From: Kraft, Marilyn
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 5:08 PM
Subject: Site Security Alert - Theft
Importance: High
Attachments: chem acc prev site security.pdf
You are
receiving this email because your email address is identified as related to
a permitted facility in the California Accidental Release Prevention Program
in the jurisdiction of the San Bernardino County Hazardous Materials
Division.
Site Security Alert - Theft
San Bernardino
County Fire Department has received confirmation of some site security
information that we think is important for your facility. A facility using
chlorine for water treatment in this County experienced a theft of a ton
chlorine repair kit (B" Kit) and a SCBA. There was also some tampering with
a chlorine container during what may have been an attempt at theft of a ton
container of chlorine. This involved removing a significant segment of
fencing and heavy gating. No theft or release of chlorine occurred. This
specific situation is being handled by appropriate law enforcement,
response, and facility personnel. It is an appropriate occasion to remind
you of some site security basics:
Please be
vigilant in your security and make sure that theft is covered in
your security plans. Review security plans and any other associated
emergency plans to make sure that all information (emergency contact, site
plans, etc) is current. Also make sure that facility personnel are ready to
take initial actions if they discover a theft or attempted theft.
Contact local
law enforcement of any such theft or attempted theft. They can get the
other appropriate law enforcement agencies involved.
Theft or attempted theft of a hazardous material should be treated as a
threatened release. Notify your administering agency and the State
Office of Emergency Services. The appropriate notification numbers are
in your business emergency/contingency plan.
Review your current security protections against the reality of
potential theft - alarms, video monitoring, intrusion alarms, remote
alarm systems (do they only monitor for a release or also for
intrusion?), fencing, security patrols, etc.
The use of
chemicals as potential weapons has recently been in the news. Someone in
your organization should have thought through how to handle media questions
regarding site security whether those inquiries come before or after an
event.
While your
customized site security, vulnerability assessment, and emergency plans
should contain more specific information, attached is a basic EPA
publication on site security. Many other organizations provide information
on securing your facilities and preventing releases.
Marilyn Kraft, MBA, REHS
San Bernardino County Fire Department
Hazardous Materials Division
620 S. E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0153
Phone: (909) 386-8401; Fax (909) 386-8460
email: mkraft@sbcfire.org