Preparedness Planning: Do You Have the Resources You Need?

For building owners and managers, readiness is essential. While there are a range of situations to prepare for, terrorism and civil unrest are often top of mind. However, creating plans to address the unpredictable may seem like a daunting task. BOMA International’s longstanding partnerships and insightful resources can guide you in starting or enhancing your preparedness plans.

BOMA Guidebook: The Emergency Preparedness Guidebook:

The Property Professional’s Resource for Developing Emergency Plans for Natural and Human-Based Threats offers a blueprint for prevention and response. Whether it’s mitigating damage, coordinating relief efforts or implementing recovery plans, this is a great first step for ensuring building and tenant safety.

Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA):

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act affords a level of comfort and protection for building owners and managers. The law serves as an insurance backstop for claims related to terrorism, and renewed in 2015 due to the efforts of professional real estate organizations. 

Preparedness Committees:

Preparedness plans and needs differ by building, making a one size-fits-all-approach nearly impossible. BOMA and its local associations have been helping properties develop and implement best practices. BOMA’s Preparedness Committees provide information, best practices, and resources. 

Local BOMA Associations:

With 92 local associations throughout the country, BOMA is where you are. Rely on your local BOMA chapter for the latest industry information, research, resources and programs. As the leading industry advocate, BOMA also represents local, state and federal interests before legislative and regulatory bodies on critical issues.

Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC):

This public-private partnership between the federal government and the real estate industry allows building owners and managers to exchange information across a variety of preparedness platforms and industries. The real estate ISAC provides subscribers with actionable and relevant information, as well as links to federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security.

Emergency planning and preparation is critical. The right preparations can minimize loss and help building and security staff provide the best service to tenants and visitors. Fortunately, with BOMA resources at your disposal, you do not have to tackle this challenge alone.

To learn about security’s role in emergency preparation, review this article from our security resource center: Security’s Role in Emergency Preparedness. 

About the Author
Jim Smolarski is Regional Vice President, Mid-Atlantic for Allied Universal. Jim serves as Co-Vice Chair for the BOMA International Emergency Preparedness Committee and Associate Vice President, Executive Committee, for the Board of Directors of BOMA Philadelphia.