InfoGram 34-11: August 25, 2011

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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Hurricane Irene Approaches

(Source: FEMA)

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) observed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging all residents in East Coast states to take steps now to prepare their families and businesses for Hurricane Irene expected this weekend of 26 to 28 August.   FEMA recommends Ready.gov as an excellent source for preparation information.

Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies in hurricane-prone areas are also encouraged to make preparations to ensure their continuity of response operations during and after the hurricane’s arrival.  To support efforts by ESS departments and agencies susceptible to hurricanes, the EMR-ISAC offers the following "best practices" gleaned from multiple sources for the consideration of sector leaders:

• Revise emergency plans to include methods to transport stranded ESS personnel to and from their stations when necessary.
• Ensure plans include all roads expected to flood during heavy rains, ways to avoid them, and procedures to access emergencies along these roads.
• Update plans to address "last refuge," and "shutdown," as well as sudden storm change contingencies.
• Know how to access mass communication technologies to push or pull storm information.
• Examine the benefits of participation in the National Weather Service Storm Ready Program.
• Prepare to reset generators that have failed because of low air pressure and high winds commonly associated with hurricanes.
• Confirm uninterrupted electricity for gas pumps that provide fuel for emergency vehicles and LPG for emergency generators.
• Move apparatus, vehicles, and equipment to safe, but accessible locations.
• Guarantee each station has sufficient food and supplies for at least 72 hours of non-stop emergency operations.
• Remain alert for gas leaks, electrical system damage, downed or loose power lines, sewage and water line damage, etc.
• Remember that terrorists or criminals may attempt to take advantage of the distraction caused by natural disasters.

For additional hurricane readiness information see “Are You Ready?”

Making Emergency Responses Safer

(Source: FireRescue1 News)

There have been countless advances in the fire apparatus industry resulting in better and safer trucks. However, safely responding to and returning from emergencies is still a frequent cause of injury and death to firefighters and civilians, according to an article in FireRescue1.com reviewed by the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC).

Despite the introduction of stability control, front and side air bags, improved seat design, and efficient seat belts, “a great deal of problems still remain with the daily operation of fire apparatus at the local level.”  Therefore, the author recommends the following actions—abbreviated by the EMR-ISAC—to reduce or eliminate personnel harm associated with the operation of fire trucks:

• Ensure all firefighters are seated and belted before leaving the station.
• Adopt an alternative response policy for non-life threatening emergencies.
• Prepare and enforce department SOPs for emergency vehicle responses.
• Maintain accurate and current maintenance records for each apparatus.
• Require drivers to come to a complete stop at all red signal lights and stop signs.
• Guarantee drivers understand they don’t have the right of way at all times.
• Require drivers to slow down when approaching a curve.
• Consider having the engines governed so vehicles cannot exceed a certain speed.
• Implement a backing procedure for whenever the vehicle is operated in reverse.
• Institute a regular driver training program.

More information about safe emergency vehicle operation can be seen at the U.S. Fire Administration and Everyone Goes Home websites.

9/11 Phishing Campaign

(Source: DHS/NCCIC)

An unclassified bulletin (PDF, 377 Kb) published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) states that malevolent users will seek to exploit interest related to the 10-year anniversary of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks.  Therefore, administrators of cyber networks for Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies, as well as ESS users, should be aware of these attempts and avoid opening messages with attachments and/or subject lines pertaining to 9/11.

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) recognizes mischievous cyber activity is commonly associated with and precedes high profile events or significant anniversaries.  Consequently, government agencies and private organizations could become recipients of socially engineered spear-phishing emails. 

Spear-phishing emails appear to originate from a reputable source, with the email subject closely aligned to the event and usually of interest to the recipient.  The email in most cases will contain a malicious attachment with a subject name relevant to the event that entices the recipient to open it.  The attachment when opened will launch malware into the users system in most cases in the form of a key logger or remote access Trojans.

See the FBI and US-CERT websites for more information on how to avoid becoming a spear-phishing victim.

Copper Thefts Increase

(Source: Homeland Security Newswire)

According to an article at Homeland Security Newswire, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials warn that copper thefts from critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) sectors in the United States are on the rise.  “Record copper prices have resulted in an increase of at least 50 percent in thefts in 2010 compared to the previous year.” 

The most lucrative and highly targeted CIKR sectors are the energy, transportation, commercial facilities, communications, agriculture and food, dams, and water sectors.  Criminal elements are drawn to these sectors because of the large amount of copper components they use and the lack of security measures to inhibit theft.  Other targets include schools, religious institutions, and vacant homes.

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) ascertained that the theft of copper can degrade electricity and communications, impede emergency response times, and make it difficult for first responders to work effectively.  Additionally, these thefts create dangers for emergency personnel by exposing live electrical wires, disrupting critical telecommunications, and creating hazards with damaged rail switches, etc.

Because of the copper theft prevalence throughout the United States, first responders should proceed cautiously at any incident scene where the pilfering of this metal is suspected, alleged, or verified.