InfoGram

September 19, 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.

Homeland Security Advisory System

After the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) threat condition changed from "elevated" (yellow) to "high" (orange) on 10 September, many chief officers of the fire and emergency medical services throughout the country wondered how this change should affect their plans and operations. While some conducted meetings to explore what must be done, a few others pondered whether they had to do anything at all.

The White House Office of Homeland Security directed the raised "threat condition" due to credible intelligence and recent statements by terrorists in custody indicating a high threat of near term strikes against American interests. Critical infrastructure owners and operators were urged to implement appropriate protective measures that correspond to the "high" (orange) threat condition under the HSAS. The "high" (orange) condition signifies a high risk of terrorist attacks, which primarily means infrastructure stakeholders should actively coordinate comprehensive security efforts with local, state, and federal departments and agencies; prepare to execute contingency procedures and response plans; and restrict access to critical infrastructures to essential personnel only. These actions, as well as others not mentioned here, sustain that preparedness is an excellent defense from the crimes of terrorists.

Having examined this matter during the last two weeks, the CIPIC proposes that a change in threat conditions, particularly when moved to a higher level, should generate positive activity by the leadership of emergency first responders. For each of the five specific threat conditions (i.e., low, guarded, elevated, high, severe), the desired actions appropriate for an individual department (and municipality) can be recorded in a "HSAS Transition Plan." As an example only, the CIPIC offers the following ideas for threat condition "high" (orange) applied to fire/EMS organizations:

• Immediately meet with the local emergency planning committee (or its equivalent) to decide what should be done, who will do it, and when will it be done.
• Ascertain the changes made at the county and state levels and how those changes may or may not affect local operations.
• Require department leadership to refresh their knowledge and comprehension of the contents of local incident response and mitigation plans.
• Refine alternate route plans to community critical infrastructures to reflect current road and traffic conditions.
• Familiarize personnel with any existing or revised fire station and community evacuation plans.
• Close and lock all station doors and permit access to non-department personnel only when coordinated and approved.
• Acquire organizational self-sufficiency by ensuring the availability of surplus supplies of food, water, non-prescription medicines, and equipment.
• Instruct all personnel to be more alert to suspicious activity or items, particularly in and around fire houses.
• Consider the strategic location of equipment and supplies.

Firefighting Equipment Theft

On 17 September, the Frederick News-Post reported the thefts of five self-contained breathing apparatus units from two volunteer fire companies in Frederick County, MD. Each breathing unit included a facial piece, air tank, and regulator. The thefts of these units were first noticed in late July during routine inventory checks. Both affected companies notified the Frederick County Sheriff's Office. The FBI and neighboring law enforcement agencies were contacted as well.

After the chiefs of the two organizations verified that the equipment had not been loaned or borrowed, all company personnel were thoroughly questioned as part of the investigation. It quickly became apparent that someone had targeted the fire companies specifically for this equipment. County officials announced they were concerned that the property could be used for illegal purposes. Additionally, they said that "there is great risk to public safety in mishandling and misuse of the breathing apparatus."

This event, as others before it, reinforces the necessity for all emergency first responders to aggressively protect their uniforms, turnout gear, equipment, and vehicles. The 15 August InfoGram discussed the growing trend in the thefts or attempted thefts of these items throughout the United States. Hence, departments should review and revise their physical security plan as necessary to ensure outstanding protection of all property. Security experts advise that now is not the time to be passive or timid about such matters. Failure to secure department equipment and apparatus may eventually jeopardize the critical infrastructures upon which survivability, continuity of operations, and mission success depend.

2-1-1 Call Centers: Informing the Populace

In the 5 September InfoGram, the CIPIC wrote that giving people fast and credible information about incidents can reduce general panic. Informing the public certainly promotes the overall health and stability of the community. It also goes far to protect infrastructures from damage caused by our own American citizens. Such is why fourteen states now operate "2-1-1 Call Centers" and twenty more states are planning them.

"2-1-1 Call Centers" routinely provide referrals for health and social service organizations. For many citizens, the centers have become a "one-stop shop" for information regarding health insurance, employment, housing, food assistance, etc. However, when confronted with a major disruptive event (e.g., natural disaster, HazMat accident, terrorist attack), these "call centers" can answer questions and provide instructions. Whether it is a time of crisis or not, this capability takes the strain off emergency services, including 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points.

The ability of these "2-1-1 Centers" to inform the public and potentially abate panic makes them a valuable asset to the communities they serve. As a conduit of emergency information when necessary, "2-1-1 Centers" are a dependable resource for emergency managers and the chief officers of the fire, police, and emergency medical services. Since their work indirectly helps to protect the infrastructures of emergency first responders, the CIPIC recommends the use of these centers for public information dissemination and applauds those states that decided to have them.

Continuation of the National Emergency

Because the terrorist threat continues, on 12 September 2002, President Bush extended for one year the national emergency he declared on 14 September 2001, in accordance with the National Emergencies Act. This action authorizes the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation to order members of the Reserve Components to active duty and to waive certain statutory military personnel requirements. Therefore, for those emergency departments that have never done so, it would be prudent to plan on working with military personnel in the event of a catastrophic event during the next twelve months.