Survey Finds Few Major Changes in Post-9/11 Building Security

WASHINGTON, DC-The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) have released the results of a commissioned survey concluding that although building security has increased in our post-Sept. 11 society, there is no trend toward radical change being made in that area. More than 200 building managers, owners and developers–all BOMA and/or ULI members—participated in the evaluation.

“Without a doubt, the terrorist attacks placed new emphasis on workplace security,” ULI president Richard M. Rosan says. “But, what we are seeing is a tendency by owners and managers not to overreact, but to act sensibly in providing a safe working environment in our urban areas. The response is appropriate to the level of risk involved.”

For respondents, the greater emphasis on security after last year’s terrorist attacks is on emergency preparedness procedures, such as fire evacuation plans, as opposed to specific terrorism prevention and response methods. Of those surveyed nearly 57% noted fire safety as a primary security concern.