Golden Triangle Honored By FEMA for Community Preparedness

WASHINGTON, DC, December 20, 2016 – The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) is being honored for its outstanding efforts in emergency preparedness with an honorable mention in the 2016 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual and Community Preparedness Awards. This is the second time one of the BID’s programs to make the central business district community safer, better prepared, and more resilient has been recognized by FEMA.

The 2016 FEMA Award specifically recognizes the BID for preparing building managers, office workers, and retailers in the central business district for potential active shooter situations following the 2015 Paris attacks. The Golden Triangle BID organized two special emergency preparedness briefings to train community members. The first program briefed attendees on each phase of the “Run, Hide, Fight” model and how to identify and report suspicious activity. The second program educated attendees about when and how to fight back, and demonstrated tactics for improvising weapons that could be used to foil an attack.

More than 600 people representing at least 80 large commercial buildings attended the briefings. Officials from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Washington Regional Threat Analysis Center (WRTAC), U.S. Park Police (USPP), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) presented during the trainings.

FEMA 2016 honorees were chosen from more than 160 applications from local and state governments, non-profits, the private sector, community-based organizations, and individuals for initiatives taking place between January 1, 2015 and March 28, 2016.

The Golden Triangle BID runs a comprehensive emergency preparedness program, which includes quarterly educational opportunities that prepare individuals, building managers, and executives to take appropriate actions around emergencies. Local and federal law enforcement, emergency management, homeland security, and public safety agencies support BID efforts by providing subject-matter expertise during briefings and exercises. Attendees have the chance to test their new knowledge in real-life scenarios.

The BID’s most recent public training in June 2016 taught members of the community how to respond to emergencies on the Metrorail system. In March 2014, the BID developed a shelter-in-place pilot program that was delivered to more than 600 companies across the D.C. region.

When significant incidents occur, the Golden Triangle BID takes a key role in coordinating efforts and sharing information between emergency personnel, government agencies, and property management companies. In the case of street closures, extreme weather, and other emergencies or disruptions, the BID delivers neighborhood specific alerts (Golden Triangle E-Alert messages) with real-time updates.

About the Golden Triangle BID
The Golden Triangle BID is a non-profit organization that works to enhance the Golden Triangle — the 43 block neighborhood that stretches from the front yard of the White House to Dupont Circle. The primary focus of the BID is to provide a clean, safe, and vibrant environment within this remarkable neighborhood, and to retain and attract businesses to the Golden Triangle. Founded in 1997, the Golden Triangle BID encourages economic development through capital improvement projects, a variety of engaging events, and public art projects. The BID connects its members to numerous resources, events, and information in and around the neighborhood and strives to increase quality of life through public safety and maintenance services. Together with corporate and government partners, the BID develops and implements programs that strengthen the vitality of the Golden Triangle. Learn more at: https://goldentriangledc.com

For more information, contact:
Marie Lindberg
mlindberg@goldentriangledc.com
202.463.6986

Mittie Rooney
mrooney@axcomgroup.com
301.602.8709

---