InfoGram

July 3, 2003

NOTE: This InfoGram will be distributed weekly to provide members of the emergency management and response sector with information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. It has been prepared by NATEK Incorporated for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate. For further information, contact the Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by email at emr-isac@fema.dhs.gov.

CIP Partnership Development

A recent InfoGram suggested it might be helpful for fire/EMS departments to identify businesses and charitable organizations willing to purchase equipment or apparatus that will improve each department's critical infrastructure protection (CIP) status. Another InfoGram reported that some emergency response departments considered corporate sponsorship (or "adopt-a-department" program) as a viable method to acquire resources that strengthen their internal critical infrastructures.

Recognizing the importance of cooperative efforts, the CIPIC recommends yet another course of action to bolster the protection of community critical infrastructures including those of emergency first responders. Through the development of CIP partnerships among public and private organizations, local governments can pursue an integrated, cost-effective, and systematic approach to assemble and apply scarce resources for all-hazard mitigation and preparedness. These partnerships provide unique opportunities to institutionalize disaster protection into long-range policies, procedures, programs, and plans that significantly minimize the costs associated with CIP countermeasures.

The partnerships with industry, insurance companies, consumer and business services, academia, service organizations, community groups, etc., can facilitate information sharing and activities that preserve community critical infrastructures under all circumstances. When fully initiated, these CIP partnerships and their subsequent strategies should promote a comprehensive and concentrated effort to eliminate the degradation of anything necessary for the continuous and successful operations of the municipality and its first responders.

CIP ensures COOP and Vice Versa

In the 12 June InfoGram, the CIPIC proposed that superb, sustained operations could not be achieved without the 24/7 availability of department critical infrastructures. It encouraged the protection of personnel, physical assets, and communication systems (i.e., critical infrastructures) to guarantee continuity of operations (COOP). Moreover, experience demonstrates that critical infrastructure protection (CIP) is a necessity in order to have continuous operations.

Conversely, continuity of operations is essential for CIP too! Any serious disruption in emergency operations can potentially jeopardize personnel, physical assets, and communication systems. Indeed, the survivability and mission success of first responders depend on the ability and readiness of their organizations to continue operations in an all-hazards environment.

Mindful of the substantial consequence of COOP for CIP, fire/EMS departments should consider developing or updating contingency plans for the continuity of vital functions during any emergency or situation that may disrupt normal operations. The CIPIC opines that departments must be prepared to maintain operations throughout the spectrum of possible threats from natural disasters to manmade catastrophes. COOP planning is simply a "good business practice" and part of the fundamental mission of agencies as responsible and reliable public service institutions.

DHS Information Bulletin: July 4, 2003

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Information Bulletin, dated 1 July, ongoing analysis of intelligence information and assessments show no specific, credible information identifying terrorist intentions to conduct attacks against National Independence Day celebrations or related venues. The bulletin stated: "no change to the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) is anticipated; the current HSAS level is YELLOW."

This bulletin reminds that terrorists are opportunistic. They exploit vulnerabilities left exposed, choosing the time, place, and method of attack according to the weaknesses they observe or perceive. Increasing the security of a particular type of target makes it more difficult for terrorists to strike successfully. To protect us from those who desire to harm this nation it is important to maintain awareness by looking for suspicious activity or "things out of place." Therefore, DHS emphasizes the need for continued vigilance in order to ensure the security of our homeland.