InfoGram

February 1, 2001

NOTE: This InfoGram will be distributed weekly to provide members of the emergency services sector with news and information concerning the protection of their critical information systems. For further information please contact the U.S. Fire Administration's Critical Infrastructure Protection Information Center at (301) 447-1325 or email at usfacipc@fema.gov.

Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP): "Interdependencies"

Certain national infrastructures are so vital that their incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on the defense or economic security of the United States. These critical infrastructures include telecommunications, electrical power systems, gas and oil storage and transportation, banking and finance, transportation, water supply systems, emergency services (medical, police, fire, and rescue) and continuity of government. Since these infrastructures have become increasingly interconnected and interdependent, it has created an increased possibility that a minor or even routine disturbance could cascade into a regional outage. The challenge of assuring that these services can be delivered can only be met by a partnership between private industry and government at all levels.

Examples

• The Nevada Division of Emergency Management (DEM) reported that the California electrical blackouts have interrupted pipeline deliveries of gasoline, diesel, and aviation jet fuels to Southern Nevada. The pipeline originates in Southern California and terminates in the Las Vegas area. Resumption of pipeline service may require up to three days after restoration of electric service to pipeline pumps. A problem in the power generation sector has significantly impacted the fuel distribution and the transportation sectors.
• A petroleum pipeline serving Reno, Nevada, has been operating intermittently due to the California electrical outages, causing fuel shortages throughout Nevada. Electricity has been available as little as two hours a day out of the twelve for normal consumption. The Nevada DEM estimates the in-state reserves are adequate for four days of interrupted deliveries. Electrical service within Nevada is largely unaffected; however the major concern remains to be the medium and maximum-security penitentiaries in the state that are not on an electrical grid. These facilities rely solely on self-generated power.
• 911 centers are provided with generators to supplement normal power supplies. The addition of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) back-up unit can be added to the system and will provide power to the center between the time that electrical power is lost and when the generator is activated. When the electric outage is over, the UPS units return to street power for recharging. Several emergency managers have reported that these units have failed to recharge themselves. Daily checks and periodic maintenance are required to keep these units functioning.