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.
There have been numerous reports regarding the status of American bridges, subsequent to the collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) disclosed that 24.5 percent of the nation's roughly 600,000 major bridges carry more traffic than they were designed to bear. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) divulged this week that it has rated over 70,000 of these bridges as "structurally deficient." USDOT also shared that there are approximately 450 steel-deck truss bridges nationwide similar to the crumpled Minneapolis bridge.
The failure of the I-35W Bridge raises questions about the structural integrity and vulnerability of America's aging transportation infrastructure. Federal government security specialists believe this matter is further complicated by two realities. The United States no longer maintains the industrial capacity it once had to replace or rebuild major pieces of critical infrastructure in a timely manner. Secondly, the public sharing of information regarding the structural weakness and vulnerability of American bridges has been duly noted by domestic and transnational terrorists.
During a recent interview on CNN, the Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff presented a measured, but somber assessment of America's vulnerabilities to terrorism. He indicated that the United States is facing an increased chance of an attack this summer. Because of the attention given to bridges this month, the Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) recommends that Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies consider the condition of the bridges in their respective jurisdictions, and the likelihood of an attack that capitalizes on their deficiencies and vulnerabilities.
The EMR-ISAC suggests that ESS organizations establish emergency plans and procedures to be implemented following an accident or attack that would incapacitate or destroy the affected infrastructure. Failure to do so may hamper response and recovery operations, and contribute to unnecessary delays, injuries, and deaths.
The Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently released Homeland Security Presidential Directive-20 (HSPD-20), entitled "National Continuity Policy." This directive establishes a comprehensive national policy on the continuity of Federal Government structures and operations, and a single National Continuity Coordinator responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of Federal continuity policies. The new policy creates "National Essential Functions," but it also provides guidance for state, local, territorial, and tribal governments as well as private sector organizations.
The purpose of HSPD-20 is "to ensure a comprehensive and integrated national continuity program that will enhance the credibility of our security posture and enable a more rapid and effective response to and recovery from a national emergency." According to DHS, it is the policy of the United States to maintain a comprehensive and effective continuity capability composed of Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government programs to ensure the preservation of our form of government under the Constitution and the continuing performance of National Essential Functions under all conditions. Since continuity of operations is a desired outcome of critical infrastructure protection, the EMR-ISAC invites Emergency Services Sector leaders, owners, and operators to review HSPD-20.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will sponsor the fourth annual National Preparedness Month this September to influence Americans to prepare for emergencies in their communities, businesses, and homes. "It is vital that Americans take steps to prepare for emergencies at home, work or school," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "Personal preparedness is paramount to effectively reacting to the effects of a disaster." Secretary Chertoff continued, "By preparing yourself, your family, and your businesses, you allow first responders to prioritize efforts and aid."
For the first time, the month will focus on different areas of emergency preparedness:
Currently, there are more than 1,000 national and local organizations registered to join DHS as National Preparedness Month coalition members. Coalition members have agreed to distribute emergency preparedness information and sponsor activities across the country that will promote emergency preparedness. Membership is open to all public and private sector organizations by visiting Ready.gov and clicking on the National Preparedness Month banner.
The Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) encourages Emergency Services Sector organizations to support DHS activities during September by becoming a coalition member. The EMR-ISAC also recommends that first responder departments and agencies use the month to enhance the readiness and protection of their personnel, physical assets, and communication/cyber systems (i.e., internal critical infrastructures).
Last week, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a new safety video concerning the dangers of uncontrolled chemical reactions. The video features computerized simulations and descriptions of four major reactive chemistry accidents investigated by the CSB, as well as commentary by two prominent chemical process safety experts.
Entitled "Reactive Hazards: Dangers of Uncontrolled Chemical Reactions," the video was released simultaneously with the CSB's final report on the Synthron accident that killed one worker and injured 14 others in Morganton, North Carolina, on 31 January 2007. The video features a computer animation of that tragedy narrated by the lead investigator.
The Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that reactive hazards include those involving uncontrolled chemical reactions, with significant increases in temperature or pressure. The CSB initially published a study in 2002 and made numerous safety recommendations. The agency has investigated several such accidents since that time. This video was made to create a heightened awareness of the dangers of these types of uncontrolled chemical reactions.
The production of "Reactive Hazards" marks the 13th safety video produced by the CSB. Therefore, the EMR-ISAC extends the invitation to Emergency Services Sector organizations to view them in the Video Room of the CSB Website. Free DVD copies may also be obtained by completing a request form on this Website.
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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