Critical Infrastructure Protection Information Sharing for Emergency Services

Release Date: March 21, 2005

Washington-Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) announced a new initiative to promote critical infrastructure protection (CIP) information sharing among the senior leaders of the many public and private organizations within the Emergency Services Sector of the Nation. The initiative will be located at the Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) located at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD.

"This no-cost information sharing program supports advanced protection, prevention, and response activities by all emergency departments," said Brown. "Emergency response leadership will receive the knowledge that organizations and local policy leaders must have to enhance survivability, continuity of operations, and mission success. The EMR-ISAC additionally provides the information necessary to first responders to appropriately protect their internal critical infrastructures against terrorist activities."

Using an Internet-based, secure portal of DisasterHelp.gov, the EMR-ISAC distributes information - For Official Use Only (FOUO) - to the key federal , state , local, and tribal ESS leaders nationwide (e.g., fire, police, and EMS department chief and deputy/assistant chief officers; emergency managers; fire marshals; and the owners and operators of private emergency agencies). The FOUO information relates to the threats against and the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructures.

To participate in this valuable service, ESS sector personnel must register with DisasterHelp.gov by completing the user-friendly directions and a brief application at https://disasterhelp.gov/usfacip.html. Technical assistance with the registration process can be obtained by calling toll-free 800-451-2647.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.