Every business should have some type of emergency response plans in place based on the business type. For the most part, such plans include actions to take during a fire or criminal activity. For casinos in the state of Nevada, the Division of Emergency Management want casino venues to have updated emergency response plans, in part due to the massive shooting that took place from the Mandalay Bay hotel in 2017. So far, only three casinos have yet to submit such plans.
Updated Security Plans Needed
The Treasure Island Casino, Terrible’s Hotel and the Sahara are the only three casinos in Nevada that have not updated their emergency response plans. Since the shooting at the Mandalay Bay hotel two years ago, the need for heightened security measures have increased. At the time of the shooting, the Las Vegas Metro Police did not have a mass-casualty response plan and many of the casinos in operation had outdated security plans in place.
When the shooting occurred, the perpetrator was able to secure a room at the Mandalay Bay on a higher level and over several days bring in many guns to use in the attack. Attendees of the Route 91 concert nearby were the target. A total of 58 people were killed and hundreds injured during the attack.
New Laws in Placee
Earlier this year, lawmakers in Nevada passed a measure that requires all 91 casinos in the state to submit and updated plan for emergency response. The plans must include what would happen in the event of a fire, communicable disease outbreak, cyber attack or terrorism. The Division of Emergency Management gave operators until November 1st to make the changes and submit plans.
The emergency response plans must include maps of the casinos as well as evacuation routes during specific events. The plans must also outline the location of safety equipment on site as well as mobile telephone numbers for coordinators of emergency response situations.
Each plan would be reviewed by the Division of Emergency Management and not revealed to the public. The goal is to get everyone updated and on the same page, in order to ensure the environment is safe four tourists as well as employees.
Additional security concerns include dead zones within casinos where radio communication will not work. Police officers responding to an act of terrorism or firefighters working on a fire cannot communicate effectively in these dead zones.
Back in 2009, a law was put in place that mandated high rise buildings to have 95% radio coverage. Casinos are to work on these dead zones and ensure that communication can continue in security situations with ease.
It is unclear as to what will happen to the three casinos that have yet to submit their plans. Hopefully, the properties will turn in their plans and ensure that all safety measures in place for every type of emergency event.
