InfoGram

January 20, 2005

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 Information Sharing

The Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) electronically pushes critical infrastructure protection (CIP) information to leaders of the Emergency Services Sector nationwide. The major purpose for doing so is to promote CIP by sector decision-makers, with the desired effect being the survivability, continuity of operations, and mission success of all emergency management and response organizations throughout the United States. The EMR-ISAC utilizes secure and non-secure portals of DisasterHelp.gov to disseminate periodic CIP (For Official Use Only) Notices, occasional CIP Bulletins, and weekly InfoGrams.

Protecting the "response-ability" of the emergency services is synonymous with obtaining and sharing information about the "all-hazards" threats to and vulnerabilities of sector critical infrastructures. Stated differently, CIP depends on an efficient two-way flow of information: (1) EMR-ISAC to sector leaders and, (2) sector organizations to the EMR-ISAC. As the EMR-ISAC proactively attempts to do its part, it requests sector organizations to do its part as well. Non-cooperation denies sector decision-makers the opportunity to know the patterns, methods, and sources of potential malicious actions that may threaten the critical infrastructures of their emergency services organizations.

Therefore, the EMR-ISAC urges emergency management and response organizations to report suspicious activities, threats, and vulnerabilities to their local authorities, but also the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC) at (Voice) 202-282-9201, (Facsimile) 703-607-4998, or Email: nicc@dhs.gov. The NICC will ensure the EMR-ISAC is notified as fitting and necessary for information sharing purposes.

"All-Hazards" Approach to CIP

Appropriately, there is much attention given to terrorism prevention, protection, and response. However, the recent deadly and devastating floods, mudslides, and hazardous material (HazMat) accidents had the potential to disrupt or destroy local critical infrastructures. These calamities reinforce the necessity to accept nature and HazMat accidents as serious threats to the business of protecting community critical infrastructures.

Because a natural disaster can be a force more powerful than al-Qaeda or any terrorist unit, the capabilities and plans to deal with them must be refined, maintained, and rehearsed. "All-hazards" emergency plans do not have to be perfect for every conceivable type of catastrophe. "All-hazards" should mean adaptable plans and programs that provide the basis to prepare for and respond to a variety of hazards, including terrorism.

The protection of critical infrastructures, citizen safety, and property protection are major imperatives for all states and local leaders in response to varied disasters and emergencies. As states, counties, and municipalities pursue scarce resources to protect their critical infrastructures from terrorism, the EMR-ISAC recommends concurrent consideration of countermeasures for those localities susceptible to HazMat accidents and any type of severe weather or nature activity.

"The Seven Signs of Terrorism"

A recent government intelligence bulletin described in great detail al-Qaeda's techniques for assessing potential targets, extolling the destructive and killing power of an attack. The document explains how al-Qaeda operatives go well beyond basic description of a prospective target to sophisticated analysis of vulnerabilities including those of emergency responders. Considering these adversarial activities, the effort to foil a terrorist plot is something communities across the nation must learn about and apply.

To encourage comprehension of terrorist surveillance techniques and possible methods to deter their actions, the Michigan State Police distributed a seven minute video called "The Seven Signs of Terrorism." The video includes information used internationally about terrorists conducting surveillance, acquiring supplies, and performing "dry runs" of an attack. Counterterrorism specialists have praised the video despite its brevity.

The video can be viewed online at WZZM13: http://www.wzzm13.com/video/default.aspx?menuid=242. Scroll down the list to the entry/title "Michigan State Police Video-7 Signs of Terrorism." Click on this entry/title and a screen box will appear in which the video will begin to play.

Hazardous Materials Safety Information

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has recently published a free brochure entitled "Hazardous Materials Safety Information Guide." The document provides key information aimed at educating the public on hazardous materials (HazMat) safety including what they are, who to call in an emergency, how local emergency planning committees work, and much more. Specifically, brochure topics include: what HazMat are and what HazMat placards mean; training guidelines; how to find your local emergency planning committee; HazMat laws; how occupational safety, health, and environmental professionals address this issue; and HazMat emergency response information.

For a copy of the American Society of Safety Engineers' brochure contact ASSE customer service at 847-699-2929 or email customerservice@asse.org and ask for item number G017. The guide can also be downloaded for free at ASSE's website: http://www.asse.org/naoshweek02_brochure_haz.pdf.