Book Review: Disaster Recovery

CRC Press; crcpress.com, 344 pages; $129.95

Perhaps the title of this book—Physical Security and Environmental Protection—doesn't reveal its true nature. This comprehensive guide to managing the disaster recovery process employs crucial strategies aimed at disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The book does not limit itself to the physical, dipping into topics such as workplace violence, close protection, and cybersecurity.

To his credit, author John Perdikaris cites examples not only from his native Canada but also from around the world to illustrate his points. For instance, he discusses the Khobar Towers blast in Saudi Arabia as an example of an exterior envelope failure, and the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City as an example of progressive collapse.

Perdikaris introduces readers to emergency planning strategies that apply to both natural and man-made disasters that might have devastating effects on infrastructure and result in loss of life and property. Drawing on his background he offers effective responses to cyberattacks.

This reviewer found Physical Security and Environmental Protection to be a very useful tool for those currently in the security field and for anyone who is interested in the profession.

Reviewer: James E. Sellers, CPP, is president and CEO of Accion Security Consulting, LLC. He is a global security advisor and trainer. He sits on the ASIS International Security Services Council.