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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Earlier this month, two teenagers were arrested after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in the hands of a fellow student. The "pen bomb" was filled with triacetone triperoxide (TATP), according to a responding bomb squad and local police. Additionally, three hazmat firefighters were injured as they tested explosives (supposedly more TATP) found at the home of the offending young brothers.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed current information regarding TATP and learned it is one of a group of explosives based on the highly unstable peroxide group of compounds, which are sensitive to heat, friction, and shock. The base ingredients are drain cleaner, bleach, and acetone. Counterterrorism specialists consider it alarming because its chemical composition is simple, can be easily purchased without raising suspicion, effortlessly synthesized in clandestine labs, and in its finished form is almost undetectable by conventional bomb detection techniques including bomb-sniffing dogs. Making matters worse, instructions for making TATP can be found on the Internet when applying relative basic search skills.
Since TATP is a very volatile explosive that can detonate with the smallest ignition source, the EMR-ISAC understands the challenge for first responder when the presence of TATP is suspected. Considering the risks, it is prudent for emergency personnel to treat all unknown or suspected substances with caution and call for specialized resources immediately. Chemicals used in the production of TATP such as peroxide and acetone should be indicators of a potentially dangerous environment.
More information about TATP can be found at TheFutureofThings.com.
An article in FireRescue1.com this week emphasized the need for the fire service to do more to reduce the serious accidents involving fire apparatus. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) noted the author encouraged the development and enforcement of guidelines or standard operating procedures that enhance apparatus safety.
The EMR-ISAC also observed that the article contains several suggestions for rules to reduce or eliminate apparatus accidents. Some of the recommendations are summarized below for the consideration of the fire and emergency medical services:
Considering the increase in gang activity in several parts of the United States as reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) examined resources available to assist communities to reduce gang involvement and levels of gang crime. A noteworthy source of assistance can be obtained from the National Gang Center (NGC).
The NGC website features the latest research about gangs; descriptions of evidence-based, anti-gang programs; and links to tools, databases, and other resources to assist in developing and implementing effective community-based gang prevention, intervention, and suppression strategies. An online form allows communities to request training and technical assistance as they plan and execute anti-gang actions.
Users of the NGC website will be able to register for a variety of anti-gang training courses, and also access a database of gang-related state legislation and municipal codes. Additionally available are lists of newspaper articles on nationwide gang activity that are updated daily and an electronic mailing list for professionals working with gangs. The EMR-ISAC verified that more information regarding anti-gang training can be acquired from the NGC website.
According to the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), the threats against America and its citizens have become real, and the need for ready responders is ever more critical. "Response personnel must remain vigilant, and skilled with the preparedness knowledge to protect the citizens and cities they serve." The CDP, located in Anniston, AL, plays a leading role in preparing municipalities and local response forces to protect, prevent, deter, and respond to acts of terrorism or major accidents involving hazardous or toxic materials, or events resulting in mass casualties.
For example, the CDP notified the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) that the Hazardous Materials Technician (HT) for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Incidents Course provides students an overview of the international and domestic threats with a spotlight on identification and decontamination of biological or chemical hazards. The course also includes hazardous materials technical training for operating in an all-hazards environment and preservation of crime scene evidence. Furthermore, the HT course presents training that incorporates advanced competencies, technology, and tactics that focus on the specific threats associated with CBRNE material.
The EMR-ISAC confirmed that tuition, meals, and lodging are fully funded (i.e., no cost) for state, local, and tribal first responders who attend this and other CDP courses. The CDP offers over 50 training courses at its resident campus focusing on incident management, mass casualty response, and emergency response to a catastrophic natural disaster or terrorist act. Interested emergency responders can obtain information from the registration contacts or by calling the Training Hotline at 866-213-9553.
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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U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 | USNG: 18SUJ00529652
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October 28, 2010 InfoGram