Restaurant operators are not prepared for a terrorist attack, experts say

Many security experts believe American restaurants are "soft" and could be the next target for a terrorist attack.

 

Five years after 9/11, the U.S. government continues to increase security restrictions at government facilities and send "Terror Alerts" to the public. But many private industries, including restaurants, have done little to thwart an attack, said Offer Baruch, a former counterterrorism agent for the Israeli Shinbed (Israel's equivalent to the FBI).

 

"Every restaurant that symbolizes America, like McDonald's and other big chains, is a target for a terrorist attack," said Baruch, who is now a senior security consultant for Infrastruct Security Inc. "Restaurants are top targets because terrorists want to achieve two things: kill Americans and hurt capitalism."

 

As a counterterrorism agent in Israel for more than 30 years, Baruch has seen many suicide bombings, including the Sbarro restaurant suicide bombing Aug. 9, 2001, in Jerusalem. Sbarro was located at the corner of one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in Israel. The bomb detonated when the Italian restaurant was filled with customers and pedestrians crowded the streets. Fifteen people were killed, including three children.   

 

Baruch said the terrorists attacked Sbarro because the busy area symbolized Jerusalem and many tourists frequented there. It was also a soft target, he said, meaning there was little security in place or barriers to prevent an attack.

 

"I fear the same type of attack is inevitable (in the United States)," Baruch said. "It's not a matter of if another terrorist attack will occur; it's a matter of when and where."

 

Other security experts agree with Baruch. Dan Venet, executive vice president of CHB Industries, a security solutions company, said since many restaurants are located in financial service and business districts areas, there's a growing risk operators will find themselves caught in the middle of an attack. Venet said he's seen new interest and concern among many restaurants in these areas to adopt security measures similar to those of the financial and corporate centers.

 

"In Israel, there are metal detectors and armed guards at restaurants," Baruch said.

 

But is this industry ready for metal detectors and guards armed with M16s at the front doors? Probably not, said Mike Juge, security business development manager for Order-Matic, a manufacturer of digital video recorders and other surveillance equipment.

 

"Guards and metal detectors gets pretty cost prohibitive," Juge said. "Plus, customers still have to go through those doors."

 

Juge said restaurants in downtown areas have benefited from increased security during busy times and public events. For example, in Oklahoma City, he said, police officers place traffic barriers at the entrances of the Ford Center during events, and police officers roam the streets. "Of course, there's nothing to keep (a car bomber) from jumping the curb," Jude said.

 

In fact, Baruch said there's not much one can do stop a terrorist during the act.

 

"If they want to detonate a bomb, they will," he said. "You can only make it harder for them to achieve their objective."

 

 

If an attack does occur, what can a business owner do to decrease the loss of life?

 

 

CHB research indicates that most people are killed by bomb debris, not the blast itself. After the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995, broken glass from the building's windows was found miles away from the site.

 

To prevent this, Michael Sias, spokesperson for CHB Industries, recommends operators install bomb-blast mitigation window film, which costs $8 per square feet.

 

"Bomb-blast mitigation window film will also improve security for a restaurant — even if a terrorist attack never occurs," Sias said. "This same window film provides strong protection against vandalism, smash-and-grab burglaries, hurricane-force winds, etc. It can also be a helpful substitute for unsightly shutters or security gratings.

 

"Bomb-blast mitigation window systems will also go unnoticed by a restaurant's patrons, since the film itself is clear and the anchor/attachment systems do not appear bulky."

 

Juge said Order-Matic will soon release a surveillance system that can detect foreign objects, like bags and boxes, left behind. Once the objects are detected, the system will inform the manager. Juge said there are also systems available that can detect weapons.

"There's a lot of security stuff out there, but most people go to Sam's and buy the cheapest thing they can," he said.

 

 

While the government admits it's a long way from ensuring that all Americans have taken steps to prepare, there are indications of progress. A study conducted in June by the Advertising Council on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign recorded significant positive increases in preparedness behaviors.

 

According to the report, 91 percent of respondents said it is "very" or "somewhat" important for all Americans to be prepared for emergencies. But to improve the acceptance of personal responsibility and private security, the government has created the National Preparedness Month.

 

"This fall, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Preparedness Month Coalition are urging Americans to take a few basic steps to ensure that their families are prepared before emergencies happen," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff in a news release announcing the initiative. "Through events and activities across the country, every American will be reminded of the personal responsibility they have to keep their family safe if the unexpected occurs."