“We cannot stop emergency or natural disasters from happening, but we can prepare and arm ourselves with knowledge and then action to respond appropriately: so many people's lives wouldn't be lost if there was enough proactive initiative toward implementing disaster preparedness.” - Daniel Scott

Title: The Life-Saving Impact of Training, Drills, and Exercises: The Heroic Story of Rick Rescorla

By Daniel Scott

Proper planning, drilling, and exercise can mean the difference between life and death in the face of unforeseen disasters. No story illustrates this better than the heroic actions of Rick Rescorla on September 11, 2001 (9/11), a day that changed the course of history. As the Vice President for Corporate Security at Morgan Stanley, Rescorla's unwavering dedication to preparedness and training saved thousands of lives when tragedy struck.

Rick Rescorla was a man on a mission—to ensure his organization was ready for any emergency. He believed in the power of regular drills and exercises and spared no one when it came to participation. Regardless of your position or rank, if you were in the building, you were part of the drill. While some may have been annoyed or inconvenienced by his drills, 9/11 proved their profound importance.

Rescorla's prescience about possibly another attack on the World Trade Center was uncanny. Having experienced the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, he knew the potential risks all too well. When the first plane struck tower one on that fateful day, the Port Authority ordered his employees to stay put, but Rescorla's unwavering commitment to their safety prevailed. He immediately ordered an evacuation and calmly led his people down the stairwell, singing through a bullhorn to keep them calm amidst the chaos.

Remarkably, Rescorla refused to leave after ensuring the safe evacuation of most of his employees. He made a heart-wrenching call to his wife Susan, assuring her of his happiness and love, but vowed to go back in to rescue stragglers. Tragically, he was last seen heading back up the stairs to help others, and his remains were never recovered.

Rick Rescorla's selflessness and relentless commitment to preparedness saved the lives of nearly all Morgan Stanley employees in the South Tower that day. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of training, drilling, and exercising in emergency management. Through his extraordinary actions, Rescorla exemplified the profound impact that proper preparation and communication can have on community resilience.

In a world that continues to face various challenges and threats, the lessons from Rick Rescorla's legacy are as relevant as ever. Collaborating with public agencies, private organizations, and community members is key to forming a united front against disasters. By embracing marketing techniques and innovative communication strategies, we can strengthen community engagement and cultivate a culture of preparedness. Together, we can build resilient communities, capable of withstanding and recovering from the impact of disasters and ensuring a safer and more secure future for all.

Resource:

Amanda Ripley’s, The Unthinkable:  Who Survives when Disaster Strikes - and Why