InfoGram

February 14, 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 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.

Wildfires: Threat to Critical Infrastructures

With so much focus on terrorism preparedness, there is a present tendency to be distracted from other threats to state and local critical infrastructures. Given this inclination, we should be reminded that natural disasters and HazMat accidents can also threaten infrastructures.

A case in point is the Fallbrook/Camp Pendleton wildfire near San Diego, California. As of 12 February, this extremely fast moving brush fire already scorched more than 3,000 acres and destroyed approximately 40 structures, most of which were homes. The blaze burned its way onto the Marine Corps Base, but it has not yet threatened the San Onofre nuclear power plant and ammunition storage facility located there. It has disrupted gas and electric service for over 14,000 customers. Additionally, Captain Rick Mann of the North County Fire District reported that two fire engines were ruined.

Although a California Department of Forestry spokesperson said crews are now �getting a good handle� on this fire, the blaze had the potential to cause catastrophic damage to national, state, and local critical infrastructures. Hence, where the probability exits for wildfires to destroy critical infrastructures, it would be prudent that local emergency planning committees (LEPCs) give this matter urgent consideration. The CIPIC recommends that LEPCs follow the CIP process to identify which infrastructures are susceptible to wildfires and implement measures to protect them from future fires.

Protecting the Personnel Infrastructure

Several organizations realizing the need for better preparations to evacuate employees revised their emergency evacuation plans during the past few months. Some of these organizations are now doing quarterly or semi-annual full-building evacuation drills including the movement of the disabled.

Unofficial research indicates there are many other organizations that still maintain a dismissive attitude about high-rise evacuations. At surveyed locations throughout the United States, a remarkable number of junior and senior personnel expressed disbelief that a calamity would ever happen in their building or community. Unfortunately, they join the ranks of American workers who have become dangerously complacent about fire alarms and disaster preparedness. For example, in a recent interview by GovExec.com, an individual said she knows her building does not have evacuation protocols. Another person stated: "we have a fire evacuation plan, but no clue as to what we are to do if a fire occurs."

During research for a yet unreleased WTC building performance study, a U.S. Fire Administration official observed that currently there is no universally accepted standard on emergency evacuation. The researcher conveyed that many local jurisdictions through their fire department public education programs developed comprehensive and successful evacuation planning models, but unless locally adopted, there is no legal mandate to exercise the plans. "Commonly used high-rise evacuation procedures rely on early notification, good communication, and well-organized egress patterns intended to prevent building occupants from exceeding the capacity of the egress system."

If necessary, the CIPIC advises that local senior fire officials contact the cities which have produced comprehensive programs (e.g., Houston, Seattle, Phoenix, and Portland, OR) to obtain program ideas and examples of quality evacuation plans. Those organizations having ineffective or absent plans can be given copies of these examples. Concurrently, they should be urged to prepare their own written evacuation protocols as an earnest effort to protect their personnel, the foremost among all organizational infrastructures. (Houston's model can be found online at: www.hfd.ci.houston.tx.us/standards/stnd13-1.htm.)

Public Health Infrastructure

In an action that will affect the emergency medical services, Secretary Tommy Thompson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently announced the allocation of $20 million during this fiscal year (02) for a nationwide network of Centers for Public Health Preparedness to foster individual preparedness at the front lines. According to HHS News, the centers will work to assure a well-trained and prepared public health workforce, informed healthcare providers, and an alert citizenry to protect against terrorism.

These centers, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within HHS, will link Schools of Public Health, state, and local health agencies as well as other academic and community health partners. The centers will receive $15 million, and the remaining $5 million will go toward creating additional centers and strengthening relationships with other academic and community health partners.

"The funding of these centers comes at a crucial period as the nation moves forward to improve its public health infrastructure to respond swiftly and effectively to threats and emergencies," said Secretary Thompson. "This new funding will help centers identify, assess, and improve critical gaps in preparedness for the states and the localities that they serve."

CIP and Homeland Security Legislation

The following CIP and Homeland Security legislation are listed in the Congressional Quarterly Daily Monitor as having been recently enacted into law:

• HR 3162, now PL 107-56: Gives law enforcement expanded authority to investigate suspected terrorists, including nationwide search warrants and roving wiretaps. Most provisions will expire after four years without congressional reauthorization.
• S 1447, now PL 107-71: Will make all airport baggage screeners federal workers for two years after a one-year transition period. Places federal law enforcement officials at all screening stations.
• HR 3338, now PL 107-177: Appropriates $8.3 billion in fiscal 2002 discretionary spending toward homeland defense as part of all Defense Department appropriations.

National Threat Warning System Advisory

On 11 February, the National Threat Warning System issued an advisory stating: "as a result of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and ongoing interviews of detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, information has become available regarding threats to U.S. interests. Recent information indicates a planned attack may occur in the United States or against U.S. interests in Yemen on or about 12 February." The FBI urges that law enforcers and all emergency first responders remain on elevated vigilance for suspicious or unusual activity.