One of the Heroes of 9/11

Rick Rescorla knew how to face danger and lead others to safety. A retired army colonel, he was vice president of security for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co, corporate offices in New York. The firm occupied floors 44 to 74 in the south tower of the World Trade Center. He drilled his charges relentlessly. Everyone had to participate in the drills, even the highest ranking officials.

When the north tower was struck by a plane, Rescorla began the evacuation of his people. Each floor had a captain, responsible for everyone in his or her area. All 2700 employees were ordered to leave the building. As they marched down the stairs and out to safety,

Rescorla talked and sang to them through his megaphone. He called his wife and his best friend to say how much they meant to him and then went back up to look for stragglers. By then the building was on fire and collapsing. Rescorla did not come back. But the actions of this one man meant that only six of the 2700 Morgan Stanley employees died in the attack.

How did this rescue go so well? Three reasons stand out:

1. They had a plan.

2. They knew who their leaders were.

3. They had "muscle memory" from having practiced earlier.

Disaster drills are designed to help you know the plan, recognize your area leaders and practice until you have the "muscle memory" you may need.

Thank you for participating in disaster drills. You may save a life through your actions.

Jane Vasquez