For some, life in NY has not changed much since 9/11/01. For others like me, who work for a firm that is still on terrorist lists, in a part of Manhattan that has been a target for extremists for some time, it is a life full of multi-layered security measures meant to protect.
Perhaps if I gave you a glimpse of what my morning was like today, you would get some idea what working in NYC is like these days.
In order to enter my place of work I maneuvered the security barricade, or the large potted planters just outside the building entrance, to show my magnetized encrypted ID card to the security agent standing right in front of the revolving doors.
Once inside, I place my card on an electronic access device located at the Fire Command Station, that registers my time of arrival on the premises. The Fire Command Station is where we can find a myriad of equipment and devices to handle any possible emergency except that of a direct hit from a nuclear device.
My ID card is both my access key to get in to my department and the means by which security knows where I am at all times. While on the premises, I'm required to keep my ID card visible on my body at all times. Failure to do so could result in a reprimand or termination.
Needing to visit the ladies room before I started my project, I brought my ID card with me and swiped it at the door. Afterwards, I went downstairs to our Cafeteria to get something to eat. There too I have to swipe my ID in order to enter. I decided against going around the corner to Starbucks and the deli, because that would require me to pull out my ID card 4 more times instead of the single time at the cafeteria, just to get my lunch. I forgot to mention, that in order to leave the floor and reach the elevator banks, these same doors must be opened electronically by way of a release button.
Finally getting to my desk, I log on to my computer with a series of pass codes that will enable me first to access the computer, then my applications and finally give me access to the network. These passwords require they be changed 6 times per year. Today was one of those times for me, so I spent 15 minutes trying to meet the 7 set of parameters required to set up a new password.
BTW, that ID card I have to carry, it's my understanding that its fire proof up to 1,000 degrees. So even if they don't find my body, they'll hopefully be able to know I was in the building in the event of any attack. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get to work.
Please understand, I'm not complaining. It just at times it can be a little frustrating. The only part I absolutely hat is escorting my male guests to the bathroom and waiting outside for them to finish. Uhhhh! I stand there saying to myself, PLEASE just don't shake my hand goodbye afterwards if I don't hear the water running!
Noting like walking a mile in someone elses shoes to get perspective.
So many of us take such things as running out for lunch for granted. After 9/11 the company I worked for was also forced to increase security on campus and it became impossible to even just dart into the bathroom. Many "short cuts" had been eliminated and swipe cards were used for everything. Many times I got myself in a jam by not remembering that.
I know it's inconvienent, but I'm also glad those procedures are in place. We can't change what has happened in the past, but we can make things a lot harder for "them" in the future.
Posted by: Tammi at September 20, 2004 09:00 AMWell, there's always Stadium Gal :-)
http://www.stadiumpal.com/what.htm
Posted by: Harvey at September 20, 2004 11:50 AMWow. I had a friend who was in the first WTC when it was hit. She still works in NYC. We don't talk about it, but it never occured to me what security must be like for her now to go to work.
Posted by: Boudicca at September 20, 2004 11:08 PM