InfoGram

July 28, 2005

NOTE: This InfoGram will be distributed weekly to provide members of the Emergency Services Sector with information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. 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.

TATP: Explosive of Choice

Last week, the TIMES ONLINE reported that triacetone triperoxide (TATP) has become the "explosive of choice" for transnational terror groups. Scientists confirmed that TATP was used in the shoe bomb that Richard Reid attempted to detonate and also in the recent London bombings. Researchers further corroborated that the substance has been used abundantly in the Middle East by bomb-makers and suicide bombers.

TATP is one of a group of explosives based on the highly unstable peroxide group of compounds, which are sensitive to heat, friction, and shock. The base ingredients are drain cleaner, bleach, and acetone. Counterterrorism specialists consider it alarming because its chemical composition is simple, can be easily purchased without raising suspicion, effortlessly synthesized in clandestine labs, and in its finished form is almost undetectable by conventional bomb detection techniques including bomb-sniffing dogs. Making matters worse, instructions for making TATP can be found on the Internet when applying relatively basic search skills.

Considering the escalating worldwide use of this explosive, the EMR-ISAC suggests TATP recognition training for personnel of the Emergency Services Sector. Emergency responders must exercise caution when encountering the above-mentioned ingredients, and know what to do and who to contact when TATP is found. More information about this explosive can be seen at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TATP. A fact sheet about preparing for a terrorist bombing is at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/masstrauma/pdf/preparingterroristbombing.pdf.

Water Shortage Planning

Government and Water Sector officials frequently confer to develop measures to reduce water shortages or stoppages resulting from man-made or natural events. Among other things, these specialists recommend local planning to avert or alleviate the dangerous disruption caused by little or no water over short and long periods of time. The consequences of this week's hot temperatures and dry conditions in many parts of the nation validate their recommendation.

In the past few days, several American municipalities experienced soaring demands for water that caused record-breaking pumpage rates, significantly elevated flow pressure, numerous water main breaks, followed by substantially decreased flow pressure. The occasional water system failures substantiate the prudence for water emergency planning at local and regional levels of government. Although the public works office has an essential role, recent events reinforce the interdependency among critical infrastructure sectors and the necessity for interdisciplinary planning and preparedness.

The Fire Department Water Supply Handbook (2004 edition by PennWell Corporation) encourages fire departments to appoint a water supply officer who maintains a favorable rapport with the local public works director. This relationship ensures efficient water supply or appropriate alternatives for all hazards. The arrangement also facilitates the preparation of a water supply master plan for the fire department and municipality that includes the operational status and location of all water supply points. The EMR-ISAC proposes that a cohesive liaison between the fire department and public works office will yield tremendous benefits for both, as well as the community and its citizens.

Center for Problem-Oriented Policing

According to its website at http://www.popcenter.org, the mission of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing is to advance the concept and practice of problem-oriented policing in open and democratic societies. It does so by making readily accessible information about ways in which police can more effectively address specific crime and disorder problems. The Center's website contains a wealth of information designed for police and those who work with them to deal with these community problems in a manner promoting survivability and mission success (i.e., CIP).

Problem-oriented policing is an approach to policing in which discrete pieces of police business are subject to microscopic examination in hopes that what is freshly learned about each problem will lead to discovering a new and more effective strategy for dealing with it. Problem-oriented policing places high worth on new responses that are preventive in nature, not dependent on the criminal justice system, and engage the public and private sector when their involvement has the potential to contribute to the reduction of the problem.

The Center's website includes problem-specific guides, response guides, and problem-solving tool guides prepared by police practitioners, researchers, and universities dedicated to the advancement of problem-oriented policing. Non-law enforcement Emergency Services Sector leaders may find operational and critical infrastructure protection (CIP) value within these guides.

New COOP Independent Study Courses

The U.S. Fire Administration has made available on the FEMA Virtual Campus, its Continuity of Operations Awareness and Introduction to Continuity of Operations courses. The readers of this InfoGram are welcome to register for and complete these courses through the Independent Study website: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/crslist.asp.

Continuity of Operations Awareness (IS-546) is a one-hour web-based course to provide all public sector employees a fundamental understanding of continuity of operations (COOP) terms, objectives, and benefits to their organizations. It also delivers information on how a COOP event might impact an employee, the employee's department/agency, and the employee's family.

Introduction to Continuity of Operations (IS-547) is a five-hour web-based course designed for senior managers and all those directly involved in the continuity of operations (COOP) planning effort. The course imparts a working knowledge of the COOP guidance found in Federal Preparedness Circular 65, "Federal Executive Branch Continuity of Operations." It also provides activities to enhance COOP programs.

Remembering that COOP is a desired outcome of critical infrastructure protection (CIP), the EMR-ISAC encourages participation in these new courses for the leaders, owners, and operators of the emergency services nationwide.