-
PO Box 6873 - Alexandria, VA 22306 - (951) 764-3626
http://www.oursafetowns.com/Community Safety/Security eNewsletter * December 2009
December 2009 Update
I decided to put out the December newsletter after the New Year as I figured that most of you would be celebrating the holidays with your families. I hopethat last month's newsletter provided some motivation for you as you approach our task of making the world safer. I've recommended the Chemical Security
Blog to you before, but I'd like to reiterate that it's a good resource. I'd also like to recommend that you check out stratfor.com. It's the most unbiased foreign policy analysis I've seen. You can see links to both websites on our resources page here. Until next month, I hope you have a wonderful month 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.
Center for Disease Control Phishing
CDC has received reports of fraudulent emails (phishing) referencing a CDC sponsored State Vaccination Program.
The messages request that users must create a personal H1N1 (swine flu) Vaccination Profile on the cdc.gov website. The message then states that anyone that has reached the age of 18 has to have his/her personal Vaccination Profile on the cdc.gov site.
The CDC has NOT implemented a state vaccination program requiring registration on www.cdc.gov.
Users that click on the email are at risk of having malicious code installed on their system.
CDC reminds users to take the following steps to reduce the risk of being a victim of a phishing attack:
Do not follow unsolicited links and do not open or respond to unsolicited email messages.
Use caution when visiting un-trusted websites.
Use caution when entering personal information online.
For more information from the Center for Disease Control, click here.
FEMA ENCOURAGES WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS
News Release
December 18, 2009
No.: HQ-09-156
FEMA Public Affairs: 202-646-3272
WASHINGTON - With the winter season approaching, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds individuals to be prepared for winter storms and extreme cold. While the danger of severe winter weather varies across the country, everyone can benefit by taking a few easy steps now to prepare for emergencies. A first step, regardless of where you live, is to visit the Ready.gov Web site to find preparedness ideas you can use all year long.
"Severe winter weather can strike at any time. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone to get an emergency supply kit, develop and practice a family emergency plan and stay informed about emergencies that may affect your area. Families can log onto Ready.gov to learn more."
Severe winter weather can include snow or subfreezing temperatures, strong winds and ice or heavy rain storms. An emergency supply kit both at home and in the car will help prepare you and your family for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.
Both kits should include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. In addition, your home kit should include a three day supply of food and water. Thoroughly check and update your family's emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:
Rock salt to melt ice on walkways,
Sand to improve traction on driveways and sidewalks,
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment,
And adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.
Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Learn about emergency plans established in your area by state and local officials and make sure your family plans and contacts are up to date.
Finally, make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following:
Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: http://www.ready.gov/winter
Resolve to be Ready by Making a New Year's Resolution to Get Prepared for Emergencies
The New Year is fast approaching and for the sixth year the Ready Campaign is encouraging Americans to Resolve to be Ready by making a New Year's resolution to get prepared for emergencies. We hope you will join in this effort. To help assist you in your outreach, please find the toolkit with helpful resources to promote Resolve to be Ready 2010 in your communities and businesses at http://www.ready.gov/america/about/resolve2010.html
FEMA And The FCC Announce Adoption Of Standards For Wireless Carriers To Receive And Deliver Emergency Alerts Via Mobile Devices
WASHINGTON D.C. -- As part of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), the nation's next generation of emergency alert and warning networks, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today announced the adoption of the design specifications for the development of a gateway interface that will enable wireless carriers to provide its customers with timely and accurate emergency alerts and warnings via their cell phones and other mobile devices. For more info, click here.
President Declares Major Disaster For Commonwealth Of Virginia
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the Commonwealth of Virginia to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding associated with Tropical Depression Ida beginning on November 11, 2009, and continuing. Read More.
Information from California's Emergency Management Agency:
From Brian Abeel
I. Haz Mat Team Typing Status Update:
Attached document provides information on the requests for and status of Hazardous Material Response Team Type Inspections.
II. Haz Mat Mutual Aid:
The attached Bulletin provides information regarding Haz Mat Mutual Aid.
III. Legislation Update:
Legislation Session closed October 9th, 2009. The legislature will reconvene the 2nd session of a two year legislation period January 4th, 2010.
California - www.leginfo.ca.gov
Federal - www.thomas.loc.gov
IV. SERC Reconstitution Brief:
Finalizing the Draft Brief to Cal EMA Executive Management for Reconstituting the SERC. This draft will be submitted to Cal EMA
Management by the end of Dec. 2009 for their review.
V. Group LEPCs Meeting:
February 2, 2010: 1 - 3 PM, Pavilion Room at the CUPA Conference. [SRM - see the events section for more info on the conference.]
VI. NASTIPO Annual Conference:
Information Courtesy of Tim Gablehouse, NASTTPO President (303) 572-0050
National Association of SARA Title III Program Officials Conference May 10-13, 2010 [SRM - see the events section for more info on the conference.]
-Brian A. Abeel
From Ron Olguin:
LEPC update effective 1 January 2010. This e-mail contains the following three changes. First we have a new chair for LEPC Region II, Assistant Fire Marshall Leroy Griffin of the Oakland Fire Department. Welcome Leroy. Nabil Al-Hadithy will be assisting Leroy during the change, thank you Nalbil.
The next change is Trevor Anderson and I have a new e-mail addresses, calema.ca.gov. Lastly, LEPC Region VI has a vacant opening for the CalEMA Regional Emergency Services Coordinator (ESC) Staff, Mark Bassett working on filling this position. If you have any questions, I can be reached at (916) 845-8765.
Thank you,
Ron Olguin
Costa Mesa, California Annual Schedule
Training meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday from 6-7:30 pm at the Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa. Find us at www.costamesacert.org
January 14 – What’s New for You and CERT!
February 11 – MESAC - Connecting Communications
March 11 – Triage Exercise
April 8 – Hazardous Materials Update
May 13 – Volunteer Care
June 10 – Outdoor Sheltering/Cooking Demo
July 8 – Emergency Operation Center Orientation (City EOC)
August 12 – Preparedness Campaign Prep
September 9 – Door to Door Campaign
October 14 – ICS Review
Saturday, November 6 – Annual Refresher Drill
November 11 – CERT Banquet
December – No program – Enjoys the holidays
Information from Emergency Response Network of the Inland Empire
Today Dec 18 was my last day of work, I am currently on Maternity Leave until March. Please direct any questions or concerns with ERNIE to Gary Sturdivan at gsturdivan@eastvalley.org or contact him at 909-806-4087.
I wish everyone Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Years!!
Cecilia Contreras
Methanol Safe Handling DVD
The Methanol Institute has produced a DVD entitled Methanol Safe Handling:
A User's Guide. The attached press release provides the detail on how to obtain copies of the video and associated training materials.
For further information, contact:
Greg Dolan
Methanol Institute
(703) 248-3636
OR
Tim Butters
Assistant Fire Chief/Operations
City of Fairfax (VA) Fire Department
DHS Annouces Grant Guidance for More Than $250 Million in Transit Security Grants for Fiscal Year 2010
DHS announced the release of application guidance for the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) totaling an estimated $253 million-funds for state, local and territorial governments and private sector entities to strengthen the nation's transportation infrastructure and protect the traveling public from acts of terrorism and other major disasters. For more information, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1260798758126.shtm
Recent and Upcoming Events
Recent Events
1-3 Dec 2009: Counter IED Symposium
8-10 Dec 2009: 3rd Annual Conference on Global Preparedness10 Dec 2010: 2009 San Diego InfraGard Holiday Mixer (InfraGard Members)
30 Dec 2009: Earthquake Info from IAEM:
Dear IAEM Region IX Member,A series of earthquake between San Bernardino County and the Mexican border started around 3:44 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30, in a remote area of the Mojave Desert with an 3.7 earthquake centered 14 miles
north of Trona, an unincorporated town about 65 miles from Death Valley. That quake was followed by a series of stronger quakes in northern Baja California, Mexico. A magnitude 5.8 quake, centered about 20 miles southeast of Mexicali, struck at 10:48 a.m. and caused buildings to sway more than 100 miles to the west in San Diego and southwestern Arizona.
There were no reports of injuries or major property damage. The tremor was followed quickly by a 4.9 quake and at least nine other aftershocks.
In Mexicali, the capital of Baja California with a population of 750,000, five hospitals were briefly evacuated, 90,000 customers lost electricity for 14 minutes and cell phones failed to work for 20 minutes, according to Rene Rosado, director of the city's civil defense. City government offices closed for the day.
In Calexico, the sister-city on the U.S. side, population 40,000, no damage to bridges, buildings or roads was found. Citizen reports to the USGS indicated that the 5.8 tremor was felt in southern Nevada and metropolitan Los Angeles. The 5.8 eathquake started 4.3 miles deep and was considered a shallow quake. Shallower quakes have the potential to cause more damage than deeper ones.
For information on the latest quake, go to USGS Website at:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsus/Quakes/ci14565620.php
Upcoming Events
12 Jan 2010: South Beach CAER meeting
The next South Beach CAER meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 12, 2010. Please email any comments and suggestions for topics and/or speakers to Robert Kamm at robert.kamm@lausd.net.
Possible topics:
Debris Flow and impacts on the harbor, LACounty FD
Tsunami, United States Coast Guard
Update on our Emergency Notification System, Rapid Notify and Testing
12-13 Jan 2010: Free Agricultural Terrorism Training
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.
14 Jan 2010: CA LEPC Meeting
The next CA LEPC I meeting will be at the Skirball Cultural Center, in Los Angeles. Please RSVP to Janice Herrera at Janice_Herrera@oes.ca.gov, if you are planning to attend the meeting.
TIME: 10:00 A.M.
LOCATION: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 (In Ahmanson Lot, 1st Floor Classroom Lower Level - 1.Go through Taper Courtyard/take elevator to lower level,next to Ruby doors on Taper.)
Phone; 310-440-4500
14-15 Jan 2010: Homeland Security ENHANCED THREAT AND RISK ASSESSMENTS COURSE MGT 315 - 2 DAY - TUITION FREE
Time: 0800-1700 hours.
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA - Storm Stadium 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Host: Riverside County Sheriff's Department / Storm Baseball
Registration: Contact Deputy David Douglas, Riverside County Sheriff's Department. DDouglas@riversidesheriff.org or (951) 906-9739
IMPORTANT: Course flyer is available for course content. Please RSVP to Deputy Douglas. You will be contacted to verify your registration has been approved.
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.
1-4 Feb 2010: 12th California Unified Program Annual Training Conference
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
1333 Bayshore Highway
Burlingame, CA 94010
For more information, click here.
19 Feb 2010: Operation Medusa 2010 (anti-terrorism tabletop exercise)
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
What: “Operation Medusa 2010” is an anti-terrorism tabletop exercise designed and sponsored by the San Diego Chapter of InfraGard in concert with law enforcement, security professionals, the military and emergency response agencies at all levels throughout San Diego County. It is designed for participation by the lay practitioner with support from numerous emergency response organizations.
Where: The FBI Annex Building, Main Conference Room, 9737 Aero Drive, San Diego
Cost: Ten dollars ($10) per attendee to cover lunch and materials. A continental breakfast will be provided by InfraGard at no additional cost. Cash or checks only will be accepted.
“Operation Medusa 2010” T-shirt cost: $10 each (optional).
Who should attend: SEATING AVAILABILITY WILL BE STRICTLY LIMITED.
Priority admission will be granted to General Managers and Security Directors from the hotel/motel industry, Casino management, Convention Services management, Corporate Security managers and directors, law enforcement/first responders, and designated U.S. Military personnel. Due to the highly sensitive nature of the subject matter and to ensure a protected environment for open discussion, everyone who attends must either be vetted by InfraGard or hold current active duty law enforcement, fire, medical, or U.S. Military credentials to participate.
The FBI InfraGard vetting process is simple and straightforward. Visit the InfraGard website at: http://www.infragard.net/. Complete the InfraGard application on-line; print it and sign your name (original signature required). Mail it to the address provided. It takes a few weeks lead time to process your application, so please submit it in a timely manner. Please print “OPERATION MEDUSA 2010” at the top of your application. Let FBI Special Agent Erika Foxworth know that you have submitted an application; she will track and help expedite its processing: Erika.foxworth@ic.fbi.gov.
Why attend? Regardless of your InfraGard Sector affiliation or your occupation, you have a personal stake in the desired outcomes of this exercise. Your input is invaluable! You do not have to be directly involved in the security industry or the hotel industry to participate. Often the best ideas come from those who are not “too close” to the subject.
RSVP required: You must register and confirm your attendance no later than
February 5, 2010, to Melanie.Nauman@ic.fbi.gov.
Please direct any questions to:
Dave Dalton, Exercise Coordinator, at ddalton@sdnhm.org (or)
SA Erika Foxworth, FBI InfraGard Coordinator, at Erika.foxworth@ic.fbi.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!
23-25 Aug 2010: 4th Annual HAZUS Conference
The HAZUS Conference provides a unique opportunity for users of all levels in a wide variety of professions (e.g., first responders, local government decision makers, planners, GIS specialists) to share expertise and experience in the development and use of HAZUS-MH.
Downtown Indianapolis
Click here for more information: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus/hz_trngconf.shtm
Stephen has recently been told that a colleague from the military who is a cyber-security expert is looking for employment following his retirement. If you are interested, please give us a shout
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
12/7/09
Ensure that your business insurance covers all hazards including floods, wind, fire and other emergencies. www.fema.gov/rebuild/insurance.shtm
12/14/2009
Give the Gift of Preparedness: a weather radio, CPR lessons or emergency kits for your family, pets and car. For more preparedness gift giving ides, visit: http://www.ready.gov/business/plan/emersupply.html
12/21/2009
Support employee volunteer efforts and encourage them to give back to their communities. Visit www.serve.gov