InfoGram

March 20, 2003

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.

Return to HSAS Level Orange (High)

Late in the evening on 17 March, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) returned the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) Level to Orange (High). Federal government officials informed that this action was based on information received and analyzed by the U.S. intelligence community. They explained that the unfolding events in Iraq prompted an increase in threats directed against the United States. Intelligence analysts believe that terrorists will attempt multiple attacks against American targets worldwide in response to a military campaign targeting Saddam Hussein. Al Qaeda continues to be the principal threat.

The 13 February InfoGram suggested 22 Level Orange actions for consideration by emergency response departments. (http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fire-service/cipc/infograms/ig2003/igfeb1303.shtm) In the past three days, however, the CIPIC received several phone calls and electronic messages requesting general information about HSAS Level Red. Therefore, the following bullets attempt to satisfy those inquiries regarding the purpose and timing of Level Red:

• Pertains exclusively to the threat of terrorism.
• Not automatically implemented when war begins.
• Reflects a severe risk of terrorist attacks.
• Implies that terrorist attacks are imminent.
• Intended only for short periods of time.
• Measures are in addition to those of previous threat conditions.

The CIPIC is currently drafting detailed actions for consideration by fire/EMS departments appropriate for HSAS Level Red. Until this work is completed, first responders can consult the recommended actions provided by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, which can be seen at: http://www.iafc.org/downloads/hscoloralert.pdf.

Antiwar Movement Could Degrade Infrastructure Protection

The antiwar movement within the nation continues to gather momentum. Many antiwar advocates clearly believe in the American tradition to assemble and peacefully protest. However, many others favor demonstrative acts of civil disobedience. According to a 19 March New York Times article, under the mantra of "no business as usual," protesters in at least twelve cities have recently staged a "die-in," a "sit-in," a "blockade," and also a "shutdown" to interrupt daily life by blocking major roads, intersections, government offices, corporate businesses, and essential services. "The goal is to impose real economic, social, and financial costs until we stop the war," said the organizer of Direct Action Against the War.

Considering that one or more American extremist groups may joint the antiwar promoters of civil unrest, the threat to people and critical infrastructures may become a dangerous one, particularly for the fire, police, and emergency medical services. Therefore, the CIPIC advises that leaders of emergency first responders closely examine the possibility for these "risk groups" to capitalize on infrastructure vulnerabilities. Perhaps it would be prudent, if deemed appropriate, to add substance to response plans for those occasions when antiwar protesters resort to intrusive or disorderly conduct that threatens the welfare of citizens and the security of community critical infrastructures.

Emergency Planning for Schools

In the 6 March InfoGram, the CIPIC encouraged leaders of the emergency response sector to contact the senior administrators of local schools and colleges to offer assistance with the development of crisis action and emergency response plans. This InfoGram entry emphasized the harmonious integration of each school's plans with the emergency plans of the local community.

Subsequent to that InfoGram article, the U.S. Departments of Education and Homeland Security announced they have set aside $30 million in federal grant money to help schools prepare for terrorist attacks. Under the program, school districts will be invited to bid for a grant this year that can be used for emergency planning, training, and equipment. Officials said that the money would be directed to poorer schools lacking the funding and other resources to prepare and rehearse emergency plans.

The Education Department also launched a website this month that lists resources and guidelines for schools, and contains a model emergency plan. This website (www.ed.gov/emergencyplan) serves as a clearinghouse for federal guidance on dealing with disasters and will be regularly updated. Education Department officials describe it as "a one-stop shop that provides school leaders with information they need to plan for any emergency (e.g., fires, shootings, and accidents, as well as chemical, biological, radiological and other terrorist activities). These same officials caution, "We want schools to coordinate with their local fire, police, and emergency medical services." They urge schools to use local first responders to assist with safety assessments of their buildings, including their proximity to rail tracks transporting hazardous materials, or facilities that produce toxic substances.

Community Emergency Preparedness Programs

According to a 12 March U.S. Newswire report, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) issued a warning of a "brewing cataclysm" of underfunding, inexperience, and unpreparedness of emergency response capabilities across America's communities. Noting that virtually all disasters, including intentional terrorist events, will be experienced at the local level, the JCAHO report emphasized that many communities will be on their own for the first 24 to 72 hours after a disaster. "The response that must be mobilized will, at a minimum, require the active involvement of emergency medical services, fire, police, hospitals, public health agencies, and municipal and county leaders."

The JCAHO president stated that many American communities are "at the stage of waiting for someone to call the meeting." He continued that knowing terrorist strikes will focus on creating fear, "smaller towns and cities can ill-afford complacency."

To address this compelling need, the JCAHO president called for key community leaders to play a convening role in those localities that still lack emergency preparedness programs. He opined that this leadership responsibility specifically belongs to local emergency managers, chief officers of emergency response departments, hospital administrators, and locally elected public servants.