InfoGram

May 15, 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.

When is CIP successful?

Last week's InfoGram reminded readers that critical infrastructure protection (CIP) exists to ensure critical infrastructures remain intact and operational at all times despite natural and man-made attacks. It stated that CIP is a defensive tactic involving target hardening, training and equipping, and effectively coordinated responses to deliberate and accidental incidents.

We know that CIP was successful when the indispensable people, physical entities, and cyber systems were not disrupted or degraded after a natural disaster or terrorist attack. But how do we know when it has been successful in deterring or preventing terrorist attacks? After all, the deterrence and prevention of terrorism is one of the major reasons for implementing CIP! Obviously, the answer to the question is important to justify the application of scarce resources.

Typically, it is difficult to accurately assess the deterrence and prevention of terrorism. Can the fact that there has not been another attack in the United States since 9/11 be an indicator of the efficient deterrence and prevention measures of CIP? Many security specialists believe that there has not been another event because America is much better prepared. However, others are not so sure.

According to a 14 May New York Times article, we do know captured suspected terrorists told their interrogators that increased security has made this nation a more difficult place to operate, particularly in New York City. The words of these captives may be the only considerable indication that the protection of critical physical infrastructures against terrorists might be working. Therefore, the CIPIC again encourages all emergency response organizations to know and practice CIP.

Firefighting Equipment Theft

During the past two months, fire departments reported the theft of a vehicle, air packs, oxygen tanks, fire coats, flashlights, two-way radios, etc. In the cases where the thieves have been apprehended, the investigators concluded that the perpetrators were not terrorists. Nevertheless, the possibility exists that the next burglary will be committed by individuals who will try to conceal their identity by blending among first responders at the scene of an incident.

The CIPIC recommends that all emergency responders be made aware that these thefts are happening throughout the country. They must know the many reasons why they should actively prevent the loss of apparatus and equipment. Additionally, it is essential that first responders realize how domestic and international terrorists can use stolen vehicles and equipment to access an incident scene and make them secondary targets.

Therefore, believing response personnel are foremost among the critical infrastructures of any department, the CIPIC proposes that emergency responders be trained to scan fire or accident sites to look for suspicious people, vehicles, or packages. As a matter of habit, they should be observant for things that don't make sense, like a firefighter wearing turnout gear or personal protective equipment from a department that would not ordinarily respond.

More about Protecting the Personnel Infrastructure

As trainers and practitioners of CIP for the fire and emergency medical services, the CIPIC understands that current realities regarding terrorism should influence how leaders protect their personnel before and during an incident. Indeed, the potential for an attack involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD) should necessitate a "paradigm shift" or a "mindset change" among emergency first responders. For example, it cannot be acceptable for heroic firefighters to hastily charge into danger to rescue victims. In the words of Chief Alan Brunacini: "The number one objective in saving our own is making sure the entire team arrives okay, does the job, and leaves okay."

The following suggestions are provided to bolster the survivability and continuity of operations of department response personnel:

• Respond and operate under the Incident Command System or its Unified Command component, as well as a current response plan.
• If an initial attack occurs, assume that another may follow to inflict harm on emergency responders and gathering crowds.
• Upon arrival at the attack site, wait until the surrounding area can be swept for a second explosive device or another bomber.
• Keep crowds away while the search for a secondary device or bomber occurs.
• Do not approach a suspicious person, vehicle, or package; instead, get behind solid shielding and call for those trained to deal with the threat.
• Only after the site has been effectively cleared and secured should additional response personnel enter the initial attack location.
• Continue to avoid any congregation of personnel, apparatus, and equipment.
• Enforce discipline and control during the entire period of deployment and response.

Government Emergency Telecommunications System

Natural and man-made disasters can cause considerable disruption to telephone service as well as generate extraordinary levels of call volume. During these critical times, it is particularly essential for emergency first responders to complete their calls so they can operate rapidly and effectively. To facilitate this, the National Communications System (NCS) developed the Government Emergency Telecommunications System (GETS) to ensure emergency personnel can communicate over local and long distance telephone networks during times of crisis.

GETS provides a technologically sophisticated but user-friendly service that gives priority routing to national security and emergency calls over available lines. According to NCS officials, the result is a cost-effective service that guarantees reliable wireline and wireless communications even during the severest crisis. It is available to any federal, state, local government, or non-government organization that performs national security or emergency response missions. To learn more about this service, contact GETS at 1-800-818-4387 or 1-703-818-4387.