InfoGram

November 13, 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 information systems. It has been prepared by NATEK Incorporated for the US Fire Administration. 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.

Threats Against Soft Targets

Recent mass-casualty attacks throughout the world with "car bombs" provide two probable lessons for emergency first responders. The first is that "soft targets" with minimum physical security measures could be viewed as attractive options in the United States. Therefore, security and infrastructure protection experts consider the personnel, physical assets, and communication systems of the fire and emergency medical services to be among the "soft targets" of America.

The second probable lesson is that explosive ordnance might be transported to the "soft target" by an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance. On several occasions terrorists in Israel have attempted to use ambulances as high-speed bombs. Only a week ago, Iraqi police found a large quantity of explosives inside an ambulance near a Baghdad police station.

The CIPIC believes the two lessons described above send a strong message to our nation's emergency departments: It is no longer sufficient to just secure the parking lots, stations, and garages where emergency vehicles are parked, stored, and repaired. It is now necessary to be actively observant for emergency vehicles that may have been purchased, rented, or stolen by adversaries intent on exploiting vulnerabilities, destroying critical infrastructures, and seriously harming people. Given this reality, the CIPIC recommends particular attention to ambulances that are occasionally left unattended and unlocked at hospital emergency rooms.

Transit Emergency Forums

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) offers a series of free two-day forums at locations throughout the United States entitled "Connecting Communities: Emergency Preparedness and Security Forums." Intended for state and local emergency managers, transit supervisors and security personnel, and representatives from any agencies involved in transportation and emergency response, these instructional opportunities use discussions, scenarios, group sessions, video and instructor-led presentations, and hands-on practical exercises.

The primary goal for these events is to provide an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each agency in transit emergencies. The secondary goal is to enhance comprehension of the processes to develop the plans, tools, and relationships necessary to respond effectively in emergency situations. Specific objectives include: getting organized to share resources and assets during a regional emergency, gaining access to a disabled train or bus during an emergency, communicating effectively during an emergency, and recognizing transit agency functions during a non-transit emergency.

Personnel from emergency management, fire, emergency medical, law enforcement, hospital emergency departments, and private disaster relief organizations have attended previous forums.

Information about future training events can be obtained from Tony Tidsdale at (202) 366-3949. Details will be posted at the training portion of the FTA's website as the information becomes available. The URL/link to this website follows: http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/training/EPSSeminarReg/default.asp.

First Responder Vessels

The CIPIC learned that an increasing amount of fire, police, and rescue organizations are considering the acquisition of response boats for maritime operations in support of homeland security. As a result of the Maritime Transportation Security Act and the availability of funding through the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security, some of these emergency departments may be rushing to purchase boats to meet deadlines for the grants and to bolster their response capabilities.

Having worked with many first responder agencies over the years in developing specifications for response boats, the Tri-State Maritime Safety Association (TMSA) recommends caution when deciding what to buy. TMSA maintains that several questions must be answered before selecting any vessel. For example, what are the environmental and climatic conditions in which the boat will operate? Will the vessel operate 24/7/365 in water containing ice and debris? Who will operate the boat and at what speeds? What is the history of the manufacturer?

Because of the potential impact on the protection of critical infrastructures, the CIPIC suggests that emergency organizations in search of the right response vessel contact TMSA in Newport, DE. They are more than willing to help to find or design the perfect boat for all circumstances or applications. TMSA can be contacted by calling (302) 998-8599, or by email at info@trimsa.org.

NVOAD: Another CIP Multiplier

The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) is an umbrella organization for the major national voluntary agencies that have made disaster-related work their priority. Incorporated as a private, non-profit 501c3 charitable organization in 1970, NVOAD has 33 years of respected experience in the voluntary disaster community. NVOAD is not itself a disaster service providing organization. Its members are the agencies that directly deliver skilled services along the four phases of emergency management from disaster mitigation and preparedness to response and recovery.

Throughout the year, NVOAD labors to foster cooperation, coordination, communication, and collaboration among the member agencies in order to improve their readiness to effectively respond and work together. Once disasters occur, NVOAD members and/or partner local agencies convene to facilitate a comprehensive, coordinated volunteer response in harmony with state and local emergency managers.

NVOAD is committed to ensuring the development of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) in each state, territory, protectorate, and local community, particularly those that experience repeated disasters. There are currently 52 state and territorial VOAD's. NVOAD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and sustains a close working relationship with FEMA. NVOAD is a charter member and affiliate of the National Citizen Corps Council.

To learn how NVOAD members can multiply the critical infrastructure protection efforts of emergency responders, contact their Executive Director, Ande Miller, at (703) 339-5596, or by email at amiller@nvoad.org.