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.
Tuesday, 11 September, marks the sixth anniversary of the most deadly terrorist attacks on the United States. Throughout the country people will pause for a moment of reflection and remembrance of that tragic day, but maybe with some weariness and complacency about the ongoing terrorist threat. While there have been no acts of transnational terrorism in the nation since 9/11, the FBI recently warned that Al Qaida and similar groups remain a viable threat to American citizens and the critical infrastructures upon which they depend for essential services.
Although the intelligence community believes international terrorists pay little attention to dates (e.g., anniversaries and holidays), the Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) encourages Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies to seriously consider the possibility of another incident on or about 11 September 2007. Terrorists are known to change their methodologies to achieve surprise and success. Their tactics, techniques, and procedures demonstrate an ability to adapt to security countermeasures and find other methods of attack. There is no doubt among terrorism experts that terrorist cells within America have been busily studying softer and more vulnerable targets.
The recent arrests of terror suspects and various thwarted plots in the United States, Canada, England, Germany, and Denmark provide credible evidence that jihadist extremists are intent on attacking again. Despite no specific information from government sources concerning an imminent attack within the U.S. next week, it does not discount the possibility of one. Therefore, it is necessary for the EMR-ISAC to repeat again: "Be vigilant and maintain heightened awareness."
The Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) accepts that the fundamental goal of local governance is to develop strong municipalities capable of continuity of government and services during and after major disasters. Scrutiny of current emergency management literature acknowledges that continuity of operations largely depends on the availability of internal and external resources to protect citizens and maintain critical infrastructures when disaster strikes. Having the capacity to draw on local and regional resources to deal with all hazards considerably bolsters the resiliency of municipalities.
When reviewing selected emergency management articles, the EMR-ISAC found several examples supporting the basic contention that municipalities with robust networks and relationships fare better with disaster activities involving mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Local experiences confirm that effective emergency management practices must include a strong interdependency among organizations within a community, as well as with the elected authorities of surrounding municipalities through mutual aid agreements.
From this literature review, the EMR-ISAC concludes that municipal resiliency is significantly determined by the degree to which emergency managers capitalize on local and regional relational resources and promote their development. It is logical that the cooperation of local and regional stakeholders will harness the power of collective knowledge, skills, and abilities. Furthermore, it will cultivate a resiliency that enhances critical infrastructure protection in addition to continuity of government and services.
The Chlorine Institute is offering downloadable pamphlets, previously available for sale only, that provide personnel protection and survival information for Emergency Services Sector (ESS) organizations.
The Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC), examined the ten free pamphlets, and noted four that seemed particularly relevant for ESS critical infrastructure protection:
To access and download the pamphlets, users must first complete a very brief survey. (Responses are private and will not be shared.) The Institute will use the survey results to gauge the success of providing free safety information. To answer the few general chlorine-related questions and access the pamphlets, visit The Chlorine Institute.
A report in the latest issue of the Arizona Emergency Response Commission's (AZSERC) Gatekeeper newsletter alerted Emergency Services Sector (ESS) organizations that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is accepting orders for the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), a resource to assist and protect personnel, the foremost of ESS critical infrastructures.
The Guide, developed and disseminated by DOT's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, assists first responders in quickly identifying specific or generic classifications of hazmat, and to protect themselves and the general public during the response phase of operations.
DOT's goal is to place one Guidebook in each emergency service vehicle nationwide through distribution to state and local public safety authorities. Copies are available free of charge to emergency departments through each state's emergency coordinator. Coordinator contact information can be obtained by contacting Suezett Edwards at suezett.edwards@dot.gov or 202-366-4863. Download the Hazardous Materials Employee Resource Book (PDF, 1.5 Mb) for a list of key DOT headquarters, field, and state participating personnel with hazmat responsibilities.
In addition to providing information for ESS leaders, owners, and operators, Gatekeeper is a source of news about Tribal community emergency management and response issues. To view archived issues of AZSERC's Gatekeeper newsletter, visit the AZSERC's Website. However, for information about AZSERC, contact Executive Director Daniel Roe at azserc@azdema.gov.
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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