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PO Box 6873 - Alexandria, VA 22306 - (951) 764-3626
http://www.oursafetowns.com/Community Safety/Security eNewsletter * November 2009
November 2009 Update
I wanted to take a few lines this month to remind our own folks and all of you reading this newsletter why we at SRM Associates do what we do. I don't want to make this a commercial, but I think it's important for us to remember, and occasionally to state, why we got into this business instead of so many others.Say you're responsible for the emergency preparedness in your city. You might be a Deputy City Manager or a Public Works Director. You might even be the Parks and Recreation Manager. And you have little to no expertise in Emergency Management. The first time that you heard about the four (five) stages of an emergency was when you found out that all of your folks were required to take the FEMA ICS 100/700 courses. You may not have a lot (or any) expertise in Emergency Management, but the job is your and people's lives hang in the balance if you don't do it right. Your city isn't large enough to afford a full time emergency manager, but you're learning that just keeping up with the requirements from the state and federal governments is a full-time job for someone who doesn't have the right background.
Or perhaps you do know what the requirements are and you know what needs to be done to keep people safe. You understand that if you don't make sure that the mitigation part of the cycle happens right then your planning or response will never get better. You know that if you don't get the documentation requirements completed that your city is liable to be sued even if they did the right stuff, because they can't prove it. You've got hundreds of things to do, but you don't have the time to do it. Maybe if you just had a person part-time, you could get things done, but your city won't hire anyone and you'd have to train them to do the job anyway, so you continue to slog forward.
You know that your city hires lawyers on retainer for as-needed work and expertise. You'd like to be able to do that with emergency preparedness and response, but who would provide the expertise or knowledgeable manpower to help you finish your tasks.
Friends, that's why we got into this business. We know that you don't have the funds to hire someone full time, but you still need to get the job done. We get to save the world and we make it cost effective by spreading the cost across multiple jurisdictions so you don't have to hire a full time expert to cover the work when you only have a short-term need. That's why we're picky about which projects we take on and which clients we work with.
Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving and we'll see you next month!
-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.
FEMA Announces Public Outreach Efforts And Comment Period Extension For PS-Prep
Release Date: November 4, 2009, Release Number: HQ-09-136
PS-Prep Public Meetings Information
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today a series of public meetings that will be held to discuss the DHS Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep).
PS-Prep is a partnership between DHS and the private sector that will enable private entities-including businesses, non-profit organizations and universities-to receive emergency preparedness certification from a system DHS created in coordination with the private sector.
The purpose of these meetings is to provide the public with an opportunity to engage in dialogue with DHS staff and program managers regarding an October 16, 2009, Federal Register Notice (74 FR 53286) announcing DHS' intent to select three standards for adoption in the PS-Prep program.
The dates, times (local time) and locations of the public meetings are listed here. Meeting participants are requested to be seated no later than 12:50 p.m. (local time).
Emergency Preparedness for New Year's
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced new proposed standards for In the coming weeks the Ready Campaign will be launching a new campaign designed to encourage emergency preparedness around New Years. As part of this campaign, we will be offering several resolution-oriented tips through our official twitter account, and would like to invite you to follow these before the campaign's launch.
The Ready Campaign's official twitter can be found at http://twitter.com/ReadydotGov
White Paper available from Homeland Security Digital Library
Learning from 9/11: Organizational Change in the New York City and Arlington County, Va., Police Departments
National Institute of Justice (U.S.); United States. Dept. of Justice. Office of Justice Programs
You will need to log in to access the paper. The login can be found here.
Movie Obsession
See the movie Obsession for Free for a Limited Time. Click here.
Long-Term Disaster Recovery Working Group
You are invited to be part of a major national initiative: the development of a National Disaster Recovery Framework.
On September 29, 2009, the President asked HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano to co-chair the newly-formed Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group. Composed of the Secretaries and Administrators of some 20 departments and agencies, the Working Group will provide the President with recommendations on how to improve long-term disaster recovery in partnership with stakeholders at all levels.
This high level, strategic initiative, will include a large outreach effort to obtain recommendations to support the work of the Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group. Specifically, the input informs (1) the development of a Report to the President, which will include recommendations for improving long-term disaster recovery and (2) the development of a National Disaster Recovery Framework, which will provide detailed operational guidance to recovery organizations under existing authorities.
To provide input and receive regular updates on the work of the Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group, please visit www.disasterrecoveryworkinggroup.gov
DHS Launches a New Website on Critical Infrastructure Protection
DHS has launched a new website designed to inform the public about our nation's Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKR) which includes assets, systems, and networks that are vital to the United States security, national economic security, public health and safety. For more information, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1258492512905.shtm.
Hurricane Season Officially Ends - Administrator Fugate Urges Vigilance
WASHINGTON - Today, November 30, 2009, marks the official end of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season and with that, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate reminds citizens to remain vigilant and stay prepared. Disasters are not limited to hurricanes or a specific time of year - they can occur anytime, anywhere.
"I can never remind people enough to stay prepared for potential disasters. We must never let our guard down. I am thankful for a quieter than usual hurricane season, but the fact remains disasters may occur at any time and without warning, said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "As we head into the winter season, we must all remain vigilant and remember to take the time to prepare ourselves and our families. Assemble a kit, have a family disaster plan and stay informed during disasters."
Winter weather, increased holiday traveling, and holiday fire safety are opportunities to focus on personal preparedness. Gather a preparedness kit including a 3-day supply of food and water, blankets, and first-aid kit for both your home and car. Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Finally, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.
Please visit: www.ready.gov
Recent and Upcoming Events
Recent Events
Upcoming Events
1-3 Dec 2009: Counter IED Symposium
Secretary Janet Napolitano, U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been confirmed as the Keynote Speaker at the upcoming Counter IED Symposium.Secretary Napolitano joins members from DHS, DOJ, DOE, and the Intelligence Community to speak at the December 1-3 symposium that is to be held at the Gaylord National Hotel located just outside of Washington, DC. A list of speakers can be found on the conference website at www.ncsi.com <http://www.ncsi.com/> .
This symposium and exposition will focus on the unique nature of the Domestic Response vs the Military Response to IED prevention. Federal, state, and local government representatives, industry, academia and laboratories will convene to address key issues and critical mission needs in support of IED defeat and prevention - for homeland security and the Warfighter.
The Interagency Council for Applied Homeland Security Technology (ICAHST) is sponsoring this event. For more information, and to register, please visit www.ncsi.com.
8-10 Dec 2009: 3rd Annual Conference on Global Preparedness
Each December, Florida Institute of Technology’s Global Center for Preparedness hosts an annual conference on preparedness and homeland security. Major topics will include emergency response & interoperability, the economy and preparedness, cyber-security & information assurance, human factors and secure technology; raising the bar from sustainable to resilient.Key speakers include, Kay Goss, CEM®, Associate Director of FEMA from 1994 -2001 and now Director of Emergency Management and Crisis Communications for SRA International, Major General William Etter, Director, Domestic Operations (J3), National Guard Bureau, Brigadier General Michelle Johnson from TRANSCOM, Mr. Yuki Karakawa from the International Association of Emergency and more. The event will be held at the Melbourne Hilton Rialto Place in Melbourne, FL, December 8-10, 2009. A highlight program of last year’s conference, additional program information for this year, as well as exhibit and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the Conference website, http://411.fit.edu/cgp. To register and for more information, contact Conference Administration:
Phone: (321) 674-8342
Fax: (321) 674-7597
E-mail: cgpinfo@fit.edu.
10 Dec 2010: 2009 San Diego InfraGard Holiday Mixer (InfraGard Members)
You are cordially invited to attend the inaugural 2009 San Diego InfraGard Holiday Mixer on Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the 94th Aero Squadron. Captioned InfraGard Holiday Mixer will give InfraGard members an opportunity to network with one another and celebrate the holiday season. A selection of hot and cold hors d' oeuvres will be served with a "no host" bar. Due to limited space, approximately 75-80 guests can be accommodated. Please join in the fun and festivities. Hope to see you there!!!!
What: 2009 San Diego InfraGard Holiday Mixer
When: Thursday, December 10, 2009
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: 94th Aero Squadron
8885 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123
Cost: $15.00
Please rsvp by Thursday, December 3, 2009, to Melanie Nauman at Melanie.Nauman@ic.fbi.gov to reserve your spot. Seasons Greetings!!!
12-13 Jan 2010: Free Agricultural Terrorism
Hello InfraGard members,
The following free Agricultural Terrorism training is being offered on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 and Wednesday, January 13, 2010 presented by the Western Institute for Food Safety and Security (WIFSS), University of California, Davis in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, co-sponsored by Infragard San Diego Member's Alliance and The San Diego Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center (SDRTTACC).
You may now view the flyer, and register, for the January 12 & 13, San Diego courses, by going to: http://wifss.ucdavis.edu/agroterrorism/classes/classesbydate.php. Please note that one must register through the WIFSS website only.
The training will be held at the San Diego Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center (SDRTTAC) located at 4181 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123.
Seating is limited and registration is on a first-come basis. Lunch will be provided during the full day of training.
If you have any questions, please contact SA Erika Foxworth at Erika.Foxworth@ic.fbi.gov or (858) 499-7926.
19-21 Jan 2010: Hazardous Materials Technical Reference class
This course will train responders to fill the position of Technical Specialist-Hazardous Materials
Reference in the Hazardous Materials Group. Course participants will learn how to obtain and provide
technical information and assistance using various sources such as computer databases, technical journals,
public and private technical information agencies, facility representatives, and product specialists. The
course will also provide training on product identification, verification, physical properties, and hazardous
characteristics using various reference sources and field identification tests.
Tuition: This course is funded by the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant
program. If you are an employee of a state or local government agency this course will be tuition-free. Please
contact the Region IV LEPC representatives to determine your eligibility for this grant.
Registration: To register for this course please contact Dana Owens at 916-845-8482 or
Dana.Owens@calema.ca.gov. You may apply by using the form below. For information on course content
please contact the Course Manager Vance Bennett at (805) 549-3010, Vance.Bennett@calema.ca.gov.
10-13 May 2010: NASTTPO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Courtesy of Tim Gablehouse, NASTTPO President (303) 572-0050
SAVE THE DATE: NASTTPO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MAY 10-13, 2010
The Cliffs
2757 Shell Beach Road Pismo Beach, CA 93449
www.cliffsresort.com 800.826.7827
The group name is "NASTTPO" and the room rate is $84.
That rate is available the weekend before the conference begins.
Registration will be $385 - the agenda will follow.
I hope to see you all there - it will be a great conference!
As mentioned a couple of months ago, as of 1 November of this year, we have discontinued credit card sales through the oursafetowns.com website. We are moving all book sales, audiobook sales, etc. to other outlets.
Keeping Our Neighborhoods Safe can be purchased through Amazon.com here.
Paperback copies of Keeping Our Chemical Facilities Safe can be purchased through Amazon.com here. Hardback copies will need to be purchased direct from SRM Associates; contact us for more information.
We are still working on links for the audio version of Keeping Our Neighborhoods Safe, the e-book of Mantiendo Nuestras Vecindades a Salvo, How to C.O.P.E. With Terrorism, and future titles.
We are also still working on electronic versions of our books. Any information you might have would be greatly appreciated.
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!
Secretary Napolitano Promotes Holiday Travel Tips For Safety, Security and Health
WASHINGTON-Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today was joined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Dr. Anne Schuchat and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Acting Administrator Gale Rossides to promote holiday travel tips and highlight the simple steps travelers can take to prevent the spread of the flu.
"Following these simple travel tips will help expedite the screening process at airports and keep travelers healthy and safe throughout the holiday travel season," said Secretary Napolitano.
TSA's holiday travel tips will help decrease the amount of time passengers spend in line at airport security checkpoints, increase the overall efficiency of airport operations and enhance security by engaging passengers in the shared responsibility of watching out for suspicious activity at airports across the nation.
TSA Travel Tips
Pay attention to your health before traveling
The best way to prevent the spread of the flu is to stay home if you're sick or have flu-like symptoms.
The CDC recommends you get both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines.
Practice good hygiene while traveling
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Wash your hands regularly to help prevent the spread of germs and illness.
Ensure your government-issued ID and boarding pass are out and ready
Getting all travel documents together and ready before you get in line will help security officers quickly verify that you, your identification, and your boarding pass match and are valid.
Wear easily removable shoes and jackets
Wearing footwear that can be easily removed helps speed the process for X-ray screening. Be prepared to remove all shoes, jackets and other outerwear for screening.
Take out liquids and laptops
Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels and aerosols at the checkpoint:
3-ounce bottles or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols;
1 quart-sized, clear, plastic zip-top bag; and
1 bag per passenger placed separately in a security bin for X-ray screening.
The liquid restriction applies only to carry-on bags. Passengers can pack larger quantities of liquids and gels in checked baggage.
Be prepared to remove your laptop from its case and place it in separate bin for X-ray screening.
Use TSA Family Lanes if you or your family needs extra time or assistance
Last year, TSA expanded its popular Family Lanes to every security checkpoint in the United States.
Family Lanes allow infrequent travelers, those with small children or passengers who need additional assistance to move through security at their own pace. Officers in these lanes work with passengers to screen medically necessary items like baby formula and insulin.
Keep an eye out for suspicious activity
Transportation security is a shared responsibility. The traveling public plays an important role in keeping holiday travel safe.
Travelers should report all suspicious activities or items to airport security personnel.
Remember TSA's new Secure Flight program when booking new airline tickets
Fulfilling a key 9/11 Commission recommendation, TSA is working with airlines to implement Secure Flight.
Secure Flight prescreens passenger name, date of birth and gender against government watch lists for domestic and international flights-making travel safer and easier by keeping known or suspected terrorists from obtaining a boarding pass.
In addition, Secure Flight helps prevent the misidentification of passengers who have names similar to individuals on government watch lists.
When booking airline tickets, use your name as it appears on the government ID you plan to use when traveling-along with your date of birth and gender. Providing this information will clear 99 percent of travelers to print boarding passes at home.
Airlines are phasing in this program; if you are not prompted for this information when booking travel or if there are small variations between your name and your reservation, don't worry-you will still be able to travel.
For more information on these and other helpful travel tips, please visit www.tsa.gov
Private Sector Preparedness Tips of the week from FEMA:
11/2/09
Install dual sensor smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers to protect your home business. Click here for more information: www.ready.gov/business/plan/planfiresafety.html.
11/9/09
Veteran-owned companies and other small businesses can learn how to register to work with FEMA to support local disaster responses at: www.fema.gov/business/contractor.shtm
11/16/09
Just a few inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage to your home or business. Visit www.floodsmart.gov.
11/23/2009
Review and update your primary and backup payroll, IT network, staff contact lists and vendor systems to prepare for potential disruptions over the holidays.
11/30/2009
Protect your business by using noncombustible or flame retardant materials to decorate your office for the holidays. http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/holiday.shtm