InfoGram 30-09: July 30, 2009

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.

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Counterterrorism Report

In the 2 July Backgrounder (No. 2294) published by The Heritage Foundation, Jena Baker and James Carafano reported that 23 terrorist plots against the United States have been foiled since the 9/11 attacks. The authors explained that the nation has become a more difficult target for terrorists as a result of America’s counterterrorism efforts.

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed the Backgrounder document to understand the meaning of this report for Emergency Services Sector departments and agencies. During this review, the EMR-ISAC noted the authors’ position that counterterrorism successes in the past 8 years demonstrate the ongoing persistence of individuals and groups to harm the United States and its citizens. Emphasizing the need to continue fighting terrorism, they wrote: “While these particular attacks have been disrupted, the threat remains.”

To perpetuate the victories and avert defeats, Ms. Baker and Mr. Carafano advocated the necessity for more information sharing directed to the state and local level and among first responder organizations. They cautioned that local law enforcement professionals and Americans in general must remain energized and engaged in efforts to combat terrorism and to protect the freedom, safety, security, and prosperity of their communities and families. “With diligence, an awareness of the threat, and application of the multiple lessons learned since 9/11, America will be safer.”

Considering what they have written in this Heritage Foundation paper, the message for America’s emergency responders is simply to maintain vigilance and avoid complacency, particularly on all matters pertaining to terrorism.

Homemade Flamethrowers

ABC news reported that fire departments across the country have noticed a trend in which teenagers are creating mini-flamethrowers. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) researched the risk of homemade flamethrowers to the safety and protection of first responders.

The Critical Infrastructure Threat Analysis Division of the Department of Homeland Security commented that aerosol deodorant and body sprays have been manipulated to create homemade flamethrowers. Because they contain butane and alcohol, these improvisations are potentially dangerous products that cause fires and can be used for illicit purposes.

ABC news reported that teens are posting videos of homemade flamethrowers on YouTube including directions on how to make them. When used as a flamethrower:

• The spray button is pressed with a flame in front of the can.
• A rubber band around the nozzle creates a continuous spray and flame.

It has also been reported that arsonists have used these improvised devices as accelerants, including fires set to residential buildings. Additionally, the products can be employed as “aerosol bombs that disperse metal shrapnel when they explode.” To be applied as an explosive:

• One or more cans are thrown into a bonfire.
• One or more cans are submerged, along with fireworks, in a container of lighter fluid, and then the firework fuse is lit.
• Thermite (a mixture of iron oxide and aluminum power) is inserted under the plastic cap of the can and ignited by a holiday sparker. The heat generated causes the can to explode and project metal shards.

The EMR-ISAC confirmed that the following items “used in conjunction with cans of deodorant or body spray” may indicate production of incendiary or explosive devices:

• Metal powders—typically iron oxide and aluminum—could constitute thermite.
• Charcoal lighter fluid.
• Fireworks.
• Rubber bands, duct tape, glue or foam.

NIMS Updated

An updated version of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) (PDF, 3.8 MB) was released in December 2008. According to FEMA’s NIMS Resource Center “What’s New” document, seen at the site under “NIMS Rollout Materials,” the basic purpose, scope, and principles of the document remain unchanged. The majority of revisions impact the organization and readability of the document while ensuring that it adequately reflects the importance of preparedness.

For the convenience of Emergency Services Sector organizations, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) summarized the general changes and additions as follows:

• Reorganized the order of key components to emphasize the role of preparedness and to mirror the progression of an incident.
• Improved the integration of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector.
• Clarified the relationship between the NIMS and National Response Framework (NRF).
• Included the term Emergency Management/Response Personnel to encompass first responders, emergency managers, and all organizations and individuals in various levels of government as well as NGOs and private sector organizations with roles in incident management.
• Introduced graphics and examples to draw the readers to certain concepts and help them better understand the processes.

Component-by-component changes and additions include:

• Expanded the Preparedness Component to highlight the importance of preparedness within NIMS.
• Revised the Communications and Information Management component to better articulate the importance of communications and information management.
• Clarified the language of the Resource Management component to ensure readability.
• Revised the Command and Management component to add clarity and explain concepts and principles.
• Divided the Ongoing Management and Maintenance component into two sections: National Integration Center and Supporting Technologies.
• In response to the updated version, the Emergency Management Institute offers free on-line training based on the updated NIMS version.

Quadrennial Homeland Security Review

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will conduct the first Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) between August and October 2009. This congressionally mandated, top-to-bottom review of homeland security goals and objectives will guide DHS and the nation for the next four years. At the conclusion of the review, DHS will compile the QHSR report based on the results of analysis and input from stakeholders. The final version is due to Congress on 31 December.

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) confirmed that during the next three months, DHS will conduct a series of web-based, interactive dialogues for personnel from federal agencies; state, local, and tribal governments; emergency services; business; academia; and others. The opportunity to comment will focus on six areas:

• Counterterrorism and domestic security management.
• Securing our borders.
• Smart and tough enforcement of immigration laws.
• Preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.
• Homeland Security National Risk Assessment.
• Homeland Security Planning and Capabilities.

DHS will provide three week-long online collaboration sessions to acquire the participation of first responders nationwide: 3 to 9 August, 31 August to 6 September, and 28 September to 4 October. Each subsequent session will incorporate and build on the input received in the earlier sessions. Use the following link to join the conversation: http://www.homelandsecuritydialogue.org/. To learn more about the QHSR, go to www.dhs.gov/qhsr.