Excitement abounds as Pittsburgh prepares to host the G20 summit in September. Perhaps not quite the excitement shown over the Superbowl win this year, or the Stanley Cup returning to Pittsburgh this year, but then we are a city of sports fanatics.
The G20 will be a major showcase for a beautiful city. Building and business owners within the golden triangle, however, are preparing for the two-day event as though a major natural disaster were headed our way.
A city built of bridges and tunnels, Pittsburgh traffic is difficult on a good day. Add the rolling security shut-downs of major roadways as dignitaries make their way in and out of their events and Pittsburgher's know there will be no quick or easy way to head into or out of the office. Employers and building owners know it too, and are planning almost as if a pandemic were scheduled for September 24, 2009. Plans being considered include everything from a complete holiday, to housing essential workers in the office buildings, to telecommuting and more.
Building owners and managers are establishing communication protocols to alert each other in the event protesters become unruly in their area. Along with foreign dignitaries and media, protesters are estimated to be 50,000 strong during the meetings. Buildings constructed mostly of glass are stockpiling plywood in anticipation of broken windows. Security checkpoints are being examined and strengthened. Every aspect of managing a business or a building in downtown Pittsburgh is being scrutinized to insure the least possible disruption to property, people and procedures.
Supplies are being gathered, and work plans put in place. This is business continuity planning as surely as are the plans for hurricanes and fires. Fortunately, the G20 comes with more advance warning. Savvy property and business professionals are taking full advantage of the opportunity to have their plans firmly in place.
