September 7, 2006 InfoGram

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.

Fifth Anniversary of September 11, 2001

Monday, 11 September, marks the fifth anniversary of the most deadly terrorist attacks on the United States. There will be memorials and vigils across the nation. Most American citizens will go about their daily routines, perhaps pausing for a moment of reflection and remembrance of that tragic day. Life will go on as usual, but maybe with a little complacency since there hasn't been another attack.

Although the intelligence community believes international terrorists pay little attention to dates (e.g., anniversaries, holidays), the Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) suggests that Emergency Services Sector (ESS) personnel should not disregard the possibility of another incident on September 11, 2006. Terrorists are known to change their methodologies to achieve surprise and success. Their techniques and procedures demonstrate an ability to adapt to security countermeasures and find other methods of attack. There's no doubt among terrorism experts that terrorist cells within America have been busily studying softer and more vulnerable targets.

There is speculation that the United Kingdom plot may have been a security probe or a ringer for other plots already in motion within the United States. Regardless, recent arrests of terror suspects in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and other European countries provide reasonably credible evidence that jihadist extremists are intent on attacking again. Although there is no specific information from government sources concerning an imminent attack on U.S. critical infrastructures, that does not nullify the possibility of one. Therefore, it is necessary for the EMR-ISAC to repeat: "Be vigilant and maintain heightened awareness."

Emergency Responders versus Local Terrorism

In a recent speech, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff discussed the potential for terrorist attacks within the United States. He communicated that the increasing phenomenon of homegrown terrorism will impose a considerable burden on local responders. Secretary Chertoff further explained that the police and other emergency personnel are the "first line of defense" primarily because they are exposed to information and intelligence when performing assigned duties.

The Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) acknowledges the role of first responders as the "front line in the war on terror." Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics are relatively familiar with local neighborhoods. These Emergency Services Sector (ESS) personnel are generally aware of the people living and working within their jurisdictions as well as the events routinely occurring there.

The EMR-ISAC asserts it is the daily contact with local workers and residents that enables responders to substantially contribute to homeland antiterrorism efforts. The "burden" to which Secretary Chertoff referred in his speech is the necessity and obligation for all ESS personnel to recognize suspicious activity, possible terrorist planning, threats to critical infrastructures, and also what expeditious actions to take.

Emergency responders can make a significant difference in the local battle against terrorism when they maintain awareness and vigilance, and follow through on suspect individuals and extraordinary things they encounter. Additionally, these vital behaviors have the added benefit of tremendously assisting community critical infrastructure protection measures.

A Reminder: LEPCs and TEPCs

A State Emergency Response Commission Director recently reminded the Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) about the current direction of the many responders, planners, and stakeholders who comprise the network of State Emergency Response Commissions, Tribal Emergency Response Commissions, Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs), and Tribal Emergency Planning Committees (TEPCs). His main point was that the direction of these individuals has gone well beyond their federal mandate by addressing all hazards within their particular states and communities.

LEPCs and TEPCs were originally designed to prepare and maintain emergency plans for hazardous substances and weapons of mass destruction. However, natural and man-made disasters during the past five years necessitated that these planning committees appropriately adjust to changing circumstances and accept increased accountability for all-hazard plans and preparations.

Generally, LEPCs and TEPCs facilitate community-based emergency preparedness and hazard mitigation initiatives. The EMR-ISAC, however, considers each committee a viable advocate for critical infrastructure protection (CIP) and the principal CIP catalyst in its area of responsibility. Therefore, the EMR-ISAC urges these committees to deliberately and competently incorporate provisions to protect local critical infrastructures including those of emergency departments and agencies.

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

The Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) notes that 2006 Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program (AFG) applications were reviewed by selection panelists with consideration for critical infrastructures within applicants' first-due response areas.

Emergency Services Sector (ESS) leaders read about critical infrastructure protection (CIP) and what constitutes critical infrastructures on a weekly basis in the InfoGram. DHS Guidance for the 2006 AFG Program defines critical infrastructure as "any system or asset that if attacked or impacted by a hazardous event would result in catastrophic loss of life or catastrophic economic loss." Applicants were required to include information that allowed panelists to assess their critical infrastructures and the hazards confronting their communities to determine the benefits that could be realized from funding awarded.

AFG Program monies are awarded to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations (not fire based or affiliated with a hospital) in the areas of training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness activities, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

The Notice for the 2006 program year, published this week in the Federal Register indicates the beginning of the processing of the 2006 award cycle. Awards are expected to be issued and announced in approximately four weeks and continue throughout the calendar year.

The six-page Federal Register document summarizes AFG program guidance available at fema.gov/firegrants/, a DHS Preparedness Directorate's Office of Grants and Training resource. ESS organizations can use the site to monitor DHS grant programs, subscribe to a free newsletter that features funding announcements and updates, and use the "E-Grant Application" to access grant applications and manage existing grants.