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.
Receive InfoGrams and Bulletins by Email
According to a recent report seen at PoliceLink.com, a way of committing suicide popular in Japan has now occurred at least twice in the United States. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that the methodology involves mixing two chemicals (i.e., bonide and hydrochloric acid) purchased without restrictions in local stores. When the chemicals are mixed, they quickly produce heat and a flammable, noxious gas causing loss of consciousness and heart stoppage within minutes.
Usually concentrated within a small space (e.g., car, bathroom, closet), the resulting hydrogen sulfide gas could easily compromise an emergency response if the gas is released without the proper safeguards in place by trained and equipped hazardous materials personnel. Therefore, the EMR-ISAC agrees that awareness regarding this suicide method is essential to mitigate or eliminate the threat to the health and safety of emergency responders.
For more information and precautions to promote awareness, see the PoliceLink website.
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) unveiled a redesigned website, www.csb.gov that includes imbedded flash videos, a photo gallery and a new accident news feed. Upon review of the redesigned website, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) found that it included easier access to investigation information and an improved search capability. In addition, the homepage includes an improved news feed of recent chemical accidents throughout the country, as well as, direct access to CSB’s safety videos. In many cases, the lessons from CSB investigations are applicable to many organizations beyond the company investigated.
CSB’s new safety video, entitled “Emergency Preparedness: Findings from CSB Accident Investigations,” depicts a series of chemical accidents that illustrates the need for effective training, communications, and community planning. Emergency response agencies, companies, and communities need to work closely together to prepare for emergencies. The video is available online at www.CSB.gov, www.safetyvideos.gov and YouTube. In the video CSB Chairman John Bresland notes, “Preparations by companies, emergency responders, government authorities and the public are critical to reducing injuries and saving lives. It’s not only important to be prepared, but everyone must communicate, have an up-to-date plan in place and practice that plan regularly. We hope that our findings will help keep communities safe.”
CSB strives to be a leader in the online communication of safety information and recommendations. CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The agency’s board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
The Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) was established as a free tool for daily emergencies and national disasters. The Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that this free proactive service stores emergency contacts, next of kin, and vital medical information, which would be critical to emergency response agencies.
NOKR’s system can be used for missing, unconscious injured or deceased community members. Next of kin can be immediately contacted if seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s are found carrying a registration card. The system has been utilized for national disasters including the 2009 Washington State Flooding, 2008 California Wildfire’s, 2008 Hurricane Disasters, and the 2008 Iowa Flooding Disasters. 92% of all state websites lists NORK as a resource for the public and emergency agencies. Description and a link to NORK can be found on www.usa.gov and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security site.
Stored information is accessible only by emergency public trust agencies that have registered with NOKR. Community members can register their information online, via fax or through the US mail. NORK has available an optional registration card that indicates the person is registered with them. To apply and to research more information about NORK, the Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) directs public and emergency agencies to www.nokr.org.
The National Fire Academy (NFA), located at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD, promotes the professional development of the fire and emergency response community and its allied professionals. The NFA supports state and local training organizations to fulfill their obligation to the career and volunteer fire and emergency services. The Academy develops, delivers, and manages educational and training programs having a national focus, which is beyond the mission or capabilities of state and local agencies. These programs are designed to support Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) goals to help state and local responder organizations prevent, mitigate, prepare for, and respond to local, regional, and national emergencies.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) verified that the NFA First Semester FY 2010 application period closes on Monday, 15 June. Emergency Services Sector personnel interested in examining more information about free on-campus courses, including the Volunteer Incentive Program courses, should visit the following links:
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.
Weekly INFOGRAM's are now available as an RSS Feed. More Information »
Last Reviewed: Historical Document
Happy New Year! Add this resolution to the top of your list: test all home smoke alarms each month - starting today! January 1, 2013 @ 10:04 AM ET
U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 | USNG: 18SUJ00529652
(301) 447-1000 Fax: (301) 447-1346 Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1441
June 11, 2009 InfoGram