How to Spot A Suspicious Package

Would you know how to spot a suspicious package or bag versus someone just forgetting a bag or package on the sidewalk? What about reporting it... do you call 9-1-1 or the Office of Homeland Security? To clarify, I've noted some pointers below.

Suspicious packages might bear restricted endorsements such as "personal" or "private." If you work in an office building and you see these markings on a package, you should pay extra attention.

Ask yourself if the name and/ title is inaccurate on the mailing label. If you're looking at a bag, does it have any international tags on it or odd markings?

Suspicious packages or articles might reflect distorted handwriting or the name and address might be prepared with homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering.

If you determine the package or bag is suspicious, do not move, alter, open, examine or disturb the article.

Do not put it in water or a confined space- such as a desk drawer or filing cabinet.

If possible, open windows in the immediate area to assist in venting potentially explosive gasses.

Isolate the suspicious package or article and clear the immediate area until the police arrives. Yes, you call 9-1-1 and let them direct what agency shows up. In the meantime, clear the area and wait for help to arrive.

It is better to be safe than sorry when you spot a questionable package or bag. Always report it, never chance it. Emergency responders would rather show up for nothing than not show up for something!

Twyla N. Garrett

Emergency Exits At Work… Are They Safe?

Most people are under the impression that emergency exits at work are always safe and well-maintained. I wish this was true. Many workplace emergency exits aren’t kept up to standard. This isn’t deliberate, but usually a cost-savings oversight.

Here are three things you can do to ensure workplace exits are safe.
1. Lighted exit signs should be in good working order, and have a battery backup in case of a power failure. My best advice is to check these signs as you walk into work and out of work on a monthly basis. Not your job? Schedule yourself to do a visual check anyway and then call maintenance every other month to have them perform the actual checks.
2. Check to see if workplace exits are ADA compatible. Most new buildings already ensure this, but older buildings don’t often have handicap accessible emergency exits. Know where your company stands on the issue and develop a plan to help those with disabilities exit the building safely in the event of an emergency.
3. Doors should be secured to prevent unauthorized entry from the outside, but not to prevent employees from exiting in emergencies. Smokers are notorious for using emergency exits as quick routes to cheat a smoke here and there. These people should be addressed directly and you need to explain that the emergency exit is for emergencies only. Propping a door open while they smoke can allow for a security breach- never good!

I hope these tips help you realize the importance of clearly marked emergency exits at work.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla Garrett

Hypocritical Encouragement From the Government?

On September 30th of this year, FEMA asked local communities to prepare for disasters as a practice. In fact, here is what their press release say;
"Today, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) encourages individuals, families, workplaces, schools and organizations across the nation to take part in America’s PrepareAthon!, a national day of action that will take place September 30. America’s PrepareAthon! is a community-based campaign to increase emergency preparedness and resilience through participation in hazard-specific drills, group discussions and exercises every fall and spring. To register, individuals and organizations can visit www.ready.gov/prepare."

So, why is this a bit hypocritical in my opinion? Well, how would we possibly expect to prepare using FEMA's recommendations when they not only forgot to include important items on their "disaster readiness kit", but when security and preparation incompetency hit the White House recently? Not sure what I'm referencing? Here's a great article, via The Wall Street Journal, showcasing issues of security flaws within our current system: http://online.wsj.com/articles/incompetence-hits-home-1412194748

My point is, we can't depend on the government for 100% of our safety as citizens. It has to be a collaborative experience because humans make mistakes and even put together PSA documents containing content oversights! While I doubt the hypocritical recommendations were deliberate, they weren't utilized by the same people telling us to be prepared for emergencies and disasters. Do this mean we throw everything to the wind and buy into the media hype that we, as a country, aren't generally safe? Not at all. We are better protected now than we were on 09/10/2001. This said, if a recommended disaster kit says to pack two weeks of canned food- do so, just make sure you include a manual can opener (yes, FEMA forgot to include one on its list).

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Communicating During An Emergency

Did you know it is very possible to be prepared and professional during an emergency and still make communication mistakes? Unfortunately, this happens too often! So, since we are urged by FEMA to practice preparedness today, I'm listing the top 3 ways to avoid communication errors during an emergency.

1. Know that "one size does NOT fit all" when it comes to forms. It is very frustrating to have people write down their issues during a disaster, especially if they're seeking relief. Mistakes get made on the form, people tend to be so bogged down with worry that they overlook crucial information, etc. When you have someone assessing people for assistance, make sure you have an advocate to review every single form with them. Information may be needed or there may be extenuating circumstances that are outside of the forms' perimeters.

2. Don't skimp on technology upgrades. Cutting corners to save a few, or a few thousand, dollars is a mistake! Why? During an emergency the technology upgrades could provide quicker responses, access to vital information, link up with systems that can obtain relief, and so much more. Not buying the proper software, or the upgrades, for the sake of saving a dollar is irresponsible and can slow down communication efforts.

3. Seek out social media to help you communicate vital information. You might be asking yourself,"what if all cell phones are out?" Well, that could be- but what if only some of them are out? Other people will still see the information on social media and it will carry. Social media is a great tool. Not using it during an emergency is a major mistake - just consider the many benefits the city of Boston gained out of social media when tracking the marathon bombers!

I hope this information helps. If you have questions, please contact me directly. I'm always available to talk- by email, phone, or Twitter.

Twyla N. Garrett

America’s PrepareAthon! Campaign

Tomorrow, 09/30/14, officially launches the start of FEMA's America’s PrepareAthon! Campaign!



The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) is encouraging individuals, families, workplaces, schools and organizations across the nation to take part in America’s PrepareAthon!, a national day of action that will take place tomorrow, September 30th. America’s PrepareAthon! is a community-based campaign to increase emergency preparedness and resilience through participation in hazard-specific drills, group discussions and exercises every fall and spring.

If you don't have an emergency management plan, you can create one at Ready.gov. As many of you already know, I have composed a book on the topic of Homeland Security called Homeland Security; A Comprehensive Guide for All. You can buy the eBook version of it my clicking here.

Before you buy the book, however, check out these three simple tips for creating an emergency management plan for your family;

1. Make sure you have one emergency kit for every member of your family. Each kit should include enough water for a week, nonperishable food for a week, $200 dollars in cash, a first aid, back up prescriptions, 2 medical masks, a knife, flashlight, a lighter, a set of battery powered walkie talkies, and a battery-powered radio on hand (with a set of extra batteries). Also, make sure the written down phone numbers of your relatives and neighbors is in the kit. Too often, we depend on our cell phones to keep our contacts. However, in the event that your phone is missing or not working, it is good to have these numbers on paper.

2. Set up multiple meeting spots. Your designated meeting spot may not be accessible, so it is important to have two alternative spots just in case.

3. Set up a Google Alert for your city PLUS the word "emergency." This is more preventative than anything else, but these daily alerts will keep you informed on issues and threats in the area so you can further adjust your lifestyle and educate yourself on pending issues.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

Successful Habits in Business

I was recently discussing business success with a peer. She asked me what I thought my most successful business habit was. Well, I don't know if I have one habit that actually has a success ROI. I do, however, have two habits that helps me keep my head in the game.

The first habit is being able to prioritize many tasks quickly and delegate certain items to the people I trust. I can't run every aspect of my company all of the time. Being able to prioritize and delegate is a habit that helps me run my company and I rely upon it daily.

My other habit is PMA, which means Positive Mental Attitude. You can't dive into any project or business relationship being negative but expecting great results. I try to have a great outlook on life and in business all of the time, even when I know I shouldn't. Being positive can help you combat stress and make smarter decisions when it comes to business. I don't know any cutthroat business owners who have long-lasting relationships in business or in their personal lives, which is a shame. You can be successful without being ruthless or negative.

My habits work for me. This doesn't mean they will work for you, although there is no negative to being positive! Make sure you find what works for you and make it a daily habit if you are truly seeking success.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

1 Valuable Life Lesson for Business

Someone recently asked me if I had a valuable life lesson that translated to business growth. I do! I wanted to share it on the blog today to help many people understand why I brand my company, IME, as "the company that cares."

My mantra and life lesson is to take everything personally. I hate when people say, "it's not personal, it's business." You are your business as an entrepreneur, therefore everything is personal. If you don't treat everything you do in life and business with a personal investment, what good is it? It you are personally invested in something, you tend to take it more serious. Business means money. Business means your reputation. So, why wouldn't you take it serious?

The most valuable life lesson I have that can translate to business is not taking one specific business deal personally. I had viewed a deal as not "good enough" for my standards. It was just business, not an opportunity. So, I didn't take it personally. I missed out on a great opportunity because I treated the pitch as business. Had I treated it like a personal investment, I probably would have gave it more consideration and would be reaping those rewards today.

My point here is to take everything personally and act from the heart- even in business!

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett