Emergency Procedures

Overview

Purpose

This emergency plan is established as an integral part of the official building’s response to emergencies. The contents of this plan are designed as an “operational guide” for the behavior, safety and protection of the tenants and visitors to the building.

Scope

As outlined on the following pages, this emergency plan establishes a sequential plan of response for initially recognizing, identifying and reporting the existence of specific emergency situations threatening the building and/or its inhabitants; and then provides for the safety and protection of endangered personnel and/or assets.

When implemented and supplemented with appropriate instructions from the building’s Property Manager or representatives, this plan becomes an operational tool for the effective and responsive action when occupants of the building are forced to cope with various emergency situations.

General Emergency Guidelines

Listed below are steps that should be followed in almost every type of emergency:

  • Remain calm. Panic can cause more damage in many cases than the emergency itself.
  • Call 911 immediately to report the emergency. Relay all pertinent information:
    • Your Name
    • The type of emergency
    • The Building Address: 303 Colorado Street
    • The location in the building of the emergency such as Suite 2600

Please note, when calling 911 do not give them “Colorado Tower” as the address. This is a vanity address. The 911 operator needs the physical address of the building which is 303 Colorado Street.

  • Ask someone else to contact the management office at (512) 248 4000 to report the emergency.
  • Do not become a spectator. Head away from, not toward, the problem area. Avoid getting in the way of emergency personnel.
  • Follow the directions of those in charge of the situation.
Bomb Threat

It has been clearly proven that the vast majority of these calls are indeed false alarms, meant only to disturb or disrupt the normal work of a person or company. However, at no time should any call be regarded as just another false alarm. The following guidelines will be useful. When a call is received, there are several things to do.

Standard Operating Procedure

Listed below are steps that should be followed in almost every type of emergency:

  • Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask the caller to repeat the message.
  • Obtain as much information from the caller as possible, and write it down:
    • Location of the bomb,
    • Time of detonation,
    • Outside appearance or description of the bomb,
    • Reason for planting the bomb.

Listen for background noises that might help in determining where the call was made.

At the conclusion of the call, do not hang up. It is essential that you keep this line open so that the police can trace the call.

Use another phone and immediately report the call to 911 and the Property Management Office at 512.248.4000, giving as much of the following information as possible:

  • Your name, location and phone number
  • Name of the initial recipient of the threat
  • Name of anyone listening in to the threat
  • Name of any employee threatened by the caller
  • Normal work location of any threatened employee
  • TIME the bomb is supposed to explode
  • Exact LOCATION where the bomb is supposed to be
  • OUTSIDE APPEARANCE or DESCRIPTION of the bomb
  • REASON given for the bomb
  • Time
  • Notify your supervisor and immediately notify Property Management and Security about the bomb threat call.
  • Quickly and thoroughly search your company area for suspicious, unusual or foreign items (Suspected Bombs) and report any findings.
  • Do not touch, move, jar, disturb or cover any suspicious items that are found.
  • Report any findings to 911 and the Property Management Office immediately.
  • If evacuation is necessary, the Austin Fire Department or the Property Management Office will notify you regarding the evacuation plan to use.
  • IMPORTANT - If you determine that your employees and visitors are in imminent danger and you cannot reach the Austin Fire Department and the Property Management Office by telephone in a reasonable length of time, you may determine it prudent to exercise your independent judgment and move or evacuate your personnel without being given a specific route to follow!

IMPORTANT - Identify and give priority to the movement or evacuation of nervous, emotional, ill and/or handicapped personnel. If you evacuate, establish and announce a "rendezvous point" or employee meeting place for safety and control, "roll call", communication and re-entry information.

When evacuation is complete, assemble and account for all of your personnel:

  • Total number of employees moved or evacuated
  • Total number of visitors moved or evacuated
  • Total number of personnel missing
  • Names of missing persons

For future reference by the Property Management Office, write a brief report covering your actions in response to the emergency, including any special problems or incidents that you encountered, and submit it as soon as possible to the Property Management office.

Suspected Bomb-Safety Precautions

The safety precautions listed below are designated to acquaint you with the dangers inherent in the search, discovery and handling of suspected objects.

While some of the following safety precautions may seem elementary, do not dismiss them as unimportant, nor take them for granted. Adequate knowledge of these precautionary provisions may save your life, the lives of your fellow employees and the lives of the other customers and visitors who frequent the building daily.

Do not use radio equipment to transmit messages.

  • Do not change the lighting conditions.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Do not accept the contents of any container as bona-fide simply because it was delivered in a routine manner.
  • Do not accept container markings and/or appearances as sole evidence of their content, identification and legitimacy.
  • Do not touch a suspected bomb
  • Do not carry a suspected bomb.
  • Do not assume that a suspected bomb is of a specific (high explosive or incendiary) type.
  • Do not open a suspicious container or object.
  • Do not cut a string, cord or wire on a suspicious container or object.
  • Do not cut or remove the wrapper on a suspicious container.
  • Do not unscrew the cover of a suspicious container or object.
  • Do not move the latch or hook on the cover of a suspicious container or object.
  • Do not raise or remove the cover of a suspicious container.
  • Do not change the position of a suspicious container or bottle.
  • Do not place a suspicious container or object into water.

Identifying and Handling Suspicious Mail/Packages

A suspicious letter or parcel might have some of the following indicators: ;

  • Postmark or name of sender is unusual, unknown, or no further address is given.
  • Postage – Excessive or I nadequate.
  • Balance – The letter is lopsided or unusually thick.
  • Weight – The letter or package seems heavy for its size.
  • Contents – Stiffness or springiness of contents; protruding wires or components, feels like it contains powdery substance.
  • Smell – Particularly almond or other suspicious odors.
  • Writing – Handwriting of sender is not familiar or indicates a foreign style not normally received by recipient.
  • Common words or names are misspelled.

Suggestions for Handling Suspicious Letter/Purchases

  • Do not excessively handle or open.
  • Immediately segregate it in an unused room or space.
  • Attempt to verify the sender and/or the legitimacy of the package.
  • If the letter or parcel remains suspect, call the police.
Civil Disturbance

If you receive notification that a civil disturbance threatens the building or your office space, Call 911, and then contact the Property Management at 512.248.4000. 

Give as much of the following information as possible:

  • Exact LOCATION of the demonstrators
  • Approximate number of demonstrators
  • Demonstrator’s current activity
  • Your name, company name and location

Notify your employees and visitors about the civil disturbance.

For the safety and protection of your personnel and company assets, assign specific duties to execute the following emergency procedures:

  • Lock or have a Floor Warden stand by to lock all entrances and sensitive areas as appropriate; i.e., office doors, equipment rooms, storerooms, mail rooms, desks, file cabinets, vaults, etc., to protect company assets, employees and visitors.
  • Notify all personnel of the disturbance and warn them to avoid personal contact with the demonstrators. Try not to make any comments or statements that further anger the demonstrators.
  • Advise all personnel to avoid leaving the building & to Shelter In Place.
  • Warn all personnel and visitors that elevator service will be reduced or cut-off during the emergency to prevent access by demonstrators.
  • Advise all personnel to avoid walking through the lobby areas while the demonstrators present a threat.
  • Important to Periodically update all employees and visitors of the situation.

If the demonstrators have invaded the building and are on your floor:

  • Immediately Call 911, and then contact the Property Management at 512.248.4000. Warn all employees and visitors of the emergency situation, and that movement within the building will be impeded because the elevators will most likely be turned off to prevent the demonstrators from involving other areas of the building.
  • Advise all Floor Wardens and Assistant Wardens to execute the following additional emergency procedures for the safety and protection of your personnel and company assets:
    • Lock main entrance door(s). Note: Have a warden stand by at the entrance door with a key to allow authorized personnel only to enter and/or leave.
    • Lock all sensitive areas, as appropriate.
    • Make notes of all rooms and/or areas invaded by the demonstrators to facilitate a search for suspicious items.

When the demonstrators leave, or are removed from your office, and the civil disturbance is no longer threatening the building, advise Floor Wardens and Assistant Wardens to initiate a search for invaded floor(s) and office(s), for any items that are unusual or foreign to the normal environment.

IMPORTANT: Advise all wardens to be on alert for unattended and suspicious items that were carried by the demonstrators; e.g. clothing, knapsacks, bag. Suspicious items should not be touched, moved, jarred, disturbed or covered. Warn all employees and visitors accordingly.

Request that wardens advise you immediately upon completion of the search whether or not any suspicious items were found, and if so, immediately relay the information to 911 and the Emergency Response Team.

Elevator Malfunction

In the event you are in an elevator which stops between floors or stops and the doors will not open, do not attempt to force the doors open. Push the “HELP” button located below the call buttons to obtain assistance. Advise operator of the nature of the problem and elevator personnel will be dispatched to assist you.

Stay calm and be assured that help is on the way. You are safest inside the elevator cab until the appropriate personnel arrive to extract you safely from the cab.

The elevators are equipped with numerous safety devices which prohibit them from failing under emergency conditions. Under no circumstance should you attempt to exit a car except through the doors, which have opened level with a floor by a qualified technician or emergency personnel.

Do not try to climb out and jump to a floor below should the doors open between floors.

In the event of a power interruption to the building, the elevators will be automatically lowered to the lobby level, and the doors will open.

Elevator technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency response.

Emergency Contact
Emergency 911
24/7 On-Site Security 512.420.5820
Travis County Sheriff
(Non-Emergency)		 512.974.0845
Property Management Office 512.248.4000

All tenants will be asked to designate individuals to be contacted in the event of an emergency. Ideally, these tenant contacts will be officers or administrators who are authorized in making decisions in emergency situations. These same individuals designated as “Tenant Contacts” or “Authorized Representatives” usually fill the role of “Emergency Tenant Contact or Emergency Warden”. Property Management will maintain a confidential listing of “Emergency Tenant Contacts” along with their business and after hour’s telephone numbers. It is the responsibility of the tenant to update the information as changes occur.

Please reference the Fire section of this website for details of Emergency Personnel’s Responsibilities.

Evacuation

Evacuation Procedures

When the order for evacuation is given, all persons must evacuate the building entirely. Due to the design of the building, it may not be necessary for all occupants to evacuate at once. The exact nature of a situation will guide emergency personnel in determining how an evacuation will be conducted.

Always use stairwells! They are the primary means of evacuation at all times. Elevators will not be used for evacuation unless ordered by the Safety Director or the Austin Fire Department.

When evacuation is necessary:

  • Instructions will be given at the time of evacuation as to which stairwell(s) to use.
  • Follow safe evacuation procedures:
    • Remain calm.
    • Advise employees to proceed quietly and orderly.
    • Remove high-heel shoes.
    • Walk to the right of the stairwell in a single file line as the fire department may use the same stairwell to gain entry.
    • Take nothing with you. All briefcases, laptops and other items should remain in your office.
    • Do not take any drinks whatsoever into the stairwell.
    • If smoke is encountered during your evacuation, get on your hands and knees, and stay close to the wall.

Upon reaching the ground level of the building, exit the building. Be careful of traffic, falling glass or other hazards. Each person should proceed directly to their company’s designated meeting place and check in with their representatives. Do not attempt to remove vehicles from the parking garage. This will interfere with emergency response personnel.

Click here to view the Evacuation Routes

Tenant Responsibilities During an Evacuation

Property Management strongly encourages every tenant to create an internal, company specific, emergency procedures plan using the guidelines outlined in this manual. Areas of responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Assign two-person teams (Assistant Wardens) to assist the disabled.
  • Take emergency flashlights or other portable lights in case of an electrical power failure.
  • Take company First Aid Kits, if it is readily available and not too heavy.
  • If time permits, properly secure and safeguard special company records (i.e. documents, original contracts, negotiable instruments, etc.) and lock the appropriate files, vaults, closets, desks, etc.
  • Unplug appropriate electrical equipment and machines, computers, microwaves, coffee makers, etc.
  • Check for employee and visitor stragglers, turn OFF lights and close office doors. DO NOT LOCK if your office is involved in the fire.

All company personnel should be educated on proper evacuation procedures, the location of your firm’s Assembly Area and assembly instructions as determined by your Floor Warden. Give appropriate direction to visitors who may not be familiar with the building.

Once it is determined that it is safe to return to the building, an All Clear call will be given to the Assembly Areas by the building’s Emergency Response Team.

IMPORTANT: If you determine that your employees or visitors are in danger, and you cannot reach the Property Management Office by telephone in a reasonable length of time, you may determine it prudent to exercise your independent judgment and move or evacuate your personnel without being given specific routes to follow.

Mobility Impaired Persons

Persons who cannot evacuate via the building’s stairwells should make their way into the stairwell and await assistance from the fire department. Each mobility-impaired person should have a fellow co-worker (Assistant Warden) assigned to them during an evacuation. The person assigned to assist should be fully capable physically to assist the mobility impaired person. The Property Management Office maintains listings of all mobility-impaired persons in the building. Impairments can be either temporary, (i.e. broken/injured leg) or permanent (i.e. wheelchair bound persons). In either event, please make sure the Property Management Office is advised of the identity and floor location of any mobility-impaired employees so accurate records can be maintained. This information will be given to the fire department upon their arrival.

IMPORTANT: The Floor Warden of a floor with a Mobility Impaired Person should give confirmation to a member of the Emergency Response Team ( Yellow Vest) that the Mobility Impaired Person listed on our records is in the building. Provide them with the floor number and stairwell that the person is located.

Fire

Emergency Personnel Responsibilities during a Fire or Life Safety Situation

When an emergency arises, please call:
1. Austin Fire Department — 911
2. Property Management Office — 512.248.4000

The parties below are involved as follows:

  1. Cousins Person In Charge (CPIC) — The Cousins Properties Employee who is at the site and is the first responder to the emergency. Primary responsibility is to coordinate and implement an effective evacuation of the building’s Customers in a serious fire or other situation that might require evacuation. Further responsibility stems from the preparation, monitoring and implementation (with the approval and assistance of the Austin Fire Department) of a training program for all members of the building emergency response team.
  2. Safety Director — The Cousins Properties Employee who is at the site and is the second responder to the emergency. Responsible for the effective implementation of the Evacuation Plan and for actions taken by the building’s Emergency Response Team prior to the arrival of the Austin Fire Department. Upon the arrival of the Austin Fire Department, the Assistant Building Emergency Marshal should assist the responsible Fire Department Supervisor in briefing as to seriousness, location and type of fire while explaining actions taken prior to the arrival of the Fire Department.
  3. Emergency Wardens — Tenant Representatives
    • The Emergency Wardens are responsible for following strict orders of the Customer contact, the Safety Director or liaison, to implement in an orderly manner an approved evacuation plan upon fire alarm or notification from the CPIC or the Austin Fire Department.
    • The Emergency Warden is appointed by the Customer contact representing each firm occupying each floor of the building. If your firm occupies more than one floor, a minimum of two Emergency Wardens should be designated for each floor. Those persons or their alternates (Assistant Wardens) must be present at all times while the building is occupied. These wardens must be familiar with the building evacuation plan, floor layout and location and use of fire equipment.
  4. Assistant Wardens — Tenant Representatives
    •  The Assistant Wardens shall take direction from the Emergency Warden and shall perform as the Emergency Warden in his/her absence.
  5. Emergency Response Team — Cousins Properties Staff
    • The Emergency Response Team staff is comprised of all building Engineering, Management and Security personnel. Their responsibilities are primarily to ensure the safe evacuation of the building and implementing emergency plans as directed by the Safety Director, CPIC or the Incident Commander from the Austin Fire Department.
  6. Evacuation Supervisor — Security Supervisor
    • After normal business hours - Primary responsibility is to coordinate and implement an effective evacuation after normal business hours.
  7. Handicapped Evacuation Assistants — Appointed by Tenant
    • Handicapped Evacuation Assistants are responsible for the evacuation of any physically challenged employees in suite.

Stairwells

There are two emergency stairwells in the building. One is located on the North end and the second is located on the South end of the building. These stairwells are accessible from every floor. In case of fire or other emergency, use stairwells for exit. All stairwells provide exit from the building to the outside.

Emergency Fire/Life Safety Equipment

The Building is equipped with a sophisticated, automated life safety system composed of smoke detection, alarm devices, sprinkler system, stair pressurization fans, smoke evacuation systems, smoke doors and fire extinguisher cabinets on every floor. There is a Central Fire Command Center located on the first floor of the building adjacent to the Main Lobby.

Floor Wardens and Assistant Floor Wardens

1. Criteria

Floor Wardens and Assistant Wardens are selected on the basis of two (2) principle criteria:

  • They are intelligent, alert and resourceful individuals who are capable of performing in a leadership role during an emergency situation.
  • They work in the building, rather than having primary duties and responsibilities elsewhere.

Floor Wardens are the connecting links between Property Management and the employees of their firm. As such, they have direct control and responsibility for all decisive matters relating to the safety of their employees during an emergency.

Floor Wardens are responsible for selecting, identifying and training sufficient wardens to effectively perform their emergency duties and responsibilities, and to facilitate a safe and orderly response and/or evacuation in an emergency situation. A minimum of four (4) wardens is recommended for full floor tenants (approximately one per 5,000 square feet). Smaller tenants may elect to appoint only one.

Floor Wardens and their assistants are responsible for communicating appropriate pre-planned emergency procedures and/or date to all employees under their jurisdiction through personnel orientation and/or company bulletin boards. All wardens should be very familiar with the locations of stairwells, pull stations and fire extinguishers.

Floor Warden and Assistant Floor Warden participation in the annual Evacuation Drills and any other related training provided by the management office is essential.

2. Floor Wardens

  • Floor Wardens are responsible for following strict orders of the Cousins Person In Charge or Safety Director or liaison, and for implementing an orderly evacuation plan upon notification from the CPIC, a safety Director or the Austin Fire Department via the building’s public address system.

3. Assistant Wardens
Assistant Wardens are appointed by and will take direction from the Floor Warden, and shall step in as the Floor Warden in his/her absence.

4. Floor Warden Training Program
To ensure all Floor Wardens and Assistant Wardens completely understand the emergency and evacuation procedures, annual Floor Warden Training is conducted by members of the Emergency Response Team. During this training, all emergency procedures are thoroughly reviewed.

Floor Wardens and Assistant Wardens are required to be proficient in the following:

  • Evacuation plan and procedures
  • The layouts of each floor, including the exits, pull stations and location of fire extinguishers.
  • Personnel under his/her control, as to whether there are any occupants who are disabled requiring more than ordinary assistance during an evacuation.
  • Building procedures set forth in the Emergency Procedures Manual.

Fire Emergencies

Colorado Tower is 100% covered by a fire sprinkler system and has numerous fire detection and alarm devices throughout the building. When heat, smoke or combustion activates one of these devices, the Fire Command Center immediately receives a visual and audible alarm indicating the location. This alert sets the following emergency procedures into motion:

  • The fire alarm panel dials out to the fire alarm monitoring company upon receiving an alarm.
  • If the alarm is a Fire alarm, the monitoring company immediately calls 911 and dispatches the Fire Department.
  • The alarm company then begins calling the Emergency Response Team.
  • If there is an audible alarm in the building, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) calls 911 to notify the Austin Fire Department again.
  • The ERT immediately responds to the FCC Room and implements emergency procedures.
  • If you detect the odor of something burning, but see no smoke or flame, call the Property Management Office at (512) 248 – 4000. Building Personnel will investigate immediately to determine if fire department assistance is necessary.
  • If a small fire is discovered , call 911. If you can safely confine the fire by closing surrounding doors, please do so. Contact the Management Office at (512) 248 – 4000. You may also pull open one of the fire alarm pull stations located next to fire exits to activate the fire alarm. Locate the fire extinguisher that is stored in each corridor or at a designated area inside your suite. If using the extinguisher, attempt to defuse the fire by following proper fire extinguisher procedures:
    • Pull out the pin.
    • Aim at the base of the fire.
    • Sweep from side to side until the fire is out.
    • If you discover a large fire during normal business hours that is too much for a fire extinguisher to handle, and have not heard or been notified by the building emergency system, call 911, and then immediately call the Property Management Office at (512) 248 – 4000. Provide the following information:
    • Exact location of the fire: floor, suite, and room number.
    • What is burning: electrical equipment or wiring, liquids, paper, wood furnishings, etc.
    • The severity of the fire.
    • Your name, phone number and location.

If you still do not hear an audible alarm, activate the Pull Station located at the closest stairwell and alert all other Floor Wardens and Assistant Wardens of the situation.

Further instructions may be given by the Emergency Intercom System, the Austin Fire Department, or the Emergency Response Team.

STAIRWELLS MUST BE USED DURING EVACUATION.

If evacuation is not necessary, normal business operations may begin upon notification by the Emergency Intercom System, the Austin Fire Department or by the Emergency Response Team.

  • If you discover a large fire after normal business hours call 911. If you have not been notified by the building emergency system, contact security at (512) 420-5820 and provide the following information
    • Exact location of the fire: floor, suite, and room number.
    • What is burning: electrical equipment or wiring, liquids, paper, wood furnishings, etc.
    • The severity of the fire.
    • Your name, phone number and location.

Security will notify the Emergency Response Team and set into motion the building’s official response to emergency situations.

  • Notify all employees located on the floor and follow safe evacuation procedures.
  • Security will notify the appropriate company contact at their after-hours phone number.
  • The fire alarm system generates a varying whoop tone from speakers located throughout the building. The alarm will also sound on adjacent floors above and below the alarm floor.
  • If you feel it is necessary to evacuate the building due to fire, smoke or any emergency condition you may do so without receiving further instructions from the Property Management Office.

How You Can Help Prevent Fires

Case studies of office fires show that most could have been prevented if simple safety precautions had been exercised.

You can help prevent fire by following these precautions:

  • Assign someone to make certain that all appliances are turned off at the end of the day.
  • Be alert for strange odors or lights from electrical appliances. Have malfunctions checked immediately.
  • Store and use flammable liquids according to safety regulations. Clean up spills at once.
  • Dispose of trash. Don’t allow it to accumulate. Don’t overload wall circuits.
  • Smoke only where permitted. Smoking is not permitted inside the Building or within 25’ of building entrances.

Evacuation Drills
Evacuation Drills are usually conducted within days after the Emergency Warden Training. They are designed to closely simulate an actual alarm response and evacuation. Tenant Wardens should use this time to educate their co-workers on life-safety equipment. Evacuation Drills also allow the building staff to inspect and evaluate the automated life-safety related issues, and complete a detailed checklist of building systems and operation, in addition to assisting tenants with evacuation. Post-drill meetings allow building staff to critique their response, share observations, and identify problems.
If necessary, proceed with evacuation procedures. REMEMBER: the Fire Fighter’s Recall will be activated and all elevators will inoperable.

Click Here to view the Powerpoint Emergency Evacuation Plan

Medical Emergency

If there is a medical emergency within your office or observed by you, please call 911 first and then contact the Property Management office at (512) 248-4000. Provide the following information to 911 and management:

  • Provide the type of medical emergency
  • Exact location and name of the sick or injured person
  • Has an ambulance been called?
    • If not, the Property Management Office will contact 911 to request an ambulance and the ERT will ready their entrance into the building.
    • If the sick or injured person requests you call their doctor, please do, and notify the Property Management Office so assistance can be given to the doctor when entering the building.
    • Assign at least one Floor Warden or Assistant Warden to stand by on the floor where the sick or injured person is located to meet the doctor and/or ambulance attendants, and guide them to the sick or injured person. If the sick or injured person is going to a hospital, try to send a friend or fellow employee along to assist them at the hospital until a spouse/relative arrives

Fast response to medical emergencies can save lives. Never hesitate to Call 911 for medical assistance if needed. Remember to contact the Property Management Office with details so the building staff can assist when the emergency personnel arrive at the property.

Note: Please advise the emergency medical personnel if you have preference of hospital location. Most ambulances will transport patients to any local hospital should it be needed. All trauma emergencies will be directed to Breckenridge Hospital.

Other Emergencies

Explosions

If an explosion occurs, report the explosion to 911 - Austin Fire Department and the Property Management Office. Give the following information:

  • Your name, location and phone number
  • Your company’s name
  • Exact location of explosion
  • Cause of explosion
  • Extent of casualties and number and type of injuries
  • Whether explosion caused fires and, if so, location of fire

The Property Management Office will immediately contact the Fire and Police Departments to confirm they are dispatching emergency personnel to the scene.

You should move or evacuate employees and visitors from your tenant area(s), if necessary or upon notification by the Building Emergency Marshall, or by intercom announcement.

Electric Power Outage

Colorado Tower is equipped with an emergency generator which will power specific building systems during a power outage. These systems include all fire alarm and life safety systems, limited emergency lighting on each floor and one elevator in each elevator bank. All elevators will (one at a time) be automatically lowered to the lobby level, the doors will open and the cab will be out of service. If an outage is of short duration, it should cause little concern. If it is of longer duration, however, you may desire to leave the building. If so, you will need to utilize the stairwells.

Should Property Management need to make contact with you during such electric power outage we will call your tenant contact for after-hour emergencies. This individual’s information needs to be given to the Property Management Office as soon as possible and updated as appropriate.

Severe Weather

In most cases, advance warning of severe weather is not likely. In the event of severe weather, move toward core area rooms, including restrooms, freight elevator lobbies and building stairwells. Close window blinds and office doors as you exit.

The greatest danger will be that of flying glass and objects; therefore, attempt to locate where the maximum numbers of walls are between you and the exterior of the building. Stay away from glass atriums and lobbies.

Work Place Violence

If your company or an individual receives a threat, obtain as much information as possible:

  • What exactly was said?
  • Was a date/time of the threatened action mentioned? (“I’ll be there this afternoon.”)
  • Was a weapon mentioned or known to be in the threat of maker’s possession?
  • Is there prior history with the threat-maker; upset client, ex-employee, ex-boyfriend?
  • Is there a restraining order in effect against this person?
  • Is a photograph or physical description available?

Develop a plan for notifying office personnel, police and building management should the individual come into your office.

Give the front desk receptionist a discreet way to signal for help. Building Security Officers are not armed nor trained in physical intervention. They are trained to observe and report on incidents. They do not confront suspicious individuals, however, they will call 911 for law enforcement assistance. Physically threatening individuals should immediately be reported to 911, then report the incident to the Property Management Office at 512.248.4000.

Toxic Hazards

Response to and preparation against threats or actual attacks from biological or chemical agents is similar to bomb threats or attacks. By their nature, however, biological and chemical agents can be extremely difficult to detect until their physical symptoms can be observed in exposed persons. Symptoms can include breathing difficulty, watery eyes, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty in moving. These symptoms can occur suddenly, without any prior warnings. Medical attention should be summoned immediately with the onset of these symptoms.

Biological or chemical threats can be common agents (pepper spray or mace) or much more complex in nature (anthrax, nerve gas).

Routine security vigilance is the most important protective measure. Access to your work areas should be controlled and suspicious items should be reported. Containing any biological or chemically affected areas (close doors, shut down HVAC) and isolating any exposed persons is critical in responding to attacks.

Contact 911 so trained responders can be summoned. Then notify the Property Management Office at (512) 248 – 4000.