U.S. Homeland Security Updates

Due to the Institute's affiliation with the Real Estate Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC), all CCIM Institute members who have opted in for e-mail news receive national security alerts as soon as they are released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Terrorism-related bulletins issued by the DHS are also available online to provide real estate managers with the latest guidelines and updates pertaining to building security.

DHS Bulletins

Real Estate ISAC Members Only Section - NEW!
The contents of this "Members Only" section are designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as "For Official Use Only." This information is provided to the Real Estate ISAC with the express understanding that it be shared only with real estate industry participants on a need-to-know basis. This information should not be released to the public, be published in any publicly accessible medium (including on a public Web site), or released to other personnel without prior approval from DHS. Visit the Real Estate ISAC's private Web site.

ARKANSAS: Suspicious Activity at Blue Mountain Storage Facility - September 2, 2004
To alert owners of self-storage and other types of storage facilities in Arkansas and surrounding areas, this bulletin provides information on bomb-related activity that recently took place in an Arkansas storage facility.

Threats to Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge and a tunnel between New York and New Jersey - August 30, 2004
Although uncorroborated, the DHS has recently received information regarding potential threats to specific landmarks in the New York/New Jersey area.

Possible Al-Qaida Interest in Targeting Highly Populated Areas in Large U.S. Cities Prior to November Elections - August 27, 2004
This bulletin lists potential indicators of impending terrorist attacks before the November 2004 presidential elections.

Potential Terrorist Use of Self Storage Facilities - August 6, 2004
Jointly issued by the FBI and DHS, this bulletin outlines cautionary measures that managers of self storage facilities may wish to take to minimize potential terrorist threats.

Potential Terrorist Use of Helicopters - August 6, 2004
Also issued jointly by the FBI and DHS, this bulletin provides safety guidelines that may help prevent terrorist attacks via helicopters.

Potential Terrorist Use of Rental Vehicles: Indicators for the Car, Truck, and Limousine Rental Community - August 5, 2004
Considering that recent terorrist attacks in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have been implemented through vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), the rental vehicle industry in the U.S. may wish to take specific safety precautions.

Potential Threat to Homeland Using Heavy Transport Vehicles - July 30, 2004
Reviews the steps that building managers can take to minimize security risks posed by heavy transport vehicles.
Fourth of July Considerations - June 24, 2004
Lists safety guidelines that building managers should consider during the Fourth of July holiday.

Why No Attacks on the Homeland Since 9/11? - April 27, 2004
Discusses reasons why there have not been subsequent terrorist attacks on the U.S. post-9/11.
Potential Terrorist Use of Official Identification, Uniforms or Vehicles - April 8, 2004
Outlines protective measures building managers can take to prevent terrorists from gaining entry via official identification, uniforms or vehicles.

Terrorist Chemical Device - September 16, 2003
Informs public property owners about a particular type of chemical device that could potentially be used in future terrorist attacks.

Maintaining Awareness Regarding Al-Qaeda's Potential Threats to the Homeland - September 4, 2003
The final section of the advisory is the most relevant to real estate, as it discusses the implications of recent attacks against "soft targets" - including hotels and housing compounds - in the Middle East and Indonesia.

Homeland Security Information Bulletin: Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Materials and Effects
Find out about the CBRN weapons that members of Al-Quaeda and related terrorist groups have access to and learn about medical treatment guidelines in case these types of terrorist attacks occur.

Department of Homeland Security Launches New Web Site
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a new Web site, www.ready.gov, to create a centralized bank of resources pertaining to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to educating all Americans and their families about emergency procedures, the site also offers vital information for residential and commercial property managers. With step-by-step visual guides and downloadable PDFs, the site provides helpful guidelines for implementing precautionary measures and emergency plans.

The site covers terrorism-related topics such as:
• Preparing kits of emergency supplies
• Developing effective action plans for residential areas
• Emergency procedures for occupants of high-rise buildings
• Potential scenarios and action plans for all types of terrorist attacks: biological, chemical, nuclear and many more.

Preparing for Terrorism, A Property Manager's Guide
Now more than ever, it is critical for property managers, facility managers, and building owners to understand the proper procedures for reporting suspicious terrorist activities and responding to terrorist acts. Refer to this IREM publication to learn about crucial precautionary measures and emergency procedures. Order today!

DHS Risk Classification System
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) classifies various levels of risk as outlined below - from highest level of risk to lowest:

RED - Severe Risk of Terrorist Attacks
ORANGE - High Risk of Terrorist Attacks
YELLOW - Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks
BLUE - General Risk of Terrorist Attacks
GREEN - Low Risk of Terrorist Attacks

Related Sites
You can refer to the web sites below for updated information regarding terrorist threats, plus guidance on how to prepare for national emergencies such as terrorist or chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attacks.

Ready.gov - http://www.ready.gov/
U.S. Department of Homeland Security - http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/
U.S. Department of Justice - http://www.usdoj.gov/
U.S. White House - http://www.whitehouse.gov/
American Red Cross - https://www.givelife.org/index_flash.cfm