InfoGram 5-10: February 4, 2010

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

On-Scene Reference for First Responders

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) received the Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: An On-the-Scene Reference for First Responders, which was produced by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). This flipbook is a quick reference for first responders who may be responsible for identifying, preserving, collecting, and securing evidence at an electronic crime scene.

According to the NIJ, this reference guide describes different types of electronic devices and the potential evidence they may hold. It also provides an overview of how to secure, evaluate, and document the scene. The reference further describes how to collect, package, and transport digital evidence, and lists potential sources of digital evidence for 14 crime categories.

NIJ recommends using this reference only after review and familiarization with the contents of the companion piece, “Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders,” from which it is excerpted. The EMR-ISAC noted the when applying the information in the new flipbook, NIJ advises consideration of agency protocols; federal, state, and local laws; and prevailing technology.

Biological Threats

U.S. News & World Report online included a story regarding the 2 February appearance of CIA chief Leon Panetta, FBI Director Robert Mueller, and Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The three national intelligence officials said that the recent uptick in al Qaeda plots was evidence of a "certain" desire to make an attack on the U.S. homeland. They concede that despite al Qaeda’s desire, no verification exists to substantiate that an attack is imminent.

During the past few years, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) has observed the speculation from counterterrorism specialists that the next attack will be by electronic/cyber methods or an improvised explosive device (IED) or dirty bomb or nuclear device. Others suggest that a biological attack should not be discounted.

Ready.gov states that a biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you ill. “Many agents must be inhaled, enter through a cut in the skin or be eaten to make you sick.” Some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. However, the smallpox virus can spread from one person to another. The organisms or toxins can also kill livestock and crops.

The EMR-ISAC learned from the FEMA web page on Biological Threats that there are five probable delivery methods: aerosols, animals, food contamination, water contamination, and person-to-person. Each method creates challenges for first responders and has the potential to degrade or even prevent response operations. Therefore, prudence dictates that emergency personnel conscientiously train for responses to biological threats as well as IEDs, dirty bombs, and nuclear devices.

More detailed information about potential biological weapons threats is available at the Website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also provides bioterrorism training and education.

Dangers of Weapons Concealment

Understanding the dangers of criminals who conceal weapons and, therefore, the threat to Emergency Services Sector (ESS) personnel, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) examined the article “7 Signs A Weapons is Being Concealed.”

From this article, the EMR-ISAC summarized the following behavioral indicators that may mean a person is carrying a weapon:

• Security Check—Individuals will typically touch and/or adjust weapons concealed on their bodies numerous times during the day, often when getting out of a chair or a car or when walking up a flight of stairs or high curb.
• Unnatural Gait—Gun violators may walk with an awkward gait by failing to bend their knees, because they have rifles or shotguns in their pants or other weapons hidden in their footwear.
• Jacket Sag—The coat typically hangs lower on the side where the weapon is located. Frequently, the fabric is pulled tight from the weight of the gun. Also, the outline of the weapon may be observed in the pocket area.
• Hunchback Stride—When trying to conceal a shotgun, rifle or submachine gun under a coat while walking, the butt of the weapon will often cause a noticeable bulge in front of or behind the armpit.
• Bulges and the Outline of a Weapon—A telltale bulge of the weapon or the distinct outline of a handgun, knife or brass knuckles may be visible in a violator’s pocket or observed in a woman’s purse, book bag or other hand carried item.
• Visible Weapon—The most reliable of all the indicators is when the weapon can actually be seen.
• Palming—This behavior usually indicates imminent risk to the observer. The knife violator may run the blade of the weapon up along the arm or behind the leg to conceal it from frontal view.

The EMR-ISAC realizes that these visual weapons screening techniques “must be applied with common sense, in accordance with the laws of search and seizure for your situation and with a careful view of the overall context.” The authors of this concealed weapons article assert that the techniques are easy to learn, retain, and apply as long as those who need to use them are alert and observant.

Several examples of hidden weapons can be seen in the New York Daily News article about threats in disguise.

USFA releases Two Topical Reports

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announced the release of two special reports regarding heating fires and portable heater fires in residential buildings. USFA developed the reports to assist fire departments working to increase fire safety messages for the purpose of reducing the number of fires and deaths in communities. Fifty percent of portable heater fires occur because the heat source is too close to combustibles.

According to the USFA News Release, “an estimated average of 54,500 heating fires in residential buildings occurs each year in the United States. Annually, these fires are responsible for an estimated 190 civilian fire deaths, 625 civilian fire injuries, and $286 million in property loss. Heating sources is the second leading cause of all residential building fires and is most prevalent during the winter when the use of central heating systems, portable heaters, and fireplaces are most common. Portable heaters account for an estimated average of 3,800 fires in residential buildings and result in 115 deaths, 250 injuries, and $98 million in property damage each year.”

The EMR-ISAC noted that the reports, Heating Fires in Residential Buildings (PDF, 758 KB) and Portable Heater Fires in Residential Buildings, (PDF, 648 KB) were developed by the USFA’s National Fire Data Center as part of its Topical Fire Report Series, and are based on data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) from 2005 to 2007. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, high­lights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information. Also included are recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report or that put the report topic in context.

USFA to offer CE Credits for Resident EMS Courses

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announced in a Media Release that Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Continuing Education (CE) credits, which are accredited by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS) will be given to students who attend National Fire Academy (NFA) EMS courses. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) confirmed that beginning January 1, 2010, students who attend any NFA resident EMS course will receive 35 to 60 CE credits, in varying categories, for each course completion. The number of CEs will be granted based on the length and content of the courses. The CE credits will be printed on a Continuing Education certificate, so that students will have immediate documentation of their work.