InfoGram 25-12: June 21, 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.

Receive InfoGrams and Bulletins by Email

Chemical Sector Voluntary Security Programs

Chemical Sector facilities have several free programs available to them to help lessen security risk.  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Infrastructure Protection worked with sector partners to develop voluntary programs and training exercises for public and private chemical industry stakeholders to evaluate their overall security risk.  Some of the programs and trainings:

• The online Volunteer Chemical Assessment Tool (VCAT) provides chemical sector owners a way to identify and assess physical security.
• Tabletop Exercises offer the opportunity to coordinate training with public safety to address incident response and recovery.  Exercises include: bomb threat; major earthquake; and workplace violence/active shooter.  Contact ChemicalSector@hq.dhs.gov for CDs.
• Web-based Security Awareness Training is an interactive tool for all chemical industry employees, not just security staff.  Certificates are provided upon completion.
• The Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) Critical Sectors is the primary platform for posting and sharing information.  Public and private Sector partners can request access by emailing hsincs@hq.dhs.gov.

Industry representatives also have a chance to network and meet with governmental officials to discuss key topics at the 6th Annual Chemical Sector Security Summit, being held July 31-August 1 in Baltimore, MD.

(Source: DHS Office of Infrastructure Preparedness)

CDP Incorporates Biological Training

The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, AL, has updated its courses to include live agent biological materials training (PDF, 40 Kb) for State, local, tribal, and territorial first responders.  This is a first for the CDP, which up until this year has focused primarily on chemical agents.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Blog posted information on these programs and has a video showing classes training in environments similar to what a real-life event might be like.  This level of instruction was being requested more by students, according to the CDP.

Two courses have been piloted:  Technical Emergency Response Training for CBRNE Incidents and Hazard Assessment and Response Management for CBRNE Incidents.  Additional courses will be released this year as they are developed.

The CDP offers hands-on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) training to first responders from all levels of government.  Training is fully funded and includes transportation, meals, and lodging.

(Source: CDP)

Fire Protection and Nuclear Power Plants

The 2011 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in Japan destroyed both the electrical grid and the backup diesel generators for the Fukusima Daichi nuclear power plant, making the reactors overheat when the water pumps failed.  The onsite fire department had lost all but one of their three engines, so the local off-site fire departments and personnel were called in to apply sea water and prevent core meltdown, being exposed to radiation while they worked.

According to an article in HSToday, there are over 100 commercial reactors in the United States, and only 10 of them have full-time fire departments.  There is a high likelihood that local fire departments would be called in during an emergency on site.  The article recommends planning and training for such an event.  The author of the article makes several recommendations:

• Train and drill on site instead of in the classroom.
• Ensure communication systems are interoperable between on- and off-site responders.
• Include all responders in local emergency plans. 
• Address needs for specialized equipment and PPE.
• Evaluate mutual-aid needs for industrial and local fire departments.

(Source: HSToday.us)

Reducing Traumatic Injury

Indiana is one of nine states without an integrated statewide trauma system, something the Indiana State Department of Health hopes to change.  The “Summer Trauma Tour” will hold open house style meetings with the 10 public health districts to determine the current response methods, how trauma has affected people, and how to work towards a formal trauma system in the state.

Rates of preventable or accidental death can be lowered by 15-20 percent in places where formal trauma response systems are in place.  “Trauma systems correctly identify patients who need trauma care, anticipate needed resources for trauma treatment, route patients to the correct facility and improve care through a quality improvement process.”

The program aims to determine the system capabilities already in place in order to incorporate them into future plans.  In addition to discussing needs and program possibilities with stakeholders and the public, they offer continuing education credit to eligible first responders.  Dates and tour locations can be found on their website.

(Source: Indiana State Department of Health)