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PO Box 6873 - Alexandria, VA 22306 - (951) 764-3626
http://www.oursafetowns.com/Community Safety/Security eNewsletter * May 2010
Lacey has put together quite a newsletter for us this month. I'd like to highlight a couple of items that didn't make it into the newsletter. First, in the interest of understatement, there's quite an oil spill in the Gulf right now. Thanks to a methane bubble, an explosion on Deepwater Horizon has resulted in what may be the worst environmental disaster in history. I haven't seen the process hazard analysis for the platform (note that there is no legal requirement to perform one on oil platforms, but there are industry standards that stipulate they be completed) but I can't help but wonder what the risk of that event would have come up as. The second thing I wanted to mention is the earthquake in Taiwan. For those of you following the “Boobquake” experiment <http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/started-boobquake/story?id=10501987&page=2>, the earth didn't shake any more on April 26 because of the immodestly dressed women, in spite of the timing of the quake. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the quake, but it's nice to know that at least one experiment shows that, all fundamentalist religious speculation aside, the cause is not western culture.
Until next month, stay safe!
-Stephen
Hello again, Lacey here working on May's Newsletter for SRM Associates. For the next few months we are going to be very busy, so please be sure to check out all our upcoming events. In the news this month the nation has been focusing on chemical security from not only domestic but international threats. With this in mind I did some research into what steps the Department of Homeland Security has taken to protect Chemical-terrorism Vulnerability Information (CVI).
In Section 550 , which has been extended to be effective until October 4, 2010, the Secretary of Homeland Security has created regulations establishing risk based performance standards for chemical facilities which include: vulnerability assessment and development and implementation of site security plans to be disapproved of a site security plan if the plan fails to satisfy the risk-based performance standards established by the section.
DHS also provides the Safeguarding Information Designated Chemical-Terrorism Vulnerability Information (CVI) Revised Procedural manual, to further clarify definitions, who needs to know, access and disclosure, general handling, policy and procedures, and reporting potential violations. A full copy of the manual can be found here.
While there is so much more to the Chemical Security Field, Chemical-terrorism Vulnerability Information is a key component.
Thank you for joining us for another month and stay safe.
Lacey Whitaker
The CSB issues the following statement from Board Member William Wark:
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) learned of a tragic accident in New London, Texas. Two 24-year- old's – a man and a woman, both members of the public– were socializing in the vicinity of an unattended oil and gas production site located in a rural area of Texas when an explosion killed one of the individuals and seriously injured the other. The CSB has learned that this particular site was unsecured and unmanned. These accidents can be prevented through education, by securing the sites and putting up warning signs. The CSB again urges the oil and gas production industry, state legislatures, and federal and state regulators to take action. Read the full statement.
Anti terror Security Ring Encircles New York
Monday, April 26, 2010
New York City's neighboring municipalities have received equipment intended to help safeguard the area against radiological "dirty bomb" attacks. Since 2007, the federal Securing the Cities Program has provided 5,000 radiation sensors and other gear to counties around New York City. Other protective measures in the area include Coast Guard countermeasures, port security equipment and monitoring of local transit routes. Read more.
Marines Join Chemical Attack Drill in NYC
Monday, April 26, 2010
On Thursday firefighters and members of the Marines' Chemical Biological Incident Response Force unit dealt with the mock release of a dangerous chemical in the subway system, a bus explosion, a collapsing building and detonations of two improvised explosive devices. Read More.
Environmental Decontamination Following a Large-Scale Bio terrorism Attack: Federal Progress and Remaining Gaps
The process of environmental decontamination, that is, removing biological hazards from buildings, vehicles, and outdoor areas, is a key step in a successful response to a large-scale attack involving a biological agent. A biological attack on a U.S. city could contaminate both indoor and outdoor environments. Contaminated areas might include buildings, streets, parks, and vehicles, which would probably all need to be decontaminated before an affected city could be inhabited again. Given the U.S. experience with the 2001 anthrax attacks, it is possible that a city might be uninhabitable for an extensive period of time following a large biological attack. Read more...
Recent and Upcoming Events
Recent Events
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!
10 – 11 May 2010: Enhanced Threat and Risk Assessment MGT 315
The Enhanced Threat and Risk Assessment Course (ET&RA) will augment the process taught in the current Department of Homeland Security/Office of Grants and Training (DHS/OG&T) Threat and Risk Assessment course (T&RA). It provides managers of emergency responders with enhanced skills to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the critical vulnerabilities in the jurisdiction and develop an action plan to prevent, reduce and/or mitigate the potential damage from a Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE)/terrorism incident. The participants will conduct a detailed assessment of potential methods of CBRNE delivery against the jurisdiction's potential targets. Participants will then apply a systematic process to assess selected infrastructure, facilities, systems, and special events for methods and measures to prevent, reduce and/or mitigate vulnerabilities.
Upcoming Events
20 May 2010: Local Emergency Planning Committee Region I
Juanita Millender McDonald Community Center
801 East Carson Street, Room 107 A,B,C
Beings at 9:30AM
Featuring:
OES/CALMEA Legislative Status – Report Ron Olguin and Brian Abeel. An update of the OES activities and recent legislative actions related to hazardous materials will be discussed with information including the role of CALEMA, recent changes in legislation and regulation.
Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grants – Ron Olguin. A Review of all awards and upcoming grantees will be discussed.
SERC/LEPC – Brian Abeel, A discussion on crecent activity to resurrect the SERC will address changes in CalEMA, budget concerns and summary of EPA Conference in San Luis Obispo. Brian will also discuss the LEPC Chairs meeting at the CUPA conference.
20 May 2010: Free Cyber Security Training Workshop
Referenced Computer Security Workshop is co-sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) , the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the FBI.
To attend the 1/2 day Cyber Security Training Workshop, please register at: sandiego@sba.gov or call (619) 727-4885.The NIST has developed a workshop to help small business owners increase information system security, identify and address common threats and learn common best practices.
Space is limited, so register early.
What: Free Computer Security Workshop
Where: Health Services Complex (Coronado Room)
3851 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92110
Time: 8:30 am -12:30 pm
Register at: sandiego@sba.gov25 – 26 May 2010: Protective Measures Training for Security Officers, Mid-Level Safety/Security Supervisors and Property Managers.
A free two-day course sponsored by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the San Diego Infra guard chapter and the San Diego Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center (SDRTTAC).
Where: San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center (SDLECC)
4181 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123
Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Lunch on your own)
Registration Deadline is Tuesday May 18, 2010. Due to strict space limitations and student to teacher ratios, only current InfraGard members are invited to attend reference training opportunity. If you have further questions, please contact, SA Erika Foxworth, FBI San Diego Erika.Foxworth@ic.fbi.gov
26 May 2010: Community Awareness & Emergency Response Associations
Beach Cities, SouthBay & Long Beach CAER Associations
Wednesday May 26th
Carson Community Center
801 East Carson Street
Carson, CA 90745-2269Time: 9:30am – 11:30 am
RSVP Via email: robert.kamm@lausd.net
Agenda
Welcome and Opening Remarks Robert Kamm, Paul Vukmanic, Mark Shemaria
Emergency Preparedness in our Communities
Goals and objectives of CAER
Future of Reverse 911/One-Call Programs Moderator: Mark Shemaria
15 – 16 June 2010: Principles of Detection and Diagnosis – Strategies and Technologies and Principles of national Incident Management System
Tuesday, June 15, 2010: "*Principles of Detection and Diagnosis - Strategies and Technologies"
Wednesday, June 16: "Principles of National Incident Management System
(NIMS) and Risk Communication"Please take a moment, now, to reserve your place for the remaining four courses of the Agro-Terrorism training series, 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, and co-sponsored by Infragard San Diego Member's Alliance [an FBI-Affiliated
501(c)3 Corporation].More information for Principles of Detection and Diagnosis – Strategies and Technologies
More Information for Principles of national Incident Management System.
16 – 17 June 2010: 4th Annual HAZUS Conference
The USEPA is putting together the Water Laboratory Alliance Security Summit – West Coast in June 16 and 17, 2010 in San Francisco. This is a great summit looking into a very important resource. More information can be found at the following web address:
https://www.thetestportal.com/wlasummit
For questions, please call: Joseph Crisologo, P.E., R.E.A.
Senior Homeland Security Engineer
California Department of Public Health
Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management
1449 West Temple Street, Rm 202
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213-580-5743 (office)
213-580-5711 (fax)
Joseph.Crisologo@cdph.ca.gov (email)
7 – 8 July 2010 Chemical Sector Security Summit
Hilton Baltimore
401 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, Md. 21201The annual Chemical Sector Security Summit provides a forum for attendees to exchange information and network with other security professionals. The event also allows participants the opportunity to ask specific questions about the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) as well as gain insight into the role of different agencies and departments involved in chemical security.
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
14 – 15 September 2010: Principles of Front Line Response to Agro-Terrorism and Food Systems' Disasters and Principles of Planning and Implementing Recovery.
Tuesday, September 14: "Principles of Front line Response to Agro-terrorism and Food Systems' Disasters"
Wednesday, September 15: "Principles of Planning and Implementing Recovery"Please take a moment, now, to reserve your place for the remaining four courses of the Agro-Terrorism training series, 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, and co-sponsored by Infragard San Diego Member's Alliance [an FBI-Affiliated 501(c)3 Corporation].
Information for Principles of Front line response to Agro-Terrorism and Food Systems' Disasters.
Information for: Principles of Planning and Implementing Recovery.
We've recently begun discussions with George Mason University's Center for Critical Infrastructure Protection (http://cip.gmu.edu/) to look into teaming on projects or working together to make the country safer.
Yet another colleague is looking for employment – this one is a former fire marshal for a town of over 50,000 people. Please give me a holler if you hear of anything that might interest him.
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!
Top Screen Problems Presented by Chemical Facility Security News Blog
The Chemical Facility Security News provided an interesting entry that comments on how Chemicals of Interest (COI) maybe handled by the DHS in the future. Currently the NPRA proposal mentions that the current rules for Top Screen Submissions are based on the presence of a DHS COI at or above the screen level quantity (STQ), and resubmissions are required if there is a significant level of change in that inventory. The proposal notes that in short periods of times the inventory may fluctuate significantly, but this does not effect long term security, and requires resubmission for DHS.
A number of scenarios and potential are solutions in respect to one time inventory fluctuations, recurring short term inventory and long standing or intermittent COIs, are outlined in the Chemical Facility Security News, read more about Top Screen Problems presented by Chemical Facility Security News.
National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA) does to effect Petrochemical companies, and refiners. In the most basic way NPRA is a a national trade association based in Washington, D.C. representing nearly 500 members, including virtually all U.S. refiners and petrochemical manufacturers. Looking specifically at their Chemical Risk Policy, NPRA is in the process of forming an informal network of member representatives who are interested in chemical risk management policy, to find out more NPRA Home Page
Floods and Flood Safety
Anywhere it rains, it can flood. A flood is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow. Many conditions can result in a flood: hurricanes, broken levees, outdated or clogged drainage systems and rapid accumulation of rainfall. More Safety tips can be found at, floodsmart.gov
TsunamiReady™ Helps Communities at Risk
Schools, playgrounds, hospitals, factories and homes are often built in areas vulnerable to tsunamis. The TsunamiReady Program, developed by the National Weather Service, is designed to help cities, towns, counties, universities and other large sites in coastal areas reduce the potential for disastrous tsunami-related consequences. Learn more at TsunamiReady
Earth Quake Risks and Information
Get up to date Earthquake information at United States Geological Survey
Volcano Ash Cloud Sets Off Global Domino Effect
The U.S. Travel Association estimates that the ash cloud produced by the eruption has , approximately $130 million per day. That kind of loss to the economy affects the cash flow to fund about 6,000 American jobs, the association said. Every international flight bound for the U.S. is worth an average of $450,000 in spending from travelers, which the association says pays for five jobs per flight. Read more.
Seasonal Safety Tips:
Wildfires
The threat of wild land fires for people living near wild land areas or using recreational facilities in wilderness areas is real. Dry conditions at various times of the year and in various parts of the United States greatly increase the potential for wild land fires.
Flood Maps, Insurance, and Information
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.
FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week
4/19/10: Help protect your employees and your office building from earthquakes and other disasters with FEMA Mitigation Publications. Click here for more details: www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/howto/index.shtm.
4/26/10: Prepare your students and educators for all hazards with school safety tips from the Department of Education.
www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/index.html.05/03/10: Are you looking for the best way to donate your time and resources to support disasters? Click here for more details: www.fema.gov/donations
5/10/10: Businesses and non-profits may obtain local hazards information and basic disaster response training for their employees from their local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Select the State Directory to find your nearest local CERT program: www.citizencorps.gov/cert.