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PO Box 6873 - Alexandria, VA 22306 - (951) 764-3626
http://www.oursafetowns.com/Community Safety/Security e Newsletter * June 2010
Quite a newsletter this month, but then it's been quite a month. Looks like BP might have done a better job on their process hazards analysis. Or perhaps they decided that the risk was low. If so, I'd recommend that they reevaluate their risk matrix. Quite frankly, I hope that the real issue is the former. You can always fix problems by reevaluating the analysis with more rigor. If you have a bad concept of the risk that you can accept (especially if your plan is to transfer that risk to someone outside of your company (e.g. the public, the government, etc.), then you really need to replace the people making the risk decisions. Let's hope that not only does the cap mitigate things until the well can be retapped, but also that they re-think how they handle the risks that they take on. Enjoy the articles and events Lacey has lined up for this month. Until next month, stay safe!
-Stephen
Hello again, Lacey here working on June'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 we're looking at the accident that occurred on February 7th 2010 at the Kleen Energy Systems power plant. As a result of this accident, CSB will be conducting further investigations and holding a public meeting later this month. In other news, the BP oil spill continues to impact the gulf and the Gulf States, governmental agencies such as the EPA, along with BP executives and the Office of the President continue to argue over what can be done and who is to blame. While nothing definitive has been published, it is safe to assume that petrochemical-companies should begin reviewing their emergency response plans to prevent another disaster.
Thank you for joining us for another month and with the changing seasons please be sure to check out the FEMA safety tips for emergency weather conditions. Stay safe.
Lacey Whitaker
Pipe Cleaning Practices that Led to Kleen Energy Explosion Are Common Across Gas Energy Industry
CSB Public Meeting Planned Next Month in Connecticut to Consider New Safety Recommendations
The practice of using flammable natural gas to clean power plant piping, which led to the fatal explosion at Connecticut-based Kleen Energy on February 7, is commonly used across the gas-fired power generating industry. The explosion killed 6 workers and injured at least 50 others, occurred during a “gas blow” - a planned effort to clean out new fuel-gas piping. The ignition source for the blast has not been determined. “The industry survey confirms that there are readily available safe alternatives to using flammable natural gas for pipe cleaning,” said CSB Investigator Dan Tillema, P.E. “At the same time, a disturbing number of companies continue to use natural gas which creates the serious risk of a fire or explosion.” Read more.
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.
Presidential response to the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico
May 25, 2010
On Friday morning, President Obama will travel to the Louisiana Gulf Coast to assess the latest efforts to counter the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The President will join more than 22,000 people in the region, including many of the brightest scientific minds from both the public and private sector, who are working around the clock to mitigate the oil's impact. Below is the latest in the ongoing Administration-wide response provided by the Joint Information Center. Read More.
Don’t Blame Big Government for the B.P. Oil Spill
June 3, 2010
As the gusher in the gulf continues to spew oil, does this mean that there will be more or less government involvement in petrochemical-companies? Or will it just end in stricter guidelines for emergency response plans? Read more.
Recent and Upcoming Events
Recent 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
Upcoming Events
Up coming CERT Events
Training Meetings:
Held on the 2nd Thursday from 6:00-7:30
At the Neighborhood Community Center
1845 Park Avenue
Costa Mesa.
More Information at www.costamesacert.org
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)
25 June 2010 InfraGard quarterly meeting
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
FBI Annex
9737 Aero Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
Topics of discussion will include Crisis Management Preparedness and Business Continuity. The agenda is forthcoming.
Please RSVP to Melanie Nauman (Melanie.nauman@ic.fbi.gov)
28 June United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) will hold a Public Meeting
6:30 p.m.
Prince Edward Ballroom, Saint Clements Castle
1931 Portland-Cobalt Road
Portland, Connecticut 06480.
The purpose of the meeting is to consider urgent safety recommendations to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the American Gas Association (AGA); the International Code Council (ICC) and the Chair of the International Fuel Gas Code Committee; the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME); and other parties that result from the CSB investigation of the Kleen Energy Explosion on February 7, 2010.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required, but to assure adequate seating, attendees are encouraged to pre-register by emailing their names and affiliations to kleen@csb.gov by Friday, June 25, 2010.
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].More information for Principles of Front line response to Agro-Terrorism and Food Systems' Disasters.
More Information for Principles of National Incident Management System.
One of my safety/risk colleagues is looking to find a new position. If you're thinking of moving on from you job 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. A proven track record of saving $500 thousand in insurance costs. Developing, implementing and directing all safety programs for over 200 employees. Overseeing administration of workers' comp, general liability and auto claims. Preparing and analyzing loss data, reviewing all contracts from a risk perspective. Tremendous background in security/loss prevention. He also managed the Emergency Response program and disaster planning. He has experience in law enforcement and the utility industry.
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.
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!
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.
Earthquake Publications and Tools
FEMA offers a variety of earthquake-related information resources. In addition to the content provided on its earthquake web pages, these resources range from reports, handbooks, guides, and manuals to posters, software, web-based tools, and instructional materials. Get a full list of Publications.
FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week
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.
05/17/10: Prepare your employees for fires by placing a fire extinguisher in your office; identify the exit routes out of buildings and ensure that all fire protection equipment is in proper working order. Visit the US Fire Administration "Wild Fire, Are you Prepared?" web site for more details: www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/wildfire/
05/24/10: During the 2010 Hurricane Awareness Week, learn how to prepare your business, non-profits and schools for hurricanes: www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_season10.shtm
05/31/10: Add social media tools to your emergency communications plan to use a variety of outlets to communicate with your employees. www.ready.gov/business/plan/emerplanning.html