May 22, 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.
Al Qaeda, and those sympathetic to their cause, is still the principal threat to the critical infrastructures of the United States. However, threats may also emanate from other groups, regional extremist organizations, and ad hoc units or disgruntled individuals not connected to existing terrorist organizations or state sponsors of terrorism, according to a recent statement by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.
While there is not credible, precise information about targets or methods of attack, Secretary Ridge indicated the nation should be aware of and prepared for tactics similar to those used overseas such as small arms equipped assault teams, large vehicle borne explosive devices, and suicide bombers. These attacks, he stated, underscore the desire of terrorists to attack soft targets. The CIPIC advises readers that many security specialists include the personnel, physical assets, and cyber systems (i.e., the critical infrastructures) of the fire and emergency medical services among the soft targets of our country.
In a 20 May alert document, the Department of Homeland Security reminded 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 critical infrastructures makes it more difficult for terrorists to successfully strike or degrade them. In order to protect those people and things that must be intact and operational 24/7, it is important to maintain awareness of and preparedness for those domestic and foreign adversaries who intend to destroy the response capability of first responders.
Scarce resources, particularly money, require time and cost efficient approaches to emergency management and critical infrastructure protection (CIP). This reality continues to interest more cities and counties in pooling their resources and taking a regional approach to emergency planning and CIP. One option frequently considered is the development of a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).
LEPCs were originally designed to prepare and maintain emergency plans addressing hazardous substances and weapons of mass destruction. However, recent circumstances have demanded increased responsibilities for LEPCs. Now it is appropriate and necessary for these committees to pursue very comprehensive and thoroughly coordinated plans that entail all four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
LEPC membership should include a wide variety of regional stakeholders: elected officials, fire, police, EMS, public works, public health, hospitals, environmental, transportation, education, media, and any others who could bring specific expertise to the planning process. The positive synergy achieved by the cooperation of a broad-based membership will likely produce emergency plans that successfully integrate regional resources and effectively orchestrate mutual aid. Such plans as generated by the LEPC have greater potential to protect critical infrastructures throughout the county or region.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announced this week the availability of a new document entitled "Safe Operation of Fire Tankers." This new manual provides comprehensive information regarding the safety practices and principles of fire tanker vehicles for local-level fire departments. "Safe Operation of Fire Tankers" delivers information related to human performance (e.g., driver training and operations) and technology (i.e., vehicle design) to enhance the safety of fire tanker operations.
The manual also examines past incidents of crashes involving fire tankers that killed firefighters with a focus on how these fatalities could have been prevented. Fire departments will find the document a valuable resource containing information about the current and applicable federal standards and regulations as well as national level consensus standards and guidelines.
Limited quantities of this publication may be ordered free of charge. Visit the USFA website at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/applications/publications/. Another option is to contact the Publications Office at 301-447-1189. You may also send a facsimile to 301-447-1213. Finally, mail orders will be accepted at the following address: U.S. Fire Administration Publications Office, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727.
The U.S. Department of Education announced on 16 May the Emergency Response and Crisis Management Grant Program. This program will award grants to local educational agencies to improve and strengthen emergency response and crisis management plans. These grants are specifically intended for planning to train school personnel, students, and parents in emergency response procedures and coordinating with local first responders, public safety officials, and public health workers.
Local educational agencies receiving grants will be required to provide for the equitable participation of private schools and their staff members. Grant recipients will also be required to fully coordinate with the emergency first response departments within their respective school districts.
To help chief officers to assist their local educational leaders, it may be useful to know that additional information about this grant program can be obtained at the U.S. Department of Education from Ms. Connie Ann Deshpande at 202-401-2140, or Ms. Jennifer Medearis at 202-260-5571. Applications are available (toll free) at 1-877-433-7827, or by facsimile at 301-470-1244. Mail orders should be sent to the Education Publications Center (ED Pubs), P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 June.
The U.S. Fire Administration/EMR-ISAC does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked websites, and does not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.
This INFOGRAM may contain copyrighted material that was not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. EMR-ISAC personnel believe this constitutes "fair use" of copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use copyrighted material contained within this document for your own purposes that go beyond "fair use," you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
DHS and the FBI encourage recipients of this document to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to DHS and/or the FBI. The DHS National Operation Center (NOC) can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9685 or by email at NOC.Fusion@dhs.gov.
The FBI regional phone numbers can be found online at www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm
For information affecting the private sector and critical infrastructure, contact the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC), a sub-element of the NOC. The NICC can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9201 or by email at NICC@dhs.gov.
When available, each report submitted should include the date, time, location, type of activity, number of people and type of equipment used for the activity, the name of the submitting company or organization, and a designated point of contact.
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