by Ann Withanee — September 9, 2011— Many changes in the way buildings are constructed, managed and secured have resulted from the devastating attacks of the terrorist hijackers on September 11, 2001. Besides taking the initiative to develop strategies to prepare for emergencies to keep occupants safe, the Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA) has identified a list of ways that 9/11 has made an impact in the last decade on how facilities owners and managers and security and real estate professionals secure buildings.
September 11—more simply known as 9/11—commemorates the tenth anniversary of the catastrophic terrorist attack on strong symbols of the United States: New York City’s twin towers that anchored the tip of Manhattan and the monumental Pentagon in D.C, virtually cities within cities. The third attack planned on Washington’s Capitol Building was thwarted by passenger heroes who forced the aircraft, commandeered by terrorists, to crash in a farmer’s field.
The disastrous 9/11 attacks have heightened everyone’s awareness of the potential problems by terrorists. Witness security lines at airports, for instance, where cursory eye inspections have become major full-fledged examination of all persons, children included, as well as luggage and carry-ons, not to mention shoes.
Industry offices and plants, recreation services, healthcare facilities, in short every type of facility in the United States has taken proactive measures to help protect those who occupy their facilities. Corporations, for example, have trained security staff and facilities personnel as part of their campaign to protect their employees and visitors.
In the commercial real estate industry, BOMA International and its members have responded by developing strategies to prepare for emergencies in order to keep occupants safe. Plans range from cooperative announcements on terrorist threats prepared by BOMA International and its industry partners to the development of new fire evacuation laws in large urban areas.
As an industry, commercial real estate has made great strides in sharpening strategies for the security of their buildings and strengthening their preparedness measures. Below, BOMA International identifies just a few of the ways that 9/11 has made an impact in the last decade on how FMs and real estate professionals secure buildings:
- BOMA International and its industry partners have teamed up to form the Real Estate Information Sharing and Analysis Center (REISAC), which provides bulletins on terrorist threats and activities.
- In many U.S. cities (New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston), office buildings now rely more than ever on electronic barriers/optical turnstiles, individual identification, bomb dog services and outside monitoring for security. Security firms have sought and received DHS Safety Act Certification/Designation for security programs throughout portfolios to provide the greatest amount of protection to clients and accounts.
- For some properties, X-ray machines, metal detectors and other security devices can be deployed/scaled up should the threat indicate that a change in operations is required. Outside private security services are able to push out information in short order to support operational considerations.
- Large urban areas have re-written fire evacuation laws to mitigate potential loss of life and injuries from a similar event to 9/11, requiring, at a minimum, annual evacuations.
- Smart video software is being used to track specific activities, such as packages left in one place for a specific period of time or for suspicious behavior around the building or in parking garages.
- Public sector groups have been created and have forged working relationships with the private sector to ask for feedback on information and training needs.
- Many buildings now include elevator lockouts, which only allow riders to exit at a specified floor.
- BOMA Local Associations across the country and the BOMA Preparedness Committee have worked diligently to represent the industry to assure that commercial real estate’s interests are being considered during preparedness exercises and when events dictate with local, regional and national groups.
- Building management and first responders in many major cities, such as San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and New York, have developed or enhanced communication channels.
- Building managers and owners have strengthened communication with their neighbors, tenants and the authorities regarding their emergency preparedness plans. Real estate managers are using table top sessions more and more to identify potential risks and coordination of responses.
- In many U.S. cities (New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston), office buildings now rely more than ever on electronic barriers/optical turnstiles, individual identification, bomb dog services and outside monitoring for security. Security firms have sought and received DHS Safety Act Certification/Designation for security programs throughout portfolios to provide the greatest amount of protection to clients and accounts.
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is an international federation of more than 100 local associations and affiliated organizations. Founded in 1907, its 16,500-plus members own or manage more than nine billion square feet of commercial properties. BOMA International’s mission is to enhance the human, intellectual and physical assets of the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information.
To see what other organizations have said about 9/11, click on the links below:
