So I've been taking classes in the Government Strategic Leadership
Master's Degree program at the National Defense University. One
of the recent classes that I've taken is called Multi-Agency
Collaboration and it helped me to understand a lot of the issues that
agencies have (and I include myself - thinking to when I was at OCFA)
in truly collaborating with each other. I see those issues even
within the Department of Defense, so they are not limited to local
governments. Because of these issues, I've decided that we need
to be more proactive about using modern collaborative technologies to
help build stronger bonds between the community, business, industry,
and government. If we really want to be leaders in the
information age, then we need to embrace the technologies that will
help us do that. We didn't get a big response to folks interested
in reading a blog, but I've gotten a lot of requests for Social
Networking Sites. Agencies such as DOD, FEMA, and DHS are using
these sites for putting out information both during normal operations
and during disasters.
You can find me on twitter here and on facebook
here.
This newsletter is packed with stuff. Lots of good articles, many
upcoming events all across the country, and some cool
announcements. There's a great article by Tim Brennan on
Counterterrorism (although it really fits more into the anti-terrorism
category.) We've got a ton of flu information. We've got a
video from FEMA Administrator Fugate and links to DHS' dialogue with
the community on their Quadrennial Defense Review (i.e. are they ready
to handle what they need to handle?) Read on!
I've noticed that our newsletters are focusing more on business than on
the Community. Is that working for you readers? Is
there a way to bring in more community members as we move
forward? Should we consider separating out those interested
in community anti-terrorism issues from those interested in the
business issues? Let me know what you think!
-Stephen
Stephen is taking care of the editing until
we can find a new editor. If any of you are interested, please
contact him at: stephen.melvin@oursafetowns.com.
NY Times Editorial: Chemical Plants Could Be More Safe
Published: August 3, 2009
This should, by all rights, be the year that Congress passes a tough
chemical plant safety bill, protecting the public from one of the most
serious terrorism vulnerabilities. There are already signs, however,
that the chemical industry and its Republican allies may succeed yet
again in blocking effective safety rules. The White House, which has
remained in the background, needs to speak out, and Democratic leaders
in Congress should work to make sure a strong bill is enacted without
further delay.
Read more.
Examiner.Com: Homeland Security, Defense Departments
plan domestic operations?
Published: August 2, 2009
The Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security recently notified
law enforcement agencies and associations, such as the National
Association of Chiefs of Police, about the Obama Administration's
interest in using the military during "emergencies."
Government officials reported that the Department of Homeland
Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator W. Craig
Fugate met with the Commander of the US Northern Command, General Gene
Renuart, to discuss "pre-disaster planning, response and recovery in
support of the federal response to the 2009 hurricane season as well as
wild fires, floods and other potential disasters."
Read more.
Congressional Quarterly: Brennan Lays Out
Counterterrorism Vision
Published: August 6, 2009 by Tim Starks
A top...official on Thursday enunciated an...administration
counterterrorism philosophy that mixed forceful action against al Qaeda
now with broader actions to battle violent extremists in the future.
John Brennan, assistant to the president for homeland security and
counterterrorism, said in a speech at a Washington think tank [Center
for Strategic and International Studies] that...[the President] rejects
an "absolutist" approach, instead favoring a policy that is "nuanced,
not simplistic. Practical, not ideological."....
The long-term strategy...Brennan said, included five components:
- Not allowing
terrorism to dictate American foreign policy.... Better, he said, to
consider terrorism as but one issue the United States must address with
countries in the Middle East, issues including public health and
women's rights.
- No longer
using...phrases "war on terrorism," "global war," or "jihadists."
Terrorism, Brennan said, is a tactic. "You can no more defeat the
tactic of terrorism than you can defeat the tactic of war itself."
"Global war," he said, validates Osama bin Laden's world view that
there is a clash of civilizations. And "jihad" is a valid term in
Islam, so to call Al Qaeda "jihadists" gives the organization
credibility within the Muslim world it doesn't deserve, he said. Obama
commonly uses the phrase "violent extremists."
- Recognizing the
role that poverty and lack of education play in the creation of
terrorists. "Poverty does not cause terror," Brennan said, but people
without hope are more susceptible to joining terrorist movements.
Unless those conditions are addressed, "there will always be another
recruit in the pipeline."
- Addressing
terrorism not only via military means, but via a "political, social and
economic campaign.".... Terrorist groups have gained influence in the
Middle East by providing vital services to citizens who do not get them
from their governments, Brennan said. Some terrorist groups, though,
have hurt their cause by killing so many Muslims with their attacks,
and the United States needs to use those instances to show that
terrorists are not the affected people's best means to escape poverty
or ensure security, he said.
- Integrating
American power. The United States, Brennan said, must bring to bear all
its resources, from increasing foreign assistance "not as a crutch for
societies in need but as a catalyst," to offering "America's moral
example" of following the rule of law.
Chem Sector: Potential Target for Attack, Theft and
Diversion of Materials
On 27 Jul, DHS released a FOUO document on the chemical sector.
If you are unable to get it through other channels, contact us and we
will work with you to get a copy.
Guidance for Schools on H1N1 (From
Secretary Napolitano)
This
morning I joined Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen
Sebelius and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to discuss our nation’s
ongoing response to the H1N1 flu pandemic.
H1N1 may have retreated from the headlines, but it is still very much a
focus for our three Departments and for the White House. One area, in
particular, that is getting our full attention is making sure that
schools across the country have clear guidance about how to reduce the
spread of the H1N1 virus as school begins this fall.
Read more.
Updated Flu Guidance Available for Businesses and
Employers
Today, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Homeland Security Secretary Janet
Napolitano and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
announced new federal guidelines to help employers and businesses
prepare for and respond to the upcoming flu season.
Resources for employers include:
These and other flu
resources are now available on www.Flu.gov
National Preparedness Month:
September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and it is right around
the corner. NPM is sponsored by FEMA's Ready Campaign in partnership
with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council and is designed to
encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in
their homes, businesses, and communities.
If you haven't done so already, please register your organization to be
a 2009 NPM Coalition Member. To date, more than 1,600
organizations have committed to promote emergency preparedness during
the month of September. Once you register you will receive access
to the NPM Web site where you can find a toolkit that includes
templates, resources and tips to assist you with promoting emergency
preparedness. You will also find an NPM calendar where you can post
your events and see what other organizations are doing in your
community.
You can register to become a National Preparedness Month Coalition
Member by visiting http://ready.adcouncil.org.
To learn more about NPM, visit www.ready.gov
and click on the NPM banner.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Ready
Campaign at NPM@dhs.gov.
Tips on how to
be prepared, including how to make
an emergency plan, and what should be in an emergency response kit, can
be found at www.ready.gov
Administrator Fugate Video Message:
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today released a Web video
message highlighting the need for the public to be prepared for any
emergency.
"Our entire emergency management team has a role to play when it comes
to preparing for and responding to the next disaster," said
Administrator Fugate. "One of the most important parts of that
team is the public. The more prepared the public is now, by
getting an emergency response kit, making an emergency action plan, and
getting a skill, like CPR, the stronger our emergency response team
will be."
The Administrator's video can be found on the following websites:
National Dialogue on the Quadrennial Homeland Security
Review
The first phase of the National Dialogue is now complete. Over 8,000
people — stakeholders and partners — joined in this first ever outreach
effort by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The participation
in the dialogue was both broad and deep with representation from other
federal agencies, state, local, tribal governments, law enforcement
professionals, first responders, academic institutions and the business
community. DHS will continue its aggressive outreach campaign and would
appreciate your help in alerting your network about this opportunity to
strengthen the community of people and organizations across the country
dedicated to securing the homeland.
The second dialogue begins August 31st and will continue through
September 6th. The second dialogue will be more interactive. You will
have the opportunity to help set priorities for DHS and comment
directly on other participants' thoughts and ideas.
Make sure to check this
page often for updates about the National Dialogue.
Recent
Events
12 Aug
2009: LEPC Region 1 AA Subcommittee meeting
The most recent LEPC
Region
1 AA Subcommittee meeting was on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009 at 9:30
a.m. at Frank Hotchkin Training Center in the City of Los Angeles.
Richard Kallman from Santa Fe Springs Department of Fire-Rescue was the
guest speaker. Here
is the document on which he spoke.
For further info, please contact Theresa.
Teresa J. Quiaoit
(323) 890-4036 voice
tquiaoit@fire.lacounty.gov
One followup
note from Brian Abeel at CA OES:
Thank you Richard for forwarding the info. below in response to our
discussion at the latest meeting. The Accu Chem case is in the dispute
process at the Cal EMA level. Any questions or comments on the issues
surrounding this dispute need to be directed to:
David Zocchetti
Chief Counsel
Cal EMA
3650 Schriever Ave
Mather, CA 95655
Brian
12-14 Aug
2009: 3rd ANNUAL HAZUS CONFERENCE: Connecting the Pieces for
Mitigation
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
For more information, go to http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus/hz_news.shtm
Upcoming
Events
8 Sep 2009: San Diego Infragard "Tourism and
Entertainment Venues" Sector Meeting
Please
Save-the-Date for the next "Tourism and Entertainment Venues" Sector
Meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2009, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the
FBI Annex, 9737 Aero Drive. You may park at the ITT or Bumblebee
parking lots south of the Annex. (From Aero Drive, go south on Daley
Center Drive and then make a right on Granite Ridge Drive. You
may turn into the first driveway on your left or right to find
parking.) This meeting is restricted to vetted InfraGard Members
only. However, any Chapter Member, regardless of Sector affiliation, is
welcome to attend. RSVP your attendance to me, Marygrace
Siller, at marygrace.siller@ic.fbi.gov
10 Sep
2009: Free IED/VBIED/Suicide Bomber
Response Training Class
Location:
Forsyth County EMS, Training Room, 911 East 5th Street, Winston-Salem,
North Carolina
Please disregard if you
have already received. Please share with appropriate staff and
agencies.
Sessions:
● Terrorist/Criminal IED Recognition
● Multi-Agency Post Blast Response Operations
● VBIED Planning and Response Considerations
● Suicide Bomber Indicators, Myth vs. Fact, Response
Students: 4-hour course is open to Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Hazmat
and Emergency Management. Suggested that students should have attended
some form of IED or Explosives Awareness course in the past.
Registration: To register please contact augustv@cityofwsfire.org no
later than September 9th, 2009 with name, contact information and
agency. Students MUST be a member of a Public Safety Agency or Military
to attend and must have proper I.D. and/or uniform to participate in
the course.
Critical
Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKR) Learning Series Fall 2009
Offerings
The Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKR) Learning Series
continues in the fall of 2009 with a fresh lineup of one-hour Web-based
seminars providing expert presentations on the tools, trends, issues,
and best practices for infrastructure protection and resilience.
Series offerings are available free of charge and designed for CIKR
owners and operators and officials with responsibility for risk,
security, and emergency management functions.
To learn more, click here.
From
Jeanine Gentis at the California Specialized Training Institute
Jim & Steve: After our meeting there was a decision to modify
training
courses that land on furlough Fridays which affected two of Region I
Programs. I've noted these changes below.
I've been trying to send you this earlier this week but due to an
internal audit review which I'm involved in I have had to stop and
start
this process on numerous times. Tomorrow is a the first of three
furlough
Fridays for August which Jim is aware of the impact this is causing
everyone. Additionally the person who handles the flyers retired
this week and I've been modifying the flyers temporarily so you have
them as part of the
packets. Enough said... Jeanine (805-549-3531)
REGION I FY09 TRAINING GRANTS:
NOTE:
1. Two site locations were revised from the region to CSTI/SLO
due to furlough Friday as of July 31, 2009.
a. Technician Series #1 HTA1-09, HTB1-09, HTC1-09, HTD1-09
b. Specialist Series #3 HSF3-09 & HSG3-09
2. Specialist #4 Series Dates were revised to June 7-11, 10 &
June 21-25, 10.
3. We don't have the dates for the Incident Commander program
which
your region will receive five grantee slots. This flyer will be
provided as soon as possible.
18 Sep
2009: HAM Radio Training
Class
Another great opportunity from ERNIE:
Just a reminder that the HAM Radio Training Class is on Sept 18, 2009.
There are currently 2 seats still available. The supplies need to be
ordered for those participating, so please let me know as soon as
possible if you or anyone in your agency is interested. If you
have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you!
Cecilia Contreras
Administrative Office Specialist
East Valley Water District
(909) 885-4900
25 Sep
2009: San Diego Infragard Chapter Meeting
Please save the date of Friday, September 25, 2009, for the InfraGard
Quarterly Meeting. Registration is from 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and
the meeting is from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more information,
please contact SA Marygrace B. Siller at: marygrace.siller@ic.fbi.gov.
19-23
Oct
2009: 26th Annual
Virginia Hazardous Materials Conference and Expo
Hampton, Virginia
The 2009 Virginia Hazardous Materials Conference theme HazMat Synergy:
Working Smarter During Tough Times speaks to the need for HazMat
responders to establish productive partnerships and develop new
methodologies for responding to HazMat incidents. Each
passing year
brings new and more difficult challenges. Whether it is the
emerging ethanol industry, bio-diesel or any one of a number of new
challenges, we must prepare ourselves through training and education to
be responsive to the problems that we face.
If you haven't already registered for the conference, time is running
short for cost savings realized from our early conference registration
rates. If you can only attend for a day or two we also offer single day
registrations. All of this can be viewed from our conference content on
our website:
www.virginiahazmat.org
20-22
Oct
2009: Mid-Year National
Association of SARA Title III Program Officials
Mid-Year National Association of SARA Title III Program Officials
(NASTTPO)
Meeting with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Western Regions'
Emergency Prevention and Preparedness Conference / Regional Response
Team Meeting.
Tuscany Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
For registration and agenda go to:
http://www.nasttpo.com/home/
Keeping Our Chemical
Facilities Safe has been released in softcover and can be purchased here.
We are working with the publisher to get the hardcover out in the next
month or so.
Remember that the regulatory part
is a a bit out of date as there are constant updates by DHS, but the
process of completing a Security Vulnerability Assessment and Site
Security Plan are still valid.
Stephen is currently working with the National Defense University to
If you are
interested in working with us directly to make your community,
business, or agency safer, please contact us at: info@oursafetowns.com.
See you next month!
Safety/Security Professional Looking
Another of our colleagues is looking to find a new position. If
you're thinking of moving and want to help your organization find a
replacement, or if you want some help with the tasks on your plate and
are looking to pick up a senior person, let me know and I'll put him in
touch with you. His experience includes: Administering a
comprehensive self-insured risk management program. Identifying and
evaluating potential risk exposures; implementing best alternatives for
dealing with risk. Developing, implementing and directing all
safety programs for 230 employees. Overseeing administration of
workers’ comp, general liability and auto claims. Preparing and
analyzing loss data, reviewing all contracts from a risk perspective.
Responsible for security of 4,000 acres of property and
facilities. He also managed the Emergency Response program
and disaster planning. He has experience in law enforcement and
water utilities.
Preventing
the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs
From the CDC
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each
year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your
hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory
illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be
used to treat and prevent the flu.
- Avoid
close contact. - Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you
are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting
sick too.
- Stay
home when you are sick. - If possible, stay home from work, school, and
errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching
your illness.
- Cover
your mouth and nose. - Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when
coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Clean
Your Hands - Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
- Avoid
touching your eyes, nose or mouth - Germs are often spread when a
person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then
touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice
other good health habits - Get plenty of sleep, be physically active,
manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
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