February 20, 2025 – Threat Evaluation & Reporting Overview (TERO) Training

The Threat Evaluation and Reporting Overview (TERO) is a three-hour introductory training focusing on a behavioral approach to violence prevention. The TERO raises awareness about the risk factors, triggers and stressors, and warning behaviors that could impact a person’s decision to commit an act of targeted violence. Further, it outlines the mitigating factors that could help prevent acts of targeted violence, while emphasizing the importance of community involvement in seeking help for individuals, and respecting their privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

Click here to view the event flyer.

  • DATE:  Thursday, February 20, 2025.
  • TIME:  9:00AM-12:00PM.
  • LOCATION:  Portage County EMA, 2978 OH-59, Ravenna, OH 44266.
  • COST:  Free but registration is required.
  • REGISTRATION:  Must register online by Friday, February 14, 2025. Seating is limited.
  • INSTRUCTOR:  Faylin Eve Thurn, State Homeland Security Program Manager, Summit County Department of Public Safety.
  • CREDITS: This event qualifies for up to one safety council rebate Attendance Credit (the same as a monthly meeting) for Portage County Safety Council members or up to one External Training Credit for members of other Ohio Safety Councils.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

November 15, 2024 – Emergency Preparedness Symposium

In conjunction with the Portage County Fire Chief’s Association, the Portage County Health Department, Portage County Local Emergency Planning Committee, and the Portage County Safety Council, you are invited to attend the Portage County Annual Emergency Preparedness Symposium, scheduled for November 15, 2024, from 08:00AM to 12:00PM at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, Cook Hall (4209 OH-44, Rootstown, OH 44272).

The following FREE event qualifies for up to one safety council rebate Attendance Credit (the same as a monthly meeting) for PCSC members and up to one external training credit for members of other Ohio Safety Councils.

This is a great training opportunity covering 3 hot button issues!

  1. Lithium-ion Battery Safety: “While these batteries provide an effective and efficient source of power, the likelihood of them overheating, catching on fire, and even leading to explosions increases when they are damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored.” – NFPA
  2. Chardon Active Shooter: Professionals who were present during the 2012 Chardon High School shooting will share about what they learned from the tragedy to help improve your policy, preparation and prevention.
  3. Cybersecurity: “The integration of sophisticated technologies not only fuels business innovation but also introduces complex cybersecurity challenges. This reality is further compounded by the growing dependence on third-party and fourth-party vendors, which can extend the cybersecurity risk landscape beyond the organization’s immediate control.” – Security Scorecard

Register online no later than Friday, November 8th, 2024. IMPORTANT: Please make sure to click “Yes” on question 5 (Are you attending for the Portage County Safety Council) so we can make sure you’re on the PCSC sign-in sheets to qualify for the rebate attendance credit.

CREDITS: Please note that attendees for the symposium will be awarded four (4) hours of EMS continued education! In addition, this free event qualifies for up to one safety council rebate Attendance Credit (the same as a monthly meeting) for Portage County Safety Council members or up to one External Training Credit for members of other Ohio Safety Councils.

OSHA Violence Requirements: October 2017 Safety & Hygiene Corner

Question:

What does OSHA require regarding violence in the workplace and active shooter programs and training?

Answer:

OSHA does not have a specific standard on violence in the workplace or active shooter/ active aggressor situations.  However, under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970, employers are required to provide their employees with a place of employment that “is free from recognizable hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employees.” An employer that has experienced acts of workplace violence, or becomes aware of threats, intimidation, or other indicators showing that the potential for violence in the workplace exists, would be on notice of the risk of workplace violence and should implement a workplace violence prevention program combined with engineering controls, administrative controls, and training.

There are many options to start on this journey.  The BWC has a half day violence in the workplace class and your BWC consultant or local law enforcement can help you create a policy.  Training can be done in-house, online or with your local law enforcement.  There are many companies that focus on security and violence in the workplace if you are interested in seeking other outside help.  Two well known training programs dealing with active shooters are:  The Department of Homeland Security’s: Run, Hide, Fight and the ALiCE method offered by the ALiCE training institute.

Brought to you by Ohio BWC safety consultants.