InfoGram 10-13: March 7, 2013

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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Tuberculosis Outbreak Spreads in Los Angeles

The largest outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) in a decade is hitting the Los Angeles area, primarily the homeless population. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is reminding officers to wear protective face masks if they encounter anyone who appears symptomatic, but says the risk of infection is “very small.”

An LA Times article states: “scientists have recently linked the outbreak to a tuberculosis strain that is unique to Los Angeles, with a few isolated cases outside the area.” This strain is not drug-resistant and can be treated with anti-TB drugs. Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were sent to the area to assist county public health workers to investigate the cause and spread.

The overall numbers are low: since 2007, 78 cases were reported and 11 people have died. However, LA public health officials estimate over 4,500 people may have been exposed and they are trying to track them down for testing and treatment.

All EMS and public safety departments should review infection control policies regularly and update them based on current standards and regional concerns. The Minnesota Department of Health's fact sheet on TB, which is specifically for EMS and first responders, can be used as reference. The CDC's TB Infection Control and Prevention page includes a risk assessment worksheet and other resources.

(Source: CDC)

Social Media Successes in Disaster Recovery

More emergency management offices are turning to social media to connect with the public before, during, and after disasters. The University of Missouri Extension's guide to the use of social media during recovery operations is based on lessons learned during several disasters in Missouri including the Joplin and Branson tornados and the 2011-2012 floods.

“Using Social Media in Disasters” (PDF, 2.8 Mb) is authored jointly with the founders of the “Joplin Tornado Info” Facebook page. That page had more than 49,000 “fans” relying on the data posted by government and community organizations. The best practices shared in the guide can steer agencies to successful social media site management if and when the need arises.

The guide is written with honesty, tact, and the insight of people who have been there. Some advice the guide gives about management of such pages:

• Don't grant administrative rights to anyone you have not vetted.
• It is a crisis, not a contest; check your ego at the door.
• Don't speak negatively of other organizations.
• The site’s management will take more time and staffing than anticipated.

Advice for posting and disseminating information:

• Avoid hearsay, sensationalism, and clear up any rumors quickly.
• Post every detail available: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
• Ask users to post photos and reports. This gives responders details from the field that may not be gathered any other way.
• Repost vital information that can get lost in the quickly-scrolling page.

(Source: University of Missouri Extension)

Fire Estimate Summary Series for 2007-2011

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) released the Fire Estimate Summary Series (2007-2011) detailing “information on the size and status of the fire problem in the United States as depicted through data collected in USFA's National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).”

The 18 summaries compile statistical fire data for residential and non-residential fires, injuries, deaths, and monetary losses. Some statistical collections are also downloadable in an Excel spreadsheet format.

Each 1-page summary highlights trends in the data seen over time and explains sudden spikes or drops in reported data. For example, the very high dollar losses reported in 2007 can be attributed to the large wildfires in California that year.

A highlight to note: smoking continues to trend downward as a cause of residential building fire fatalities. The last time it was the leading cause was 2007.

(Source: USFA)

FLETC Now Offering College Credit for Courses

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) has signed an agreement with the College of Coastal Georgia to jointly begin offering college credit for FLETC classes. The agreement was announced in February and students are already able to sign up for credit classes.

Under the credit initiative, 4 courses are eligible for a total of 12 academic credits transferable to degree programs at other colleges or universities. Also, students have the opportunity to apply the credits to a web-based associate's degree program offered through the College of Coastal Georgia.

The agreement is the latest step in a long working relationship between the two schools. Credit is available to anyone who has taken the eligible courses in the past 3 years. FLETC is contacting agencies to determine eligibility of past students.

(Source: Coastal College of Georgia)