Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
Revised: February 2016
Table of Contents
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
Frequently Used Numbers & Websites ........................................................................ 3
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 4
Situations and Assumptions ......................................................................................... 5
Direction and Control .............................................................................................. 6-11
A. Bomb Threats
B. Fire
C. Flood
D. Tornado
E. Active Shooter
F. Workplace Violence
G. Major Utility Disruption/Power Outage
H. Hazardous Materials
I. Severe Winter Storms
Type of Emergency Actions ................................................................................... 11-14
A. Evacuation of Disabled Persons
B. Site Security and Re-Entry
C. DERT Badge Access
D. Shelter-in-Place
Role of Property Management Personnel ............................................................ 14-18
A. Communication
B. Emergency Management
C. Plan Development and Maintenance
Role of Dallas Emergency Response Team (DERT) ............................................... 18-19
A. Emergency Management
Role of Other Agencies and City Departments ..................................................... 19-20
A. Dallas Police Department (DPD)
B. Dallas Fire-Rescue
C. Public Works and Transportation
Appendices
A. Emergency Evacuation Map....................................................................... 21
B. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Service .................................................. 22-23
C. Disaster/Emergency Plan – Homeless Populations .................................... 24
D. Hotel & Lodging Association Emergency Guide ......................................... 25-27
E. Downtown Tunnel/Skybridge System ....................................................... 28
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Frequently Used Numbers & Websites
Downtown Dallas, Inc.
214-744-1270
http://www.downtowndallas.com
DPS Stranded Motorist Hotline
800-525-5555
https://www.dps.texas.gov/director_staff/public
_information/strandedmotoristhotline.htm
Office of Emergency Management
214-670-4275
www.dallasemergencymanagement.com
Texas Department of Transportation
512-463-8588 – Main
800-558-9368 – Toll free
214-320-6100 – Dallas District
https://www.txdot.gov/
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
214-749-3278
http://www.dart.org/about/contactdart.asp
Statewide Road Conditions
800-452-9292
http://conditions.drivetexas.org/current/
DART Police
214-928-6300 – Dispatch
214-749-5900 – Police Admin
http://www.dart.org/about/dartpolice/dartpoli
cecontact.asp
UTILITIES
Oncor
888-313-4747 – 24-hr. Emergency Reporting
http://www.oncor.com/en/pages/i-needto.aspx
Dallas City Services
311
214-670-3111
http://311.DallasCityHall.com
Atmos Energy
886-322-8667 – 24-hr. Emergency Reporting
http://www.atmosenergy.com/contact/
Downtown Safety Patrol
214-741-1151 – Dispatch
http://www.downtowndallas.com
OTHER AGENCIES
Dallas Police Department
214-671-4381 – CBD Main
http://www.dallaspolice.net/
http://www.dallaspolice.net/divisions/central/
cbdUnit.html
FBI – Joint Terrorism Task Force
972-559-5000
https://www.fbi.gov/dallas/
Homeland Security
www.dhs.gov/index.shtm
Dallas Fire Department
214-670-5466 – DFR Main
www.dallasfirerescue.com
Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)
214- 424-7800
http://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscisoffice/field-offices/district-16-dallas-districtoffice
Dallas County
Office of Homeland Security & Emergency
Management
214-653-7980 – Main Line
469-865-9461 – Duty Phone
214-653-7587 – EOC Line
http://www.dallascounty.org/department/ose
m/osem_intro.php
FEMA
1-800-621-3362
www.fema.gov
American Red Cross
1-800-733-2767
214-678-4800 – Dallas
http://www.redcross.org/local/northtexas/about
State of Texas
Texas Division of Emergency Management
512-424-2000 – Main
http://dps.texas.gov/dem/
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
I.
INTRODUCTION
"It is not if, but when."
The Central Business District composes the heart of downtown Dallas, the ninth largest city in
the nation as of July 2014. Downtown Dallas has a daytime population of approximately 130,000
people and is the home of one of the nation's largest convention centers. Special events hosted
in the Central Business District attract over a million visitors annually. Many Fortune 500
companies are located within downtown Dallas, along with two entertainment districts, two
colleges, and two high schools, several of the largest hotels in the city, and city, county, state,
and federal facilities. The Central Business District also boasts a growing full-time resident
population. Residents are projected to number about 10,000 by the end of 2016. Emergency
planning for any critical incident is essential to ensure safety of those who work, live, and play in
downtown Dallas.
No matter the size of your property or organization, everyone needs to be prepared to safeguard
their workforce and recover business operations in an emergency. The importance of this
preparedness was highlighted on September 11, 2001, during the terrorist attacks on the World
Trade Center in New York City. Nationwide, the compelling need for effective emergency
preparedness and business recovery was clearly illustrated. Increased security has become
viewed as an investment as opposed to an expense.
Existing Public/Private Partnerships
The Downtown Emergency Response Team (DERT)
This team formed in April 2001 to address the components of an emergency response plan that
specifically addresses the needs of the downtown Dallas stakeholder and to ensure that the
stakeholders are educated on the aspects of the plan. This manual is one of the results of the
team members’ commitment to mitigating any critical incident in downtown Dallas. The team
meets quarterly, or as the need arises if particular security concerns warrant.
Dallas Alert Website
The website www.dallasalert.org is an additional means for property managers, security
directors, and chief engineers to communicate issues of emergency management with the public
safety sector and with each other. A fixed message window is used to communicate any
information that will assist the downtown community before, during, and after a critical incident.
Downtown Security Directors Association (DSDA) members meet on a monthly basis to discuss
the various security issues affecting their respective properties and businesses in the downtown
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area. The president of the association is the primary private sector liaison in the Emergency
Operations Center (EOC), and therefore, has the responsibility to assist in coordinating private
sector activities during a critical incident. DSDA members receive alerts and intelligence updates
from the DHS Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) https://www.dhs.gov/homelandsecurity-information-network-hsin and the FBI Infragard program ntinfragard.org.
The Dallas Police Department (DPD) unit commander of the Central Business District, DART
Police, and El Centro Police attend DSDA meetings to discuss issues regarding public safety in the
downtown area.
II.
SITUATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS
The Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan was developed based on the following
situations and assumptions:
Situations
The Downtown Emergency Response Team promotes planning, preparedness, and awareness of
emergency situations requiring protection for the businesses and residents of the downtown
Dallas area. Emergency situations can include severe weather, rapidly evolving storm events
(tornado/thunderstorm with torrential rains), explosion, fire, chemical spill, and biological
hazards. A disaster or emergency situation can pose a threat to the safety of citizens within
downtown at any time, 24/7. These plans maximize personal and community security and quick
business resumption to lessen economic loss.
Assumptions

In significant storm events, on-street run-off water may enter below ground portions of
buildings and garages, the tunnel system, and strategic communications and power facilities.

High winds may cause damage from flying debris. High winds may create obstacles on
sidewalks and roadways caused by fallen trees, light and banner poles, or other sidewalk
amenities (i.e. news racks).

Workers can leave downtown quickly in an orderly phased manner if required. Workers can
be safely evacuated from buildings to pre-established evacuation staging areas.

Communication is crucial in an emergency situation. An emergency can strike at a time when
businesses and properties have few personnel on site and communicating with key decisionmakers may be difficult.

Telecommunications and electrical supply to facilities can be disrupted during an emergency
or disaster.
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III.
DIRECTION AND CONTROL
The system for managing resources, analyzing information, and making decisions in an
emergency is called direction and control. The downtown Dallas direction and control system is
described below for various types of emergency situations.
A.
Bomb Threats
1. The primary goal is the safety of citizens and the responding police personnel.
2. Your emergency response plans should include training for your staff to obtain as much
information as possible from the caller.
3. The receiver of the threat should first call 911 and then notify security personnel if
available. The person in charge of the facility is to be notified and will make the decision
whether or not to evacuate. If an Incident Management Team has been predetermined
in your emergency response planning, the criteria for deciding whether or not to evacuate
should be set down during this planning phase. If available and determined to be safe,
use the pedestrian tunnel to exit the building, not street level lobby.
4. If the decision is made to evacuate, evacuations should be made only to pre-designated,
secure, danger-free areas that the general public hasn't normally had access to.
5. Once the decision to search has been made then the Incident Management Team, along
with police, will conduct a careful, thorough, expeditious search of the facility.
6. If a suspicious article or bomb is located, then the area should be blocked off and secured
until the object has been removed or disarmed. A clear zone should extend at least 300
feet in all directions from the object.
7. If an explosion occurs, engage evacuation procedures, assist in evacuation, and determine
what stairwells can still be used and advise the Fire-Rescue Department.
8. Follow all directions of police and fire personnel during the critical incident. Entry back
into facility will not be made until the area is determined to be safe.
B.
Fire
Preplanning is essential. Identify ahead of time floor wardens and other essential personnel that
can be part of the Incident Management Team. Regular meetings should be held outlining
emergency procedures. Each team member is to be responsible for knowing what actions to take
in the event of an emergency.
C.
Flood
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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Flooding in the facility can result from broken water pipes, backed up sewer lines, clogged drains,
sump pump failure, open valves, broken sprinkler lines, or water entering the lower levels due to
heavy rain. Early detection and prompt action to control flooding is of great importance due to
the extensive damage which can be caused in a very short amount of time.
1. Evacuate the immediate area if necessary and seal off.
2. Engineers should shut off all electrical power in the area of the leak or flood. Determine
all floors of the building that were impacted.
3. Have contingency plans in place for data storage, access, and recovery.
4. Ensure tenants understand their responsibility responsibilities as it relates to damages.
5. Have vendor agreements in place to assist in restoration.
D.
Tornado
Tornadoes are a major threat to the city of Dallas because they can occur any time of year, day
or night, although they occur most frequently in the afternoon during April, May, and June.
1. Closely monitor National Weather Service broadcasts. The management office or security
command center shall maintain a weather radio with Specific Area Message Encoding
(SAME) capabilities, which automatically gives warning to specific areas in advance of
emergency weather conditions. It is also recommended that floor wardens have weather
radios.
2. Emergency supplies should be stocked - first aid kits, emergency blankets, flashlights,
portable radio and spare batteries, plywood/lumber.
3. Test life safety systems and emergency power circuits on a regular basis.
4. Maintain emergency fuel supplies.
5. If a tornado is sighted, building occupants should proceed to designated shelter areas and
remain there until told it is safe to leave.
6. Below ground shelter areas are preferred, but if time is short, use interior hallways,
restrooms, and any areas determined to be relatively free from hazards such as
broken/flying glass, collapse, wind damage, heavy electrical equipment, gas lines, etc.
7. The property/facility manager will decide whether to evacuate the building, considering
the situation and notification from the public sector.
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E.
Active Shooter
Terrorism and active shooter events are a reality nationally and in Texas. Countering it requires
the concerted attention of all those who are affected by it and those who stand to lose if it goes
unchecked. Recent events make a multi-target terrorist attack a plausible scenario necessitating
detailed contingency planning in major urban areas such as downtown Dallas.
The different venue sites in downtown - sports arenas, concert halls, department stores,
transportation terminals, office buildings, and DART Rail - in short, any location capable of
housing a large number of people are potential targets.
If there is a large scale terrorist or active shooter event, Police and Fire-Rescue First Responders
will manage both the crisis and the consequences for several hours before Federal follow-on
assets arrive. It is extremely important that all of the agencies are aware of the capabilities,
assets, and responsibilities that each brings toward mitigation of the incident.
HOW TO RESPOND WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY
RUN • Have an escape route and plan • Leave belongings behind • Keep your hands visible
HIDE • Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors • Silence your cell phone
FIGHT • As a last resort attempt to incapacitate the shooter • Act with physical aggression
CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO
HOW TO RESPOND WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES
• Remain calm and follow instructions • Raise hands and spread fingers • Keep hands visible at
all times • Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding onto them for safety • Avoid
screaming or yelling • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating
Surviving an active shooter event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0
F.
Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is a physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in the
work setting. Even incidents without assaults or physical injury can disrupt the sense of security
at the workplace. Employers who implement programs that provide adequate security, enhance
communications, handle grievances, educate employees in security issues, promote teamwork,
and establish a supportive work environment will see an increase in productivity and reduction
in violent incidents.
1. With co-workers, the earlier employers intervene to assist the troubled employee, the
sooner that person and his/her co-workers can re-establish a cooperative, effective team
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effort.
2. There are several categories of workplace violence:
 Strangers (i.e., robbery)
 Customers (including customers, patients, passengers)
 Co-workers (current, former, and prospective)
 Personal relationships
3. If terminating an employee, the employer may consider having security present during
the dismissal.
4. When an incident occurs, call for assistance - first 911, then building/corporate security.
Never try to reason with an armed or wildly erratic person. Do not resist weapons; get
away calmly and quickly. Stay out of sight until the incident is over.
5. Clear away bystanders that might be in danger and might serve as an audience.
6. Give police as many details as possible on location of the incident, description of the
individuals involved, bystanders still at location, and any known cause of disturbance.
G.
Major Utility Disruption/Power Outage
Utility disruptions can occur as a result of an energy shortage, natural disaster, or man-made
disaster. They may develop slowly, as in the case of an ice storm, or very rapidly, as in the case
of tornado. Implement procedures for restoring systems. Need for backup systems should be
predetermined.
H.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials releases are an ever-present danger to the lives and property of the citizens
of Dallas. Releases may occur while hazardous materials are transported, manufactured, stored,
or used at locations throughout the city. There are over two million known chemical compounds,
many of which are extremely toxic and/or highly flammable, explosive, corrosive, and reactive.
The scope of potential hazardous materials emergencies requires a flexible yet comprehensive
plan that will minimize loss and danger to lives and to the environment.
Radiological incidents are included in the hazardous materials plan. An uncontrolled,
unauthorized release to the environment of radioactive materials or the unintentional exposure
of individuals to radiation is defined as a radiological incident. Radiological incidents also include
fire and explosions in areas where radiological materials are stored/used, as well as theft or loss
of radioactive materials or radiation-producing devices.
1. Authorities may order an evacuation, or occupants may be ordered to stay where they
are.
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2. It may be necessary to seal the building to limit or prevent the intrusion of the hazardous
material.
3. The ventilation system may need to be turned off if outside air cannot be eliminated.
4. The identified Incident Management Team should include property management,
security, engineers, and floor wardens and receive periodic training in recognizing a
hazardous material incident.
5. Call 911 after assessing the situation to determine what danger might be present.
6. Approach with caution. Never enter any scene from a direction where danger might be
present. If a gas is involved, approach from upwind. If a liquid is involved, never approach
from downhill.
7. If upon entering a scene there is good indication of a HazMat incident, place as much
distance as possible between yourself and the incident/accident scene. A good rule of
thumb is 300 feet for liquids and 2,000 feet for gases.
8. Talk to any tenants, operators, drivers, and delivery of transport personnel involved to
determine what agents or materials are involved.
9. Look for any placard, sign, label, container types, bills of lading (trucks), waybill (train),
MSDS (manufacturer safety data sheets), paperwork, or any information available to
indicate what agents or materials are involved.
10. Isolate and secure the scene as much as is safely possible and prevent any bystanders
from entering. Any persons at the scene should be removed and asked to remain for
emergency personnel to arrive. It is important to realize that they may be contaminated
and should receive emergency care/assessment as soon as possible.
11. Prevent any flares, open flares, etc. from being lit in the area in case flammables are
present.
12. Do not smell or inhale any vapors or gases, spills, leaks, or smoke from the incident area.
Be aware that not all gases are visible, and some are odorless but still extremely
dangerous.
13. Do not touch any substance until determined it is safe to do so.
14. Do not place yourself in any danger.
15. Exercise caution wherever you step.
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16. Do not take action beyond your scope of training or authority or for which you are not
properly equipped.
17. Do not assume that the container markings are the actual contents. It could be a harmless
substance, or it could be fatal.
18. Remember that any clothing, possessions, etc. exposed to contaminants are themselves
contaminated and could spread such to others by simple contact.
I.
Severe Winter Storms
Snow and ice storms are a threat to the city of Dallas each winter. Although they are rarely of
disaster proportions, they sometimes occur in a magnitude calling for major response operations
to avoid circumstances deteriorating into an emergency situation. The principal impacts of snowy
and icy conditions are on the traveling public, the street system, trees, and power lines.
1. Stay alert to changing weather conditions.
2. Designated staff should keep ice/snow clear from entrances to the facility, parking lots,
loading docks, etc.
3. Utilize procedures for facility shutdown and early release of employees.
4. Equipment that might be exposed to freezing should be identified and regularly checked.
5. Store food, water, blankets, battery-powered radios with extra batteries, and other
emergency supplies for employees who become stranded at the facility.
6. Remember following severe storms, ice falling from tall structures can be dangerous.
IV.
TYPES OF EMERGENCY ACTIONS
In many critical incidents, evacuations will be necessary to preserve life and property. Consider
the following points regarding evacuations by the public and private sectors.
It is conceivable that evacuations of downtown or portions of downtown might result from many
different types of critical incidents. It is assumed that the public will receive and understand
official information related to evacuation. Most individuals will act in their own interest and
evacuate dangerous areas when advised to do so by government authorities. Evacuees may seek
shelter with relatives or friends rather than use designated shelter facilities. Most evacuees will
use private transportation means; however, transportation may need to be provided for some
evacuees or in cases when access to private vehicle is delayed because of security reasons.
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There are two types of evacuations:
Voluntary - A warning given to persons within a defined area that a threat to life and/or property
exists. Individuals issued this warning are not required to evacuate.
Mandatory - A warning given to persons within a defined area that an imminent threat to life
and/or property exists. Officers will not forcibly remove persons from the property; however,
officers will stress the importance of evacuation. Police will control ingress and egress to and
from a disaster area and the movement of persons and the occupancy of premises in the area
after a disaster occurs.
The person responsible for the facility has the authority to evacuate all tenants. Pre-designated
evacuation directions should be outlined in the emergency operational plans. Identify a Tenant
Emergency Action Team, which can include the following:
•
•
•
•
Safety Coordinator
Floor Warden
Searcher
Exit Monitor
designates volunteers (Floor Warden, Searcher, Monitor)
directs personnel during an emergency
checks specific area of the floor and evacuates personnel
stands by the stairwell to assist in evacuation
Know the layout of the floor and stairwell exits. If a total building evacuation is announced,
occupants should proceed to a pre-determined “safe” location or assembly area, keeping in mind
other hazards such as falling glass, ingress of emergency equipment, etc. In most cases, elevators
will not be used.
Take a head count after the evacuation. This would also include non-employees such as suppliers
and customers.
A.
Evacuation of Disabled Persons
As more and more people with disabilities enter the workforce, it is important to take their needs
into account in planning for evacuations. Keep this advice in mind:
1. Communicate with disabled workers in advance. Identify the most effective methods for
alerting them to an emergency. Remember that individuals with impaired hearing may
not be aware of blaring alarms or PA announcements, and workers with limited vision
may not see flashing lights. Find out what kind of help these people will need in order to
react and evacuate quickly. A disabled person should be constantly reassured that they
will not be neglected or abandoned.
2. Set up a buddy system. Assign at least one worker to assist a colleague with disabilities if
an emergency strikes, two if the individual uses a wheelchair and may need help getting
down the stairs. Various lifting and carrying techniques can be utilized. Practice! Stay with
the person until the emergency is over. Remember that the interior of a secured fire
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stairwell is generally the safest location in the building. However, placing an individual in
a stairwell to await evacuation may impede general evacuation. Carefully consider the
layout of the stairwells when addressing this aspect.
B.
Site Security and Re-Entry
DPD is responsible for downtown street access control and property management is responsible
for security of individual properties.
1. During emergency response, access to evacuated areas is restricted by law enforcement.
Safety is the primary reason re-entry is denied.
2. A perimeter is the secured boundary around the site of the critical incident. This could
be as small as an office space which is the site of a crime scene or it could be as large as
the downtown core if it was a large disaster. There are also inner and outer perimeters
depending on the size of the affected area. The purpose of the perimeter is to secure the
site from unauthorized personnel. This is one of the most important responsibilities of
the police during an emergency and is done to: prevent further death, injuries, property
damage/loss, and to preserve the crime scene if it involved a criminal act such as
terrorism.
3. A coordinated and controlled perimeter will help prevent looting, decrease congestionhampering rescue efforts, and allow an orderly flow of authorized personnel from the
private sector that can begin working on assessing the damage and working toward
business resumption.
4. To educate the stakeholder on the decision making process during a critical incident, one
must first understand the importance of the Incident or Unified Commander. The public
safety responder works on the Incident Command principle of emergency management.
If the Office of Emergency Management is not activated, the ranking fire or police official
at the incident site makes the decision on securing a perimeter and then allowing access.
The citizen must understand that preventing death and injuries is the main priority.
5. The City of Dallas understands the seriousness of business disruptions in the downtown
area and works closely with the private sector to understand each other’s priorities. One
frustration identified by building management is the difficulty encountered in accessing a
secured perimeter and the delay it causes to recovery. However, the citizen must
understand that not all dangers are readily evident. (For example: a pane of glass can
travel one block for every ten floors it falls; therefore, a pane of glass falling from a 40story building could travel four blocks.)
C.
DERT Badge Access
1. There is a recognized need for practitioners to gain access to their company’s facilities in
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case of an emergency. To help address this issue, DERT and DPD developed an access plan
that includes pre-issued perimeter passes and on-site perimeter passes.
2. Command post. In an emergency, DPD - specifically the Central Business District
Commander - sets up a command post to be shared with private sector representatives
of the affected property. The command center is set up several blocks away from the
epicenter of the disaster and serves as the locus of communications during the crisis.
3. Pre-issued passes. As part of the plan, certain private sector officials are issued perimeter
passes by DERT in advance of any emergencies so that when an incident occurs, they can
use those passes to show that they are authorized to gain access to the City’s command
post.
4. Each facility with 250,000 square feet or more gets passes for the property manager,
security director, and chief engineer. The passes include a photo of the individual, the title
of the person, and the property name. Passes are renewed bi-annually.
5. The colors and design of the passes change bi-annually to make it easy for security
personnel at the perimeter of a secure area in an emergency to ensure that all passes are
current. Police officers posted at entrances to affected buildings also call the command
post to verify the pass is valid.
6. Command personnel have a print-out list of DERT members with passes. Under the plan,
no one will be allowed in a restricted area in an emergency without a pass. And in
extremely dangerous situations, even pass holders may be denied entry.
7. On-site passes. During an emergency, if an authorized pass holder wishes to add a new
person to the list of those who can enter the building when deemed safe by public safety
officers, he or she can procure an on-site pass at the command post. This allows the
security director to bring in IT staff or vendors to help with repairs, if necessary.
D.
V.
Shelter-in-Place
Instead of evacuation, you may be asked to shelter-in-place. Shelter-in-Place means to close
all doors and windows, sealing them with plastic and tape. Turn off all ventilation including
HVAC and take shelter away from windows. The key is to eliminate any exposure to airborne
contaminates that may harm you.
ROLE OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
While each property manager will be responsible for the preparation of their property based on
responsibilities, positions within each organization should be identified and roles assigned.
Facility security, evacuation plan development and maintenance, monitoring and assisting
building population, etc. are some examples to match to personnel. Formal emergency response
training of selected personnel is recommended.
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
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

Planning
Public Information and Warning
Operational Coordination
Forensics and Attribution
Intelligence and Information Sharing
Interdiction and Disruption
Screening, Search, and Detection
Access Control and Identity
Verification
Cybersecurity
Physical Protective Measures
Risk Management for Protection
Programs and Activities
Supply Chain Integrity and Security
Community Resilience
Long-Term Vulnerability Reduction
Risk and Disaster Resilience
Assessment
Threat and Hazards Identification
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Critical Transportation
Environmental Response/Health and
Safety
Fatality Management Services
Fire Management and Suppression
Infrastructure Systems
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Mass Care Services
Mass Search and Rescue Operations
On-Scene Security, Protection, and Law
Enforcement
Operational Communications
Public Health, Healthcare, and Emergency
Medical Services
Situational Assessment
Economic Recovery
Health and Social Services
Housing
Natural and Cultural Resources
Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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A.
Communication
Database
Access to building personnel is important during any emergency situation. An Emergency Contact
Database has been developed using Access software. The first responder, as well as the Office of
Emergency Preparedness, will have quick access to important information regarding properties
in the downtown area. This information includes building name, address, and adjacent streets.

General building information such as occupied, vacant, number of floors, primary
entrances, type of building (office-single/multi-tenant, government retail, hotel,
residential, etc.), other access such as tunnel or sky bridge, parking garages (underground
or attached and the number of floors) and sensitive occupants.

Management personnel information - name, phone number, email of building manager,
security director, chief engineer, and respective assistants.
All information will be kept confidential and for use by the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, DPD,
and the Office of Emergency Management in case of an emergency situation. This information
should be updated by each property when changes occur. The Downtown Improvement District
surveys DERT members each year for any changes that need to be made to the database.
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department also utilizes an existing database that notes locations of
hazardous materials and fire control panels and mechanical rooms of all buildings.
Website
www.dallasalert.org is an additional means for property managers, security directors, and chief
engineers to communicate issues of emergency management with the public safety sector and
with each other. A fixed message window is used to communicate any information that will assist
the downtown community before, during, and after a critical incident.
Emergency Alert Systems
The Emergency Alert System utilizing television/radio announcements, internet alerts, weather
radios, and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) are the designated primary
sources for warnings. RACES is an emergency communications organization designated to make
efficient use of the vast reservoir of skilled amateur radio operators throughout the nation.
DERT Alert System
The public safety first responders, as well as property managers and security directors, receive
text and email alert messages from OEM and DPD Fusion Center. This could include a notice of
practice evacuations so as not to alarm surrounding office tenants, street closures during a
protest or large demonstration, or any police/fire activity that may disrupt usual traffic flow, etc.
B.
Emergency Management
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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Threat Assessment Normal
• Lobby presence
• Courier/delivery/subcontractor access to tenant space
• Visitor access
• Tenant space entry monitored
• Tenant parking via access card
• Visitor parking allowed
• Open elevator access
Indirect Threat Such as a Threat to a Nearby Building
• Lobby presence increased
• Courier/delivery/subcontractor access sign-in and badge required
• Tenant parking via access card
• Visitor access to tenant space unrestricted
• Visitor parking unrestricted
• Open elevator access
Vague Threat is Directed at the Property
• Additional lobby staff required
• Courier/delivery/subcontractor access sign-in and badge required
• Visitor badge implemented
• Add personnel to visitor parking entry
• Some entries closed to traffic (keep in mind fire code regulations)
• Elevator access restricted to tenants and badged visitors/contractors/couriers
Credible Threat is Directed at the Property – Limited Access
• Lobby perimeter doors secured - access for tenants via card or authorization
• Tenants must pick up packages in lobby or dock - no deliveries to tenant space
• Additional staff required
• No visitor parking
• Elevator access restricted to tenants and badged visitors - no contractors/couriers
Direct Threat or Actual Event – No Building Access
• No entry
• Security evaluation could be in progress or pending
• Only building emergency personnel admitted
• Elevators for evacuation only - if not prohibited by critical incident (fire, HazMat release,
etc.)
C.
Plan Development and Maintenance
The Downtown Emergency Response Plan, while offering helpful guidelines to prepare for
emergencies, is in no way intended as a substitution for, or replacement of, individual property
preparedness plans.
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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The following actions are recommended with regard to each individual property:

Annual Reviews - Annually, each property’s emergency response plan and the Downtown
Dallas Emergency Plan should be reviewed and discussed with all key personnel.

Education/Awareness - An awareness event should be held annually to refresh all parties
as to the procedures.

Key Contacts - A list of key contacts should be reviewed at least every other month and
updated. New managers should be briefed on the Downtown Dallas Emergency Plan, the
property plan, and his/her responsibilities immediately upon taking the assignment.
VI.
ROLE OF DALLAS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (DERT)
A.
Emergency Management
Phase 1 – Mitigation
1. Provide awareness and education to property management and employers in downtown.
2. Determine the vulnerabilities of the high-risk areas within the downtown area.
Phase 2 – Preparedness
1. Provide briefing sessions for emergency response and property management personnel
to review the Dallas Downtown Emergency Plan.
2. Maintain a key contact list of every major property and employer downtown.
Phase 3 – Response
1. DERT will initiate communications with downtown properties within 48 hours of an
anticipated event to encourage them to make preparations based on latest information
available from authorities and their property emergency response plans and establish
names of the individuals staying at the property.
2. DERT will inventory properties to confirm property preparations and needs for assistance.
3. DERT, along with the City of Dallas, will be responsible for the preparation of the public
areas within downtown.
4. Emergency communications to include EAS, media, internet, DPD, DFR, and supplemental
contact to entities will be made by email, text, or telephone as service permits.
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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Phase 4 – Recovery
1. DERT will also provide a damage assessment regarding public spaces within downtown.
This will include streets, parks, sidewalks, streetlights, traffic lights, public art, and
signage.
2. Debris cleanup in the public spaces is the responsibility of the City of Dallas.
3. Provide properties and employers with guidance on traffic control for return.
4. Restore normal services.
5. In the aftermath of an emergency event, DERT will make no public statements as to the
status of a property without proper authorization from listed emergency personnel for
that property.
VII.
ROLE OF OTHER AGENCIES AND CITY DEPARTMENTS
The following represents the role and duties for the listed agencies and departments.
A.
Dallas Police Department (DPD)
1. The Dallas Police Department is the lead agency for law enforcement and evacuation.
2. Provide traffic and crowd control, enforcement of emergency proclamations, protection
of essential utilities and critical resources, aerial reconnaissance, bomb disposal, crime
control activities, and evacuation coordination.
3. When requested, provide representation in the Emergency Operations Center.
4. Maintain Law Enforcement Plans in a state of readiness.
5. Utilizes eight (8) levels of response depending on the magnitude of the incident based on
personnel required to bring the incident under control. Level 1, which is on-duty patrol
response, to Level 8, which is the Declaration of a State of Emergency, Gubernatorial
Action requesting the National Guard.
B.
Dallas Fire-Rescue
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department is committed to providing effective emergency response to
all disasters, whether natural or man-made. The primary mission is to protect and minimize harm
to persons and property through effective use of assets and resources at their disposal.
Additionally, Dallas Fire-Rescue strives to return control of property to owners or their
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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representatives as quickly as circumstances permit.
Dallas Fire-Rescue operates under the Incident Command System. Incident Command (IC)
provides a methodology by which one person is in command or control of the incident. An
important feature of Incident Command is its modular nature; it can be expanded or contracted
to fit the situation encountered. The Incident Commander is responsible for determining and
implementing strategic and tactical plans that will effectively deal with the incident.
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department is the lead agency for fire and rescue:
C.
•
Provide for fire suppression, control of spilled hazardous material, medical service, search
and rescue, preliminary damage assessment, and radiological monitoring.
•
Provide representatives to the Emergency Operations Center when requested.
•
Maintain fire plans in a state of readiness.
Public Works and Transportation
1. Assist in monitoring high water levels.
2. Evaluate structural damage to the public infrastructure and determine the necessary
actions to provide for public safety.
3. Serve as Floodplain Administrator in accordance with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency to ensure that development or redevelopment of flood prone areas
is controlled.
4. Provide traffic signal control to assist in evacuations and rerouting traffic, and provide
damage assessment for traffic signal system.
5. Provide for expedient replacement of street and traffic signs when necessary.
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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Appendix A – Emergency Evacuation Map
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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Appendix B – Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Service
As a public transportation provider, DART’s priority is to provide scheduled service safely and
securely to thirteen cities in a 700 square mile service area; however, DART recognizes that public
transportation is a key resource in the Downtown Dallas Central Business District (CBD) and may
be called upon by the City of Dallas to assist with emergency situations which require mass
movement of people in the downtown area. As such, DART works closely with the Downtown
Improvement District and the City of Dallas to ensure DART is incorporated into their disaster
response planning, training, and exercising. DART has in place an operational response structure
that will integrate into the incident command structure used by the City of Dallas and its
emergency support units for a coordinated and cohesive disaster response in the downtown
area.
DART has plans and procedures in place for system disruptions with specific attention to the
Central Business District. DART has also created a Customer Response Team that can be
deployed during weekday duty hours when specific service disruption thresholds are met. The
Customer Response Team will assist customers by directing them to alternate service locations
and providing service updates.
For purposes of emergency planning, there are two types of emergencies in which DART will be
asked to provide assistance: routine emergencies that have little or no effect on DART's normal
level of service, and major situations of a greater magnitude that may result in service
disruptions. In routine situations, DART resources will not be pulled out of revenue service to
support emergency services. DART has ‘service protection’ vehicles and operators that are
generally used for these routine situations. In a major disaster, the DART President/Executive
Director can direct that in-service vehicles be redirected for emergency support.
In the event of a major emergency response, DART will activate its Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP). The nature of the emergency or disaster and the time of the incident may affect the level
of response DART can provide to Incident Commanders. Although DART strives to support all
emergency requests, the disaster may have direct impact at an operating facility affecting the
availability of assets or it could damage a critical roadway or rail switch which would limit the
movement of resources.
DART Media Relations places a high priority on information dissemination and continually liaisons
with the media outlets and public information officers (PIOs). DART also has a strong social media
presence. Communication with passengers and local stakeholders is critical to DART during any
type of service disruption.
All DART control centers are manned 24-hours a day. The 24-hour emergency number (214-9286300) goes to DART Police Dispatch who will work with Rail and Bus Operations to coordinate
calls for assistance. Once an Incident Command Post or Emergency Operations Center is
established, DART will provide a transportation and police liaison to coordinate requests for
assistance.
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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The West and East Transfer Centers are strategically located within the CBD for day-to-day
operations and movement of large vehicles. Their design and location can also greatly assist
responders in effectively moving people from the downtown area. In addition, there are several
rail stations within the Dallas CBD that can facilitate egress from the downtown Dallas area. DART
will assist the City of Dallas Incident Commander to use these areas, if required.
Even when DART physical assets are not available, DART Planners and Transportation supervisors
offer specialized knowledge that can assist with route planning for any transportation resource
used by the City of Dallas such as overhead clearances and turn angles to successfully plan routes
out of downtown.
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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Appendix C – Disaster/Emergency Plan – Homeless Populations
Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance
Executive Summary
In disaster preparation, the needs of the homeless population are usually pigeonholed within the
needs of all “special populations.” Such general grouping typically fails to consider the distinctive
needs of people who are homeless and their families. To unequivocally include homelessness in
definitions in pre- and post-disaster planning has resulted in consequences in which people who
are homeless have been deprived of and denied needed services and support.
Many people facing homelessness do so because of current or past traumatic events in their lives.
These events may include any range of domestic, interpersonal, and community violence. People
who are homeless before a disaster are a high-risk for needing assistance with basic services after
a disaster. Normal access to basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care can be
temporarily disrupted or relocated. Optimally, all shelters would have an evacuation plan, a
generator, a stable supply of basic needs items, continuity of operations plan, and so forth. In
spite of the best planning, the basic operations of any shelter or agency could be disrupted due
to a disaster event.
The Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA) is a nonprofit organization leading the development
of an effective homeless response system that will make the experience of homelessness in Dallas
and Collin Counties rare, brief, and nonrecurring. MDHA brings together more than 85 shelter,
housing, and supportive services programs in retooling homeless services into a crisis response
system.
This plan provides an overview of important issues to consider when planning for the needs of
homeless people during disasters and is in support of and ancillary to:
The City of Dallas Master Emergency Operations Plan (MEOP) maintained by the Office of
Emergency Management including the Basic Plan and Annexes A through V. The complete Basic
Plan can be found by going to the Office of Emergency Management website:
http://dallascityhall.com/departments/officeemergencymanagement/Pages/Plans-andPrograms.aspx
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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Appendix D – Hotel & Lodging Association Emergency Guide
SHERATON DALLAS
400 North Olive Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 922-8000
HOTEL ZAZA DALLAS
2332 Leonard Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 468-8399
NYLO DALLAS SOUTH SIDE
1325 South Lamar Street
Dallas, TX 75215
(214) 421-1080
ADOLPHUS HOTEL
1321 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 742-8200
OMNI DALLAS HOTEL
555 South Lamar Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 744-6664
CROWNE PLAZA DALLAS
DOWNTOWN
1015 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 742-5678
JOULE DALLAS
1530 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 748-1300
ALOFT DALLAS DOWNTOWN
1033 Young Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 761-0000
HYATT REGENCY DALLAS AT
REUNION
300 Reunion Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 651-1234
SPRINGHILL SUITES DALLAS
DOWNTOWN/WEST END
1907 North Lamar Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 999-0500
THE WESTIN DALLAS
DOWNTOWN
1201 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(972) 584-6650
MAGNOLIA HOTEL - DALLAS
DOWNTOWN
1401 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 915-6500
25
FAIRMONT HOTEL DALLAS
1717 N. Akard Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 720-2020
HAMPTON INN & SUITESDALLAS DOWNTOWN
1700 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 290-9090
HILTON GARDEN INN
DOWNTOWN DALLAS
1600 Pacific Avenue
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 299-8982
Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
Revised: February 2016
HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON
DALLAS DOWNTOWN
1025 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 748-4000
LE MERIDIEN DALLAS,
THE STONELEIGH
2927 Maple Avenue
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 871-7111
ROSEWOOD MANSION ON
TURTLE CREEK
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 559-2100
HOTEL INDIGO
1933 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 741-7700
LORENZO HOTEL (AN ASCEND
COLLECTION PROPERTY)
1011 South Akard Street
Dallas, TX 75215
(214) 761-1000
W DALLAS - VICTORY
2440 Victory Park Lane
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 397-4100
HYATT HOUSE
DALLAS/UPTOWN
2914 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 965-9990
LA QUINTA INN & SUITES
DALLAS DOWNTOWN (SPRING
2016)
302 South Houston Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 761-9090
ROSEWOOD CRESCENT
400 Crescent Court
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 871-3200
DALLAS MARRIOTT CITY
CENTER
650 North Pearl Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 979-9000
THE RITZ-CARLTON, DALLAS
2121 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 922-0200
ROSEWOOD CRESCENT
400 Crescent Court
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 871-3200
WARWICK MELROSE HOTEL
DALLAS
3015 Oak Lawn Avenue
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 521-5151
AC MARRIOTT DALLAS
DOWNTOWN
1712 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75201
RESIDENCE INN DALLAS
DOWNTOWN
1712 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Be Prepared in Advance: Have the following information ready before attempting to locate a
room:
•
Credit card number with name on card, expiration date, and billing address (some cards
also have security codes/PIN numbers. Locate and have handy).
•
How many people will be staying in the room with you?
•
Do you have pets? Special needs? Make sure to bring your pet carrier or kennel.
•
Cell phone number for contact while en-route.
•
A pen and a notebook to record telephone numbers, names, and confirmation
information.
Finding Available Rooms: Include an updated list of major hotel chains and their 1-800 numbers
for easy reference in your family emergency kit. When a city or area is going to have most of its
hotel rooms filled due to a large influx of people, planned or unplanned, operators at these
reservation centers know what hotels are in a city, what their rates will be, and availability of
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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rooms. Reservations can be made by calling these numbers.
Use the internet to pull up hotel websites which may also have links to specific hotels. When
coming to Dallas, www.VisitDallas.com provides a map of the city and listings of hotels by each
area. Each listing has a link to that hotel for finding availability and making reservations. Other
cities have similar websites. These types of websites will show both chain hotels as well as
independent hotels.
Securing a Room: When a hotel with room availability is located, be specific. How many people
are in your party? How many rooms will you need? Are there special needs (handicap access,
additional beds, smokers, etc.)? Are you traveling with pets? What day and time will you arrive?
How many nights will you be staying? What time may you check in?
Reservations: Under normal circumstances, most hotels will hold your reservation until a certain
time (usually 6:00 p.m.), after which they will sell the room to someone else. In an evacuation
situation, however, it may be difficult to judge actual travel time or for a hotel to hold rooms
without guarantees. It is recommended you ask for a Guaranteed Reservation. This will require a
valid credit card which will be used at the time of making the reservation to charge you for the
first night’s room and tax. Understand this charge will be made whether you use the room or not.
Ask about the hotel’s cancellation policy. It is recommended that while in route, you contact the
hotel with approximate arrival times.
While En-Route: After you have begun on your evacuation route, it is a good idea to call the hotel
to reconfirm your reservation and let them know an estimated time of arrival. If conditions
change afterwards, notify the hotel again.
Cancellation: Should you discover you will not use your reserved room, notify the hotel
immediately. In an evacuation situation, hotel rooms may be in short supply, and your room
could go to someone else in need. Cancellation policies vary per hotel, so learn the policy when
you make your reservation. If the hotel agrees to cancel your guaranteed reservation, be sure to
obtain a cancellation number. Should there be any question about you canceling the reservation
or if you receive an invoice for a Guaranteed Reservation, you can then refer to this cancellation
number.
Changing Your Stay: When checking in, inquire how to keep your room for more nights than your
reservation should you not be able to return home as planned. Understand this may not be
possible as your room may have already been reserved for someone else based on your originally
scheduled departure date, but their reservation center may be able to help you find available
rooms at another hotel.
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Downtown Dallas Emergency Response Plan
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Appendix E – Downtown Tunnel/Skybridge System
28