Section 1325.515  Physical Security

a)         The 9-1-1 Authority must ensure that critical areas of an answering point shall have adequate physical security to prevent malicious disruption of service and shall be protected against damage due to vandalism, terrorism and civil disturbances. These critical areas shall, at a minimum, include all communications equipment, personnel, electronic equipment rooms, and mechanical equipment rooms that are vital to the operation of the answering point.

b)         The answering point and its personnel shall be isolated from direct public contact.

c)         Entry to the answering point shall be restricted to authorized persons only. Additionally, doors that lead directly from the exterior into the answering point, or from within a building into the answering point, shall be secured at all times.

d)         Access to the communications and electronic equipment rooms shall be restricted within the building by means of secured doors.

e)         Wherever practical, service entrances for electric and telephone service shall be underground, at least to the respective utilities' nearest serving distribution point. Protective measures shall be taken against vandalism and natural or manmade hazards at each answering point.

f)         The answering point shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher.  Personnel shall be instructed in proper use of these extinguishers.