Evacuation Chairs Australia

Managers Across Region Want To Keep Everyone Safe

WASHINGTON -- We have heard a lot recently about the emergency kits residents have been asked to keep in their homes, but local building managers are also taking the threat of terrorism seriously.

At the Watergate office complex, the public relations firm of Hill and Knowlton has a plan in place. In the event of an emergency, offices along the exterior walls would be evacuated and sealed. All employees would move into rooms in the center of the building where they can gather for more information.

At the historic Homer building in downtown D.C., one button in the building can shut down the ventilation system in the building in the event of a chemical or biological attack.

Offices have also been given emergency kits with things like flashlights, rope, tape, and tools. The kits are designed to help people either get out of the building, or stay safe inside.

Offices also have police scanners, two-way radios and battery powered TV sets.

The building itself is equipped with special evacuation chairs that help people with disabilities go down stairs. Everyone in the building has been given a whistle and a portable flashlight.

All of the building entrances and exits are closely monitored and office staff are told to be more cautious around visitors.

Schools Committed To Keep Students Safe

Two of the biggest school districts in the Washington area are trying to reassure parents in these uncertain times.

In Montgomery County, Md., students went home Thursday with a letter from Superintendent Jerry Weast. He said all schools in the county have crisis plans in place that can be quickly activated.

But he also warned of the possibility that access to schools could be blocked for what Weast calls "a variety of reasons beyond our control." Weast said parents will need to monitor television and radio stations for updates in the event of an emergency. But he stressed that safety of students and employees is their first priority.

In Fairfax County, Va., school officials said all of their schools have safety plans that have been designed with input from law enforcement, emergency management and public health officials. They said, depending on the type of emergency, the result could be an evacuation, a lockdown or a shelter-in-place.

D.C. Public Schools held an emergency preparedness drill Wednesday.

Many schools are stocking up on supplies to take care of children in an emergency until their parents can pick them up.

Experts said educators should also mentally prepare children for the possibility of an emergency. They said all schools should work with state leaders and local police and fire departments to come up with plans.

Doctors recommend that parents keep a package of potassium iodide tablets. The medicine is available over the counter and can be used in the event of a nuclear power plant disaster.