InfoGram

August 8, 2002

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 infrastructures. For further information please contact the U.S. Fire Administration's Critical Infrastructure Protection Information Center at (301) 447-1325 or email at usfacipc@dhs.gov.

The West Nile Virus Threat

It is now necessary to include the West Nile virus among the threats against the health and performance of firefighters and emergency medical personnel. As of August 7th, the mosquito-borne pathogen has killed 5 people in Louisiana. However, in the past several days the virus has been found in animals and birds of 34 states. The rapid spread of the illness will probably make this year's outbreak the worst ever and a real threat to America's public health.

Symptoms of the virus begin 3 to 15 days after infection with 1 in 5 infected people becoming seriously ill. Most have only a mild fever, body aches, maybe a rash, and possible swollen lymph nodes. But people who are elderly or have underlying health problems may get very sick with a swelling of the brain called encephalitis. They may develop a high fever, neck stiffness, headache, disorientation, muscle weakness, and in severe cases the victim may slip into a coma and die.

There are several things that emergency first responders and their families can do reduce or eliminate the mosquito bites that potentially cause the West Nile virus. The CIPIC advises that senior leaders participate in the "fight the bite" program to protect their personnel at department stations as well as at private residences. As appropriate and warranted, ensure all personnel comply with the following recommended basic measures:

• Stay indoors if possible during the early morning and early/late evening.
• Keep apparatus bay doors closed during these times.
  (Do so also to deter unwanted or suspicious intruders.)
• Remove water collecting in buckets, bowls, cans, gutters, tires, ditches, etc.
  (Mosquito larvae have been found even in overturned soda bottle caps.)
• Use screens on windows and doors opened for air ventilation.
• Repair holes in window and door screens.
• Cover exposed skin with long, loose clothing if going out.
• Spray clothing and exposed skin with an insecticide containing 35% DEET if going out. (Children should use only a 10% DEET concentration.)

For more information about the West Nile virus, contact the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) by phone at their toll free number: 888-246-2675; or visit the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov

United Efforts Against Disaster

Earlier this week, the governors of Maryland and Virginia and the mayor of Washington D.C. signed an eight-point agreement committing their governments to comprehensive regional cooperation before and during emergencies. Generally, they pledged to coordinate decisions, public statements, and emergency measures in case of a region-wide disaster. The CIPIC suggests that the specifics of their accord should yield benefits for the integrity and capability of regional critical infrastructures. Federal officials have stated: "this first-of-its kind document will serve as a national model for other large metropolitan areas." States or municipalities interested in reviewing the document should contact the office of the Maryland or Virginia governor.

The agreement promotes increased intelligence sharing among federal prosecutors, investigators, and local law enforcement officials. It directs collaboration with the private sector to set safeguards for critical utilities, communications, and transportation industries. Additionally, the provisions of the document require improvement and expansion of mutual aid agreements that increase joint training, provide for public emergency drills, and expedite emergency workers and equipment across jurisdictions without risk of liability.

Teenagers Training for Emergency Response

After the events of 9/11, millions of Americans contacted local and state offices asking about how to get involved in homeland security. In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, teenagers called the offices of county government to inquire how to join the ranks of police, fire, and emergency personnel. Acknowledging the valuable contribution that teens can make to America's protection on the local level, Bucks County created the "Secure Corps."

Recognized as an excellent "homeland security training summer camp for teenagers," the program is drilling 92 teenage men and women in essential emergency response skills. (The CIPIC confirmed that there are other similar fire/EMS cadet summer programs.) When this eight-week program ends on August 23rd, graduates will be certified in first aid, CPR, and what organizers call "terrorism response." According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, "they will be ready to don HazMat chemical-protection suits, evacuate institutional buildings, and become bold 'first responders' to highway pileups and poison-gas attacks alike."

The campers, who are mostly 11th and 12th graders, come from diverse backgrounds including teenage parents, juvenile delinquents, low income, or coping with a learning or other disability. They pay no fees for attendance. Alternatively, "they are paid minimum wage so that they can spend these hours learning instead of flipping burgers." "Secure Corps," funded with a $409,000 grant from the county's Office of Employment and Training, serves as a fine example of a constructive method to prepare American youth in the basics of infrastructure protection and for future careers in emergency response.

Individual and Family Preparedness

Chief officers are well aware that the dedication and behavior of emergency first responders depend in no small way upon their perceptions. If firefighters and emergency medical personnel perceive that the safety and security of their families have been or will be jeopardized by a disaster, then there is increased chance that duty performance may be adversely affected by their concerns.

To reduce or eliminate the possibility of diminished performance caused by such worries, senior leaders can encourage their personnel to implement individual and family disaster planning. The American Red Cross has outlined guidelines for individuals, families, and communities explaining how to prepare for and respond to a disaster. Following these guidelines can build survival confidence and create positive perceptions about disaster preparedness.

Red Cross recommendations for individuals range from developing a personal disaster plan to being prepared to seek shelter or evacuate during an attack. They additionally advise families to develop a communication plan, a pre-packed disaster supplies kit, etc. The Red Cross always urges people to follow the instructions of local officials and to stay tuned to radio and television stations in the event of an emergency.

For more information about preparing individuals and families for the unexpected, see the Red Cross website at: www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/unexpected.html.