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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The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed two new tools for local communication centers. Both documents, meant to be used in conjunction with each other, were authored by the Public Safety Data Interoperability (PSDI) committee. The committee consists of a combination of practitioners and industry representatives supported by U.S. Department of Justice. The Integrated Justice Information Systems (IJIS) Institute and Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) manage the project.
The “Guide to Information Sharing and Data Interoperability for Local Communication Centers” (PDF, 2.5 Mb) states it provides managers of public safety communication centers with an overview of the issues and opportunities surrounding data interoperability. It offers practical insights and action-oriented advice for managers looking to enhance data interoperability in their facilities. Public safety data interoperability is the capability of the first responder community to exchange digital information, in many different formats, using well-defined, highly-repeatable business processes.
The second document, “Priority Data Exchanges for Local Communication Centers” (PDF, 9.7 Kb) delivers an overview of high-value information exchanges that are relevant to local emergency communications centers. This paper can be used by communication center directors and other planners to assess the current strengths, weaknesses, and growth potential of their facilities. Information presented in the document may allow leaders to understand emerging trends in data interoperability and to plan for future growth.
The EMR-ISAC noted that the results of this first project will set the foundation for future projects to create a value-added, first responder National Information Exchange Model (NIEM). The goal of this initial project is to improve real-time information sharing capabilities in the emergency response environment. Specifically, the program aims to define a strategy for the adoption and use of NIEM as the standard for sharing critical information between emergency communication centers and public safety agencies, within and across jurisdictions, and with other relevant emergency management and intelligence domains of the federal government, as well as to define a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Exchange List of significant exchanges.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the FY2009 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant application (PDF, 307 Kb) will be available on Monday, September 21, 2009. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) confirmed the application document is due October 23, 2009.
The FP&S frequently asked questions Web page states that the grant can be used for fire prevention and/or research and development activities. Fire prevention activities are designed to reach high-risk target groups and to mitigate incidences of deaths and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards. Projects may include smoke alarms, sprinkler awareness, public education campaigns, code prevention, training, wildfire prevention, and risk assessments. Research and development grant activities are aimed to improve firefighter’s health and safety.
The following are the key changes to the FP&S application for FY 2009:
Additional information can be seen at www.fema.gov/firegrants/. Alternatively, contact the Department of Homeland Security Fire Prevention and Safety help desk at firegrants@fema.dhs.gov or at 1-866-274-0960.
Considering the potential for phosphine poisoning among first responders, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) researched the prevention of phosphine poisoning and explosions. Saint Louis University Centers for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections “Chemical Terrorism Fact Sheet” (PDF, 132 Kb) states that pure phosphine is nearly odorless, but commercially available phosphine has an odor of garlic or decaying fish. Phosphine is used in the semiconductor industry as a fumigant and as a polymerization initiator. Its metallic salts, aluminum phosphide, and zinc phosphide are solids used as grain fumigants and rodenticides.
According to NIOSH Alert “Preventing Phosphine Poisoning and Explosions during Fumigation,” (PDF, 152 Kb) exposure has been linked to blistering and edema of the lungs, chest tightness, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Phosphine is a central nervous system depressant and is toxic to the kidneys. It is irritating to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Improper handling of aluminum and magnesium phosphine has caused injuries from flash fires and explosions. Phosphide fumigants may explode when they contact air or are mixed with water.
HAZMAT specialists recommend Emergency Services Sector departments and agencies follow their local HAZMAT protocols if the presence of phosphine gas is suspected during any response or incident. See the Chemical Terrorism Fact Sheet discussed in the first paragraph for more information about signs and symptoms and treatment recommendations.
The 2009 Security Seminar and Shooter/Hostage Exercise has been scheduled for 22 October in Philadelphia. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) was informed by the Infrastructure Protection Office of the Department of Homeland Security that the purposes of the seminar and exercise are to provide an educational opportunity for the participants and an opportunity to evaluate current response concepts, plans, and capabilities for response to an active shooter scenario.
This event will focus on key emergency responder and chemical facility coordination, critical decisions, interoperability, and the integration of local assets necessary to bring an incident to a safe conclusion.
The following are the seminar and exercise objectives for the responder community:
This seminar is U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) approved. American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) re-certification credits are available for seminar completion. The registration form can be downloaded at www.pcic.org. To obtain more information about the security seminar, send email to manelius@thebravogroup.com.
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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September 17, 2009 InfoGram