InfoGram 13-12: March 29, 2012

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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Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities

(Source: U.S. Fire Administration)

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the International Association of Fire Chiefs developed the new guide, "Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities" (772 Kb), to explain a holistic approach to wildland fire risk reduction in the wildland/urban interface.

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) noted in the USFA Media Release that the guide addresses actions that can be taken to improve individual and community safety. It promotes an environment where individuals have access to critical information and the necessary knowledge concerning the protection of life, property, and their communities.

In addition to understanding defensible space and preparedness, the guide further explains how a community can coexist with the threats of wildland fires and reduce the need for costly fire suppression responses. "The focus on fire-adapted communities holds that, with proper community-wide preparation, populations and infrastructure can withstand the devastating effects of wildland fire thereby reducing the loss of life and property."

Since a government-centric approach to a catastrophic wildfire may not be enough to meet the many challenges, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends engaging the Whole Community to leverage all of the resources into a collective team. This larger collective has greater potential to better prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from disastrous wildland fires.

Release of NIMS Training Program

(Source: FEMA)

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that the National Integration Center completed development of a National Incident Management System Training Program to supersede the Five-Year NIMS Training Plan released in February 2008.

This new training program establishes a common national foundation for NIMS training and qualifying emergency management and incident response personnel. More specifically, the NIMS Training Program guides NIMS training activities; supports stakeholder training and planning; and serves as a single-source, regularly updated compilation of training within the NIMS national core curriculum.

Additionally, the training program outlines responsibilities and activities that are consistent with the National Training Program and integrates with FEMA training offered through the Emergency Management Institute and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Improving Community Awareness and Reporting of Suspicious Activity

(Source: FEMA)

The International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently released "A Resource Guide to Improve Your Community's Awareness and Reporting of Suspicious Activity: For Law Enforcement and Community Partners."

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) confirmed that the guide offers recommendations for local outreach campaigns and explains how to effectively develop and disseminate messages to help the public better understand their role in reporting suspicious activity. It also assists law enforcement agencies and community partners to understand, navigate, and use the many resources available to build and sustain local efforts.

As discussed in the Purpose of the guide, new technologies, resources, and innovative practices highlighted within the document can be used to improve the education, communication, and trust among communities and the law enforcement agencies serving them. "With the proper tools and knowledge, individuals and entire communities will help law enforcement agencies identify, investigate, and prevent crime and terrorism."

Fusion Center and EOC Coordination

(Sources: FEMA, DHS I&A, and DOJ)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and the Global Justice Information Sharing Initiative (Global) developed the Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 502 (PDF, 4.6 Mb) titled: "Considerations for Fusion Center and Emergency Operations Center Coordination." The document is intended for public safety leaders, including emergency management and fusion center personnel.

When examining the purpose of CPG 502, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) confirmed that it provides State and Major Urban Area fusion center and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) officials with guidance for coordination between fusion centers and EOCs. The guide outlines the roles of fusion centers and EOCs within the fusion process and provides steps by which these entities can work together to share information and intelligence on an ongoing basis.

According to the document's Preface, fusion centers and EOCs should become familiar with each others' roles and capabilities to facilitate successful interfacing and cooperation between them. The improved relationship between fusion centers and EOCs will support a more coordinated, timely, and effective response to emerging incidents or threats, as well as the integration of law enforcement-focused prevention efforts with emergency management-focused efforts.