InfoGram

InfoGram October 31, 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.

Coalition Building for Infrastructure Protection

Within most communities there are many organizations (e.g., associations, clubs, veterans groups, citizen corps, schools, businesses, etc.) that are dedicated to serving people. Their service orientation can be generally compared to that of emergency first responders. Collectively, they significantly contribute to the community environment and the local quality of life. But how much do the leaders of firefighters and emergency medical personnel know about these municipal assets and their capabilities?

The CIPIC proposes that an excellent way to add synergy and strength to infrastructure protection is by building a coalition with these organizations where it does not already exist. A fine way to begin is by inviting their leaders to make presentations to emergency responders regarding the organization's purpose, structure, and capabilities. In return, chief officers can brief the visitors on how the specific group can bolster the infrastructure protection of the community fire and EMS sector. For example, group members can multiply the numbers of those watching for and reporting suspicious conduct around water reservoirs, pumping stations, water tanks, pipelines, etc.

Perhaps, at first glance, this proposal might seem like a waste of valuable time. Why would the leaders of the VFW, American Legion, Lions Club, Elks, Eagles, etc., want to talk to emergency first responders? The reasons and results may be far more rewarding than ever imagined. Some of these entities usually explore methods to help other local public servants in ways that occasionally include monetary donations. Moreover, their leadership could be very interested and agreeable to low or no-cost activities that enhance the protection of critical infrastructures.

The possibilities for coalition building with community organizations are great; the potential for genuinely positive outcomes for infrastructure protection are greater!

Local Infrastructure Protection

The possibility exists that some community leaders consider local infrastructures to be insignificant or irrelevant to al Qaeda and other international terrorists. Nevertheless, there is sufficient evidence that local critical assets have greater target value to domestic terrorists, anti-government individuals, and American extremist groups. Given the potential threat to municipal infrastructures, the CIPIC suggests that local leaders anticipate probable future scenarios and contemplate protective measures.

To give this matter adequate attention, the CIPIC recommends that elected officials meet with the major infrastructure stakeholders within their jurisdiction (e.g., emergency services, medical, public utilities, transportation, financial institutions, private enterprises, etc.). The first objective of these meetings should be to heighten everyone's awareness of their interdependencies and vulnerabilities. The second objective should be to determine exactly what really needs to be protected. Finally, the third objective should be to prioritize the infrastructures selected for protection. As a result of severely limited money, personnel, time, and materials, the CIPIC also advises that only those assets which are both threatened and vulnerable be listed as priorities to receive the application of these scarce resources.

It is appropriate to add here that among the greatest challenges for local government will be the integration of information so authorities can gather, share, and use intelligence data in a manner that will minimize the threat to community infrastructures. Furthermore, a quality emergency preparedness plan will ensure the capability of decision-makers (including the chief officers of emergency first responders) to effectively communicate before, during, and after a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or hazardous materials accident.

Water Infrastructure Incidents

A Texas newspaper reported that within the past few days there were attempted break-ins at two Texas water supply systems. The FBI and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) were immediately notified about both incidents. The TCEQ water supply manager, Buck Henderson, stated that "these events are very suspicious" and cautioned cities "to be on guard." The subsequent investigation revealed that "the intruders were wearing what appeared to be coordinated attire." At one facility the perpetrators were actually seen cutting the fence.

"Since water systems are an obvious potential target for terrorism, and we have records of attempted terrorism or vandalism, we are providing this notice to encourage you to increase awareness of water system security needs," Henderson wrote in a form letter sent to public and private water system officials. Henderson's letter suggested that, at minimum, "city water officials should notify their staffs of the attempted break-ins, 'be on high alert', report any suspicious activities, and request local law enforcement officials provide more frequent patrol around water supplies."

HazMat Planning and Training Grants

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta announced this week the award of grants to the fifty states, territories, and Native American tribes totaling approximately $12.8 million for planning and training to improve responses to hazardous materials (HazMat) transportation incidents. The funds were made available by the Department of Transportation's Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) under the Hazardous Material Emergency Preparedness Program (HMEP).

Secretary Mineta said the grants will help firefighters, police, and other first responders protect our citizens by assuring that they are ready to respond to HazMat transportation incidents. He added that the grants are intended to support the development of emergency response strategies tailored to regional needs.

For additional information, go to the RSPA website: http://www.rspa.dot.gov. Click on HAZMAT Safety, then click on HMEP Grants. Alternatively, contact James.Mitchell@rspa.dot.gov or Gordon.Delcambre@rspa.dot.gov.