If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Emergency Procedures
I review your current emergency plans, write new procedures where you need them, train your staff, and run drills so everyone knows what to do.
I am Zach Baumgart, a former federal special agent, firefighter, and paramedic. I was responsible for emergency planning at U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, and I responded to emergencies in the field. About me
Independent Advice, with Nothing to Sell
I do not sell security guards, alarms, cameras, or any other products or equipment. I only provide my services, so my recommendations are never tied to something I am selling. My only interest is giving you plans that work for your people and your budget.
Who It Is For
Businesses
Offices, retail, restaurants, and other businesses that want their staff to know what to do in an emergency.
Schools and Childcare
Private schools, childcare facilities, camps, and children's activity venues.
Nonprofits and Houses of Worship
Open-door settings, large gatherings, and events.
Families and Individuals
Emergency plans, communication plans, and travel contingency plans.
For Child-Serving Organizations
If you care for children, you also plan for the situations parents worry about most, including a missing child or camper and parent reunification. I build procedures for private schools, childcare facilities, camps, and children's activity venues with those risks in mind.
Sample of Situations Covered
Violent Threats and Lockdown
Active Threat Response (commonly referred to as active shooter or armed intruder training), bomb threats, and lockdown.
Medical Emergencies
What your staff should do in the first minutes before help arrives.
Emergency Evacuation
Fire, building evacuation, and hazardous materials.
Severe Weather
Shelter, communication, and recovery.
Missing Children or Campers
Search, notification, and parent reunification.
Families and Travel
Communication plans and travel contingency plans.
Other situations can be added at your request.
Emergency procedures support, but do not replace, 9-1-1 and emergency services.
What You Receive
A Written Report
A report that summarizes my findings, including an analysis of your current emergency procedures, proposed updates to those procedures, and any other recommended changes.
Drills and After-Action Reports
I lead scheduled drills, either tabletop or live, and provide a written after-action report that identifies any recommended changes to your emergency plans.
Additional Materials
At your request and built into a contract, I can produce flip charts, reference cards, and other materials for your staff to help in the execution of your emergency procedures.
How It Works
Initial Consultation
I start with a confidential consultation by phone or virtual meeting lasting about 15 minutes. The consultation is complimentary.
Proposal and Contract
I send you a written proposal that sets out the scope of work, the deliverables, and the price. When you approve it, you and I sign a contract, and the work begins.
Review Your Current Plans
I review the emergency procedures you have now and identify any gaps.
Develop Procedures
I write new procedures where gaps exist, for each situation you and I agree to cover.
Train and Drill
I train your staff and run tabletop or live drills so you can be assured the procedures work under pressure.
Review and Update
I recommend reviewing plans annually and after any incident. Annual reviews and updates are a separate contract, or are included with a Security Director on Demand contract.
My Experience
At U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, I was responsible for physical security and emergency planning. As a firefighter, paramedic, and local law enforcement officer, I responded to emergencies in the field. I have seen first-hand that well-developed and trained emergency procedures save lives and protect homes and businesses.
Where I Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What if we already have plans?
That is a great start. I review your current plans, identify any gaps, and recommend changes. If your plans are sound, I will tell you so. I will also recommend drills and training for your staff and, if requested, facilitate and lead them.
How is this different from training?
Emergency procedures define what your people do in each situation, and drills prove they can do it. Training builds specific skills, such as emergency medical response, de-escalation, and Active Threat Response. The two work well together.
What kinds of drills do you run?
Drills can be tabletop or live, and I can run them for any emergency plan, including Active Threat Response, medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, and others. Every drill includes a written after-action report that identifies any recommended changes to your current emergency plans.
How often should plans be reviewed?
I recommend reviewing plans annually and after any incident. Annual reviews and updates are a separate contract, or are included with a Security Director on Demand contract.
Do you work with local fire, EMS, and police agencies?
Yes. I will work with your local first responders to ensure your emergency procedures align with their expectations.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the size of your organization, the number of locations, and the number and type of emergency plans required. A review, update, or drafting of new emergency plans with staff training and drills would cost about $1,500 to $2,000 for a medium-sized retail establishment. There is no charge for the initial consultation and the proposal.
Related Services
Each of my services is available individually or as part of a Security Director on Demand contract. Emergency procedures can often lead to or also require physical security audits, threat assessments, and training. See my full list of services.