Security at Dow

A security inspection of a truck entering Dow Texas Operations

Safety and security at Dow have always been a high priority. Since Sept. 11, 2001 this priority has become even more pronounced, and "normal" security operations have been redefined. At the beginning of 2003, 25 Dow sites in the United States, including Texas Operations, began implementing security upgrades as part of Dow’s Site Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) process.

These audits are a requirement of the American Chemistry Council's new Responsible Care code for security. In conjunction with the SVAs Dow also conducted Emergency Services & Security (ES&S) audits at each site to apply a multi-layered approach to our site security.

Following the recommendations from the SVA and audit process, Texas Operations began making visible changes as well as behind-the-scenes improvements to its security. Visible changes include additional fencing being installed around the perimeter and at the site's waterfront areas. Electronic barriers, alarms and increased patrols were also implemented to accompany the security already in place.

Electronic access control was also installed at all vehicle and pedestrian gates. Additional lighting in some parking areas was also added. Other details will not be as noticeable, but will be designed to maintain a consistently higher level of security than ever before at all our sites for the protection of our employees and our communities.

"These upgrades provide Texas Operations with a higher level of security," said Linda Bartholome, Responsible Care Leader for Texas Operations. "The site vulnerability assessments show that they were needed. Dow continues on a global level and a site level to refine and improve our security plans."

Tim Scott, Global Director of Emergency Services & Security for Dow, adds, "The concept of rings or layers of increasing security around key areas is basic to site security. The recommendations made as a result of the SVA and the audit focused on strengthening this concept at each of our sites."