Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness is the planned response to events that outrun normal security capacity - fire, bomb threat, intrusion, medical emergency, flood, earthquake, civil disturbance. The exam tests the all-hazard plan, roles, evacuation and accountability, drills, and the review that follows.
Plan content
A usable emergency plan states: identified hazards; who declares an emergency and how; alarm signals and what each means; evacuation routes and assembly points; sweep and roll-call method; designated wardens and deputies; contact list including police, rescue and utility numbers; shutdown steps for power, gas and machinery; provisions for disabled occupants; media and family communication; and recovery and business continuity arrangements.
Command and coordination
One person is in charge at the scene, and the position transfers formally, not informally. Security's task is usually to raise the alarm, evacuate, secure the cordon, keep access routes clear for emergency services and account for people - not to fight the hazard beyond training.
Worked example: bomb threat by telephone
Stay calm; keep the caller talking; record the exact words, background noise, accent and any claimed location; note the time; do not use radios or mobile phones near a suspected device. Notify the manager, call police, and evacuate according to the plan if instructed, using a route away from the suspected item. Do not touch or move anything suspicious. Afterwards, write a statement while memory is fresh and attend the after-action review.
Traps
Drills that are never documented or critiqued; assembly points near glass or vehicle routes; no deputy warden; assuming the fire alarm means fire only; failing to account for contractors and visitors.