DETROIT ARSENAL, WARREN, MI -- Providing a safe work environment is essential to operations at any installation. Although that responsibility falls on each of us, several Detroit Arsenal organizations are heavily focused on this effort.
Employees should be familiar with what is in the plans and know what their responsibilities are. Employees should talk to their supervisor and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) manager in order to prepare for an emergency situation.
"We have adopted a proactive All-Hazards approach rather than a reactive philosophy," said Joseph Moscone, Detroit Arsenal garrison manager. "A significant part of these proactive programs was to establish an integrated set of policies, plans and procedures that allows mission essential functions to carry on their duties in the event of an emergency or disaster."
Emergency management and anti-terrorism programs are key to the providing a safe work environment. The garrison antiterrorism officer works with representatives from throughout the installation to ensure protective measures are implemented throughout the installation. Emergency management conducts yearly training exercises that simulate anything from a weather event, to an active shooter, to a bio-chemical event.
The purpose for the Detroit Arsenal Emergency Reaction training is to provide awareness and education for the Detroit Arsenal community relating to preparedness and protection. The Emergency Reaction training is provided by the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security and is available for all personnel on the arsenal and at the stand-alone facilities.
During the training, the protection team from DPTMS discusses the senior commander's top three hazards, emergency preparedness, mass-warning notification systems, shelter-in-place, evacuation, LOCKDOWN procedures for an active shooter and how to report suspicious activity.
The next emergency reaction training is Aug. 15 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Building 200, auditorium. Tenant organizations that cannot attend this training can contact the DPTMS at usarmy.detroit.imcom-central.mbx.garrison-eoc@mail.mil for additional training options for their personnel.
Probably one of the most important parts of the installation safety and security program is the See Something, Say Something program. Employees should visit https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something to familiarize themselves suspicious activity and what to do.
Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate terrorism or terrorism-related crime. This includes, but is not limited to unusual items or situations such as a vehicle parked in an odd location, a package/luggage left unattended, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.
Eliciting information and observation/surveillance are also examples of suspicious activity. A person asking questions at a level beyond curiosity or paying unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest should be reported.
The Detroit Arsenal Directorate of Emergency Services is spearheading a number of initiatives to help provide a safe work place such as actively engaging with Macomb County to establish Life, Health and Safety protocols. The Fire Chief and Police Chief have diligently been working with several Macomb County departments to establish a unified approach to emergency situations; specifically, active shooter events. They have also solidified mutual aid agreements.
The Detroit Arsenal Police also enforces the installation personal weapons policy, perform random vehicle inspections and run back ground checks on all personnel visiting the installation.
They are also working to incorporate the Army Law Enforcement Compliance Program into the department which is much like accreditation programs that civilian and federal law enforcement departments use.
"ALECP makes us adhere to certain standards within a police department to ensure that we are doing the right thing for the people," stated Police Chief Franz Blanchard. "It ensures that law enforcement investigation, crash investigation and dog handler programs follow protocols. Essentially anything that encompasses a police department is being adhered to correctly. If it is adhered to we receive accreditation."
This accreditation will help make sure police and security procedures are current and meet the demand of today's evolving security requirements.
The Detroit Arsenal Fire Department also plays a significant role in keeping the population safe. Besides the obvious of putting out fires and responding to hazard material spills, the fire department has an inspection program where they inspect offices for obstructions and plug in appliances for compliance.
The fire department also trains fire wardens on how to properly evacuate their area. The wardens conduct monthly fire extinguisher and check exit signs. They also ensure everyone evacuates their area during an emergency.
They also issues permits to contractors doing work on the installation. CPR courses and fire extinguisher training are available. They also stop into the Child Development Center to educate the children on fire safety.
The Garrison Safety Office is always looking for safety improvements such as eliminating excess crosswalks and funneling foot traffic to marked crosswalks.
"The crosswalks in front of 231 were too steep of an incline for safe passage in inclement weather," stated Garrison Safety Chief Denise Morse. "The crosswalks were removed and landscaping planted to prevent sediment from flowing into the storm water drains. Personnel should use the remaining designated crosswalks to safely cross the street."
All of these initiatives are reviewed by the Installation Protection Executive Committee which is chaired by Maj. Gen. Clark LeMasters, installation senior commander, and has representatives from most of the installation organizations. This committee meets regularly to ensure protection related issues are properly identified, analyzed and implemented according to the senior commander's intent.
Multiple organizations across the garrison are actively working behind the scenes to keep the installation safe and prepared for any emergency. This requires all of us to do our part and report hazards to the safety office at 586-282-6121 and report suspicious activity to law enforcement at 586-282-7117.
Don't forget… if you See Something, Say Something.
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