NYC Command and Control Center

Disaster Preparedness..."Think like a killer as you develop your security policy." That was the blunt message delivered by John Gilbert, COO of Rudin Management, at the PikeNet Forum Roundtable, Building Security and the Internet: The Role of Technology in Making Buildings Safer. Although Gilbert is totally wired and, in fact, managed Rudin's entire New York City portfolio with his BlackBerry immediately after the September 11 attacks, he stressed the fundamentals of preparation like practice, training and drills.

For example, Gilbert has offered his tenants the option of practicing a complete physical evacuation of their premises. Yes, this might present a challenge, especially if it involves walking down from the top floors of a high-rise. But Gilbert would say, "How else can you truly prepare your staff to understand the rigors of such an evacuation?" Of course, there are also technology solutions like card entry systems, redundant communications services, and filters for zapping pathogens at air intakes. Just don't ignore the basics. "Hire the best and train the best."

John Moody, President of Marsh & McLennan Real Estate Advisors, started his job just one week before September 11. Marsh & McLennan lost 300 people in the North Tower of the World Trade Center, but saved 1,400 in the South Tower. Ironically, Moody indicated that the experience of the 1993 bombing had better prepared his personnel to evacuate the premises.

Ken Hubbard, EVP of Hines, strongly advocated a formal communication system between federal, state and local officials, and building owners. Aside from color-code alerts, there is no institutionalized system for disseminating critical information to building owners. In fact, property managers are not even legally entitled to order a full building evacuation without local governmental authority. Finally, Thom Bogle of Ernst & Young argued that dealing with real risk and perceived risk are both important. It is equally vital to send a very clear message to both tenants and potential terrorists that you are prepared.

--Peter Pike