Infogram

May 13, 2004

NOTE: This INFOGRAM will be distributed weekly to provide members of the emergency management and response sector with information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. It has been prepared by NATEK Incorporated for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate. For further information, contact the Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by e-mail at emr-isac@dhs.gov.

Period of Increased Risk

High profile events between May 27, 2004 and January 20, 2005 thrust the United States into a period of increased risk with symbolic opportunities for terrorists. The specific target rich occasions during this time frame are the National WWII Memorial Dedication in Washington DC, 27-29 May; G-8 Summit in Georgia, 8-10 June; Democratic National Convention in Boston, 26-29 July; Republican National Convention in New York, 30 August-3 September; Presidential Election nationwide, 2 November; and the Presidential Inauguration in Washington DC, 20 January.

Homeland security officials confirmed no credible information exists that any of these occurrences will be attacked. Therefore, they are currently planning to keep the Homeland Security Advisory System at Level YELLOW. However, they also stress that the pending events present a lucrative "window" for terrorists to conduct high-casualty attacks in this nation that can potentially incapacitate or destroy critical infrastructures, key resources, and the "American will."

Considering the probability for terrorist exploitation of the high profile events between now and 20 January, the EMR-ISAC encourages critical infrastructure protection (CIP) and hazard mitigation activities by those communities and emergency first response agencies that are located at or nearby the six locations identified in the first paragraph. EMR Sector leaders can capitalize on the little remaining time to aggressively ensure that all communications, procedures, resources, and processes are updated and rehearsed as a deterrence to, or preparation for a possible attack.

Proposed Protective Measures

Since 9/11, much has been written regarding how communities and organizations should implement security procedures to protect their assets and resources against terrorism. Many decision-makers complain about "information overload" on this necessary topic. Regardless, the leaders of the EMR Sector must be concerned about the time-efficient and cost-effective application of the protective measures that will guarantee the perpetual "response-ability" of their departments and agencies. This is why the EMR-ISAC developed the CIP Process Job Aid published by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The document helps to determine exactly which personnel, physical assets, and communication systems really need protection: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/doc/cipc-jobaid.doc.

Although the CIP Process Job Aid has a focus on protecting critical infrastructures, counterterrorism specialists recommend several general protective measures to enhance any organization's deterrence of, and preparedness for terrorist attacks on the "soft targets" of the country. Some of these generic protective measures are listed below for the consideration of EMR Sector leaders. More specific recommendations can be seen in the Fire and Emergency Services Preparedness Guide for the Homeland Security Advisory System: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/hsas-guide.pdf.

Notify all personnel of any changes in threat conditions and protective measures.
Require personnel to be alert and immediately report any threats or suspicious activities.
Implement procedures for receiving and acting on threat or suspicious activities.
Encourage personnel to notice and report suspicious packages, devices, or other unusual materials.
Direct personnel to diversify their routines and to avoid establishing patterns.
Review and rehearse all emergency plans for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery operations.
Conduct internal rehearsals followed by joint training with other emergency responders and mutual aid partners.
Establish partnerships with local authorities and the EMR-ISAC to develop intelligence and information sharing relationships.
Ensure the organization's senior leader and deputy are subscribed to receive EMR CIP Bulletins and Sensitive Notices from DisasterHelp.gov.
Initiate mail and package screening procedures for all incoming pieces.

Regionalization: A CIP Consideration

Some municipalities and emergency response departments throughout the United States publicly admit to having minor or major weaknesses in their response systems and capabilities for various man-made and natural disasters. Having recognized their shortcomings, many of these communities and their first responders initiated corrective action by coordinating resources across local, county, and state lines. Those localities pursuing "regionalization" for disaster mitigation planning and execution have accepted that an all-hazards incident would likely overwhelm their existing resources.

The EMR-ISAC research indicates that regionalization may be a superior approach for local, county, and state elected leaders, emergency managers, and first responders to acquire scarce resources. Joining with other communities to develop "regional response packages" of personnel and equipment significantly enhances the interoperability of mission-essential assets and systems. Additionally, pre-existing agreements and written plans that specify roles, payment, incident command, etc., will assure thorough collaboration and synchronization among the numerous responding organizations within the region.

An excellent joint plan of action will be regional in nature but include sections on each participating community. It will guarantee that citizens and critical infrastructures are protected and that communities are prepared to contend with all-hazard disasters. Equally as important, a model plan will provide for the survivability, continuity of operations, and mission success of the emergency first responders of the region. A superb regional plan will be a crucial tool for EMR Sector stakeholders and has the potential to bolster CIP in the area of responsibility.

Fire Corps

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced plans on 6 May to establish and coordinate a new Citizen Corps volunteer program called "Fire Corps." Its goal is to enhance the ability of fire departments to utilize citizen volunteers and to promote these opportunities to the public. The program will provide individuals with opportunities to support their local fire departments with their time and talent to assist with activities not related directly to fire suppression. "This represents yet another effort to make sure our communities are even more prepared for emergencies," said Secretary Ridge.

"Fire Corps" volunteers may assist fire department personnel with administrative duties, perform education and outreach efforts to encourage fire safety and prevention, support Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training so more individuals are trained in emergency preparedness and basic response techniques, and other non-suppression activities unique to rural and urban areas.

Program materials will include a resource guide for fire departments that outlines key steps involved in the formation or enhancement of citizen volunteerism. Additional tools will contain a comprehensive clearinghouse of resources, materials, and a website that should be operational in June 2004: www.firecorps.org. The U.S. Fire Administration will oversee implementation of the "Fire Corps" program, integrate it into all aspects of the fire community, and coordinate efforts of all major fire groups at the federal government level.

FAIR USE NOTICE

This INFOGRAM may contain copyrighted material that was not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. EMR-ISAC personnel believe this constitutes "fair use" of copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use copyrighted material contained within this document for your own purposes that go beyond "fair use," you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Reporting Notice

DHS and the FBI encourage recipients of this document to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to DHS and/or the FBI. The DHS National Operation Center (NOC) can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9685 or by e-mail at NOC.Fusion@dhs.gov.

The FBI regional phone numbers can be found online at www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm

For information affecting the private sector and critical infrastructure, contact the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC), a sub-element of the NOC. The NICC can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9201 or by e-mail at NICC@dhs.gov.

When available, each report submitted should include the date, time, location, type of activity, number of people and type of equipment used for the activity, the name of the submitting company or organization, and a designated point of contact.

Weekly INFOGRAM's are now available as an RSS Feed. More Information »