surrounding fire agencies.
The Carbon Fire was in Brea, but could have spread to the nearby counties without the extra help. Some 209 acres burned.
Kunze spoke about keeping your business safe by using cameras and other security measures, including sturdy locking doors and multiple exits. Have an emergency operations center, and a book of employees’ emergency responsibilities.
He also talked about active shooters, now referred to as active attackers. That is because often these attackers use knives and other weapons instead of guns. Nice to know.
He said if there is an active attack, your choice is to run, hide or fight. Also, to immediately silence your phone ringer, have an exit plan and leave your belongings behind. Taking time to grab your laptop or that designer purse could cost you your life.
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If hiding is your only option, find a closet or get under a desk, he said. Just remember to turn that phone ringer off.
The last option is one most of us would not choose: fighting. I guess if you are a big, brawny guy, maybe with a broken chair leg in your hand, go for it.
After the emergency, business must go on. Have plans for keeping business going, keeping up the payroll, and have a cash stash. That could be very important if an earthquake or flood causes major damage to banks and other essential businesses.
This presentation was just two hours, but only about 20 business people attended. Maybe others saw Keyworth’s presentation a couple months ago at a Brea Chamber of Commerce breakfast. The Brea Chamber also promoted BERT to its members, of which I am.
Melissa Furi, economic development manager, also noted that twice they sent invitations for the city’s BERT presentation to all Brea businesses, sent emails, posted it on social media, included it in the Brea Line newsletter and mentioned it at the May 5 City Council meeting. And you didn’t know about it? Maybe they should use one of those lawyer billboards gracing the freeways.
Hopefully, more Brea business owners will get informed on BERT before a major emergency or active attack happens at their workplace.
If you are someone who would choose to fight an intruder, or just want to improve your health, go to the Health & Welfare Expo on May 23 at the Brea Community Center.
Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at [email protected].
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