Taken from an actual company emergency plan I wrote at my last job. With help from some friends at work we spiced up the appendix to the company policy I was writing. See Also Zombie Apocalypse, Alien Invasion, Godzilla Attack
Appendix V: Velociraptor Release (Event V)
The velociraptor is a bipedal carnivore with a long, stiffened tail and can be distinguished from other dromaeosaurids by its long and low skull, with an upturned snout. It bears a relatively large, sickle-shaped claw, typical of dromaeosaurid and troodontid dinosaurs. This enlarged claw, up to 67 millimeters (2.6 in) long around its outer edge, is a predatory device, used to tear into the prey, delivering a fatal blow.
Velociraptors are often found on tropical islands, and converted millionaire amusement parks, but are increasingly being sighted in the Pacific Northwest.
Potential Issues:
This appendix assumes a relatively small population of velociraptors locally, from one of two sources: escape from a cargo transport in the nearby Port of Vancouver, or; escape from Stanley Park (see news link below).
A third source, but unconfirmed, would be an accidental release from the private research and development section of Dinosaurs Unearthed, a Richmond-based company specializing in animatronic dinosaur exhibits. Rumors have circulated for years about a private collection kept by this privately owned firm, which refuses to comment.
Velociraptors hunt in packs and can accelerate 4 m/s/s, with a top speed of 25 m/s on open terrain, 10 m/s while wounded and 10 m/s in indoor laboratories or on polished surfaces.
Velociraptors are known to communicate with their pack mates in a high pitched squeal or scream, not unlike that of their victims. These sounds of predator and their human prey will likely be the first signs of trouble.
Defense in Place:
Unlike T-Rex, velociraptor visual acuity is quite good and not dependent on movement, so freezing in place should not be used as an evasion tactic if one is in plain sight. At-risk staff should place as many solid doors between themselves and the velociraptors as possible, sit tight, and wait for an “all clear” signal from authorities.
If possible, the receptionist should shut down the elevator and pull the security gate across the elevator lobby for added protection.
All remaining staff should take refuge in the four corner offices of the third floor, the four solid door offices on the second floor, or in the music library adjacent to the call centre. All have protective doors that should provide adequate safety and security once locked and reinforced with office furniture.
Velociraptors can open doors, but are slowed by them. They can open an initial door in approximately 5 minutes, and will take half that time for each subsequent door. Protective doors should be made of solid wood or steel. Windows should have steel bars with spacing smaller than the average raptor.
As a precaution, management should consider installing quality deadbolts to protective doors. Velociraptors, despite their formidable claws, have not demonstrated lock-picking skills to date.
Personal Defense and Escape:
Velociraptor hunting tactics include the use coordinated attack patterns. “You stare at him, and he just stares right back. That’s when the attack comes, not from the front, but from the side.” reports the late Robert Muldoon, considered an expert on this species.
With a velociraptor running speed of 10 to 25m/s compared to human running speed of 3 to 5 m/s, one is not likely to outrun their pursuer, even over short distances.
With a size of 3.6 meters and an average weight of 68 kilos, one may have a chance to escape through force. Oh, who are we kidding? You’ll be flesh confetti before you can scream “Damn you John Hammond!” Your life expectancy is approximately 1 minute, 10 seconds.
Note: What has herein been described as a velociraptor is actually a deinonychus, a distinction which will be irrelevant to anyone faced with one. For simplicity, we have referred to this creature by the name popularized in mainstream films.
Further Reading:
American Society for Velociraptor Attack Prevention
“Dinosaurs May Roam Stanley Park” Vancouver Sun, 2007
“How long could you survive chained to a Bunk Bed with a Velociraptor?”
