Front Desk Security and Safety: An On-The-Job Guide to Handling Emergencies, Threats, and Unexpected Situations

Rating:
Summary: I do not recommend this book!
Review: First of all, this book mentions nothing about safety. I am a safety professional and purchased this book because of the title. At first, I was disappointed. But after reading it from cover to cover, I was appalled at its inaccuracies and at its misinformed advice that can actually cause grave injury in an emergency situation. The author contradicts herself in at least two instances. She talks about post 911, but does not include any of the new ideas born out of this tragedy.

It is not clear to whom the author is directing this information. I understood it to be directed to the front desk personnel, but much of what she discusses is far, far beyond their control. Indeed, if the front desk person followed some of her suggestions, their jobs could be in peril.

Judging from the author's biography, she does not hold a Certified Safety Professional, Certified Protection Professional, or other pertinent designation. I disagreed with much of what she had to say. Conjecture seems to win over facts and experience.

The book was a difficult read because of poor style and composition. Information that should have been highlighted by bullet points is jumbled into long paragraphs. Her checklists are incomplete and gratuitous.

I do not recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Front Desk Security & Safety--a valuable training reference.
Review: Here is an easy-to-follow guide for receptionists, security desk personnel, administrative professionals, or any employee in any organization who has initial contact with the public. These employees, the organization's public relations face, have increasingly become an integral part of emergency management efforts. Ms. Kildow's book builds a practical knowledge base for the reader by setting forth emergency preparedness concepts, explaining the bigger picture of emergency planning, and identifying where front desk personnel fit in the overall emergency/security program.
The chapter with specific emergency procedures is comprehensive, easy to follow, and incorporates the latest standards. Policy issues raised in Chapter 5 will give employers, as well as employees, pause for thought, and will help management understand the importance of making safety and security a part of the organization's formal culture.
The book includes an extensive glossary, a readiness assessment tool, and emergency procedures in a reproducible checklist format. Features of the book that are of particular value are the training materials, the tabletop exercise guide, and realistic scenarios. In lieu of instructor-guided formal sessions with exercises and drills, this book fills a training void found in many organizations.
The book, a tremendous economical value, is not just for front desk professionals. It is an outstanding reference or training manual for Emergency Management Directors; Safety and Security Directors; Emergency Response Team Coordinators, and others who have responsibility for managing emergency, safety, or security programs.

Rating:
Summary: Front Desk Security & Safety--a valuable training reference.
Review: Here is an easy-to-follow guide for receptionists, security desk personnel, administrative professionals, or any employee in any organization who has initial contact with the public. These employees, the organization's public relations face, have increasingly become an integral part of emergency management efforts. Ms. Kildow's book builds a practical knowledge base for the reader by setting forth emergency preparedness concepts, explaining the bigger picture of emergency planning, and identifying where front desk personnel fit in the overall emergency/security program.
The chapter with specific emergency procedures is comprehensive, easy to follow, and incorporates the latest standards. Policy issues raised in Chapter 5 will give employers, as well as employees, pause for thought, and will help management understand the importance of making safety and security a part of the organization's formal culture.
The book includes an extensive glossary, a readiness assessment tool, and emergency procedures in a reproducible checklist format. Features of the book that are of particular value are the training materials, the tabletop exercise guide, and realistic scenarios. In lieu of instructor-guided formal sessions with exercises and drills, this book fills a training void found in many organizations.
The book, a tremendous economical value, is not just for front desk professionals. It is an outstanding reference or training manual for Emergency Management Directors; Safety and Security Directors; Emergency Response Team Coordinators, and others who have responsibility for managing emergency, safety, or security programs.