The Integrated Task Force Collaboration Community on IdeaScale is Live!

May 22, 2013 by Leave a comment

Securing critical infrastructure against growing and evolving cyber threats requires a layered approach. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) actively collaborates with public and private sector partners every day to prevent, respond to, and coordinate mitigation efforts against attempted disruptions and adverse impacts to the nation’s critical cyber and communications networks and infrastructure, as well as a range of additional hazards, including terrorism and natural disasters.

DHS recently launched a critical component for effective implementation of the recent Executive Order on Cybersecurity and the Presidential Policy Directive on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience – The Integrated Task Force Collaboration Community on IdeaScale.  IdeaScale is a platform for posting and sharing public comments and feedback.  Right now, the dialogue centers on discussions about the needs of Public/Private Partnership information sharing.  However, other discussion topics are also available.

To join the IdeaScale discussion, go to http://www.eoppd.ideascale.com/.  You will need to register to join the community.  Alternatively, you are welcome to submit your comments and thoughts via email at EO-PPDTaskforce@hq.dhs.gov.

To learn more about both the latest Executive Order on Cybersecurity and Presidential Policy Directive 21 go to http://www.dhs.gov/strengthening-security-and-resilience-nation%E2%80%99s-critical-infrastructure

 

 

Filed under All Hazards, Communication/Outreach, Cyber, DHS, Resiliency

Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox Now on the Web

May 17, 2013 by Leave a comment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released an updated web-based version of the Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox.   The toolbox provides water systems with a practical guide for what to do and how to communicate during drinking water advisories.  It can also provide useful tools that states can use when assisting water systems with advisories.  The web-based version makes navigating the toolbox simple, and provides more than 40 downloadable and customizable tools and templates. The toolbox was a collaborative effort between CDC, EPA, and AWWA, with input from ASDWA and state representatives.

Filed under All Hazards, Communication/Outreach, EPA, Partners, Tools

National Preparedness Frameworks Updates

May 8, 2013 by Leave a comment

On May 8, FEMA issued the following Stakeholder Advisory to discuss progress under Presidential Policy Directive 8:  National Preparedness.

SUBJECT:               PPD-8 Frameworks Rollout Advisory
DISTRIBUTION:      Intended for widest distribution to critical infrastructure partners

Sent on behalf of the FEMA PPD-8 Program Executive Office

Today, the Federal Government and its partners released three of the five National Planning Frameworks directed in Presidential Policy Directive 8: National Preparedness. These National Planning Frameworks document the roles and responsibilities of the whole community in all facets of national preparedness and illustrate how we work together to support one another before, during, and after an emergency. The benefit of this unified effort is  a more informed, shared understanding of risks, needs, and capabilities across the whole community; and, in the end, a more secure and resilient nation.

There is one Framework for each of the five mission areas: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response and Recovery. The National Disaster Recovery Framework was the first to be released (September 2011), and the National Protection Framework is currently under development to ensure it aligns with emerging national protection policy. The National Response Framework is based on the 2008 version.

You can download the National Planning Frameworks and view the tutorial at http://www.fema.gov/national-planning-frameworks.

In recognition of the need to adopt an all-of-Nation approach to preparedness, and in the spirit of open government, we gathered ideas from the whole community and shared drafts to get specific feedback during the development of the Frameworks. We received more than 5,000 comments from individuals and communities, including people with access and functional needs; businesses and nonprofits; and all levels of government. As a result, the Frameworks offer practical, real-life examples of things people are doing to keep our Nation safe and resilient.

The whole community is encouraged to read each Framework to see how it applies to them.
Each Framework:

  • Summarizes the roles and responsibilities of each part of the whole community
  • Defines each mission area’s core capabilities, along with examples of critical tasks
  • Defines coordinating structures-either new or existing-that enable the whole community to work   together to deliver the core capabilities
  • Describes the relationships to the other mission areas
  • Identifies relevant information to help with operational planning
  • Provides information that all levels of government can use to revise their operational plans
  • Uses concepts from existing preparedness efforts, such as the National Incident Management System

As we continue to implement the National Preparedness System, we encourage you to check our online collaboration forum at http://fema.ideascale.com and our Website at http://www.fema.gov/nationalpreparedness  for additional opportunities to provide input.

Thank you for your input and continued support. Together, we can make the Nation more resilient and secure.

Filed under All Hazards, Communication/Outreach, DHS, FEMA, Partners, Plans/Planning, Resiliency

RCPT Holds Webinar Dialogue Series

April 30, 2013 by Leave a comment

RCPT stands for Regional Catastrophic Planning Team and serves as a resource for stakeholders of the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP) for New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, created in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. 

RCPT is planning a series of three web-based discussions to explore energy dependencies within critical infrastructure. Building upon after action meetings and workshops following Superstorm Sandy, these webinars will bring together panels of industry and government experts to develop a better understanding of interdependencies between energy and other critical sectors.

Although focused primarily on the energy sector in the four Sandy-impacted states, these discussions will cover topics of critical importance to the water community such as interdependencies among lifeline sectors, government priorities, and communicating best practices to enhance resiliency.

DATES:  May 14, May 21, and June 4

TIMES:  10:00AM-Noon (eastern) for each discussion

REGISTER:  http://rcptwebinar.govtools.us/

This flyer link RCPT Energy Dependencies Webinar Flyer 42213  offers more details about this web series.  To learn more about RCPT and the 4 state grant program, go to:  http://www.regionalcatplanning.org/

Filed under All Hazards, Communication/Outreach, Emergency Planning, Natural Disasters, Partners, Resiliency

FEMA CALLS FOR 2013 INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AWARDS SUBMISSIONS

April 23, 2013 by Leave a comment

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce the application period for the 2013 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is now open.

These awards recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, Citizen Corps Councils and programs working to make our communities safer, stronger and better prepared for any disaster or emergency event. Submissions will be accepted April 22 through June 5, 2013.

To be considered for this year’s Awards, all submissions must be received by June 5, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. E.D.T. and are required to feature program activities taking place during the period of January 1, 2012 through June 5, 2013. FEMA will review all entries and select the finalists. A distinguished panel of judges from the emergency management industry will select a winner in each of the following categories:

  • Outstanding State Citizen Corps Council Initiatives
  • Outstanding Local Citizen Corps Council Initiatives
  • Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team Initiatives
  • Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness
  • Preparing the Whole Community
  • Awareness to Action
  • Community Preparedness Heroes

Winners of the 2013 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards will be announced in Fall 2013.

Whether it is an individual or a faith-based, non-profit, private sector, community-based, or tribal organization – everyone makes a difference in our community. Acknowledge the work you or someone you know has done to build a more resilient nation and submit an application.

Visit the following website for information on the Awards and to download instructions for submitting an application: www.ready.gov/citizen-corps-awards.

 

Filed under All Hazards, Climate Change, Communication/Outreach, FEMA, Natural Disasters, Plans/Planning

DHS Shares “Active Shooter” Video

April 19, 2013 by Leave a comment

The Department of Homeland Security Infrastructure-Public Affairs Office has published an informational video titled “Active Shooter:  Options for Consideration.”  The video demonstrates possible actions to take if confronted with an active shooter scenario. The instructive video reviews the choices of evacuating, hiding, or, as an option of last resort, challenging the shooter.  The video also shows how to assist authorities once law enforcement enters the scene.  This link http://www.dhs.gov/activeshooter will take you to the appropriate page (scroll down to find the video tool) and also offers other helpful information related to ‘Active Shooter’ preparedness.  While the video is not downloadable directly from this website, you can go to http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/videoflv/Options_for_Consideration.flv and download a version of the video.

 

Filed under Communication/Outreach, DHS, Malicious Acts, Tools, Training

APHL Promotes National Environmental Laboratories Professionals Week

April 17, 2013 by Leave a comment

Next week (April 22-26) is National Environmental Laboratories Professionals Week.  The goal is to promote the training and professional development of environmental labs and their staffs.

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) has put together a toolkit of ideas, celebratory activities, and resources that you may find both useful and educational!  For example, there’s a live APHL webinar (April 22, 3:00 pm ET) showcasing two state laboratories that are successfully working on Environmental Public Health Tracking; there’s a link to on-demand calibration training from Arizona; and there’s a link to EPA’s new training videos on automated ultrafiltration field devices.  To register for the web event and to learn more about APHL’s toolkit, go to:  http://images.magnetmail.net/images/clients/APHL/attach/Env_Lab_Week_2013.pdf.

 

Filed under Communication/Outreach, Labs, Partners, Tools, Training, WLA

WLA to Reprise Tabletop Training

April 17, 2013 by Leave a comment

Courtesy of our friends at APHL, ASDWA has learned that due to overwhelming interest, EPA’s Water Lab Alliance (WLA) is conducting two additional tabletop exercises for water utility response efforts.   These new sessions repeat the training that WLD conducted in March called “Endless Storm.”

The target audience for these no cost exercises includes laboratories, water utilities, first responders, local governments and state drinking water program staff.  For more information about these events and WLA training, go to http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/wla/trainingcenter.cfm#live.

Filed under Communication/Outreach, EPA, Labs, Partners, Tools, Training

FEMA Offers Internet and Text Messaging Tips for Emergencies

April 4, 2013 by Leave a comment

According to The American Red Cross, the Internet – including online news sites and social media platforms – is the third most popular way for Americans to gather emergency information and let their loved ones know they are safe. Make sure you are tech ready during an emergency with these tips from FEMA.

Keep your contacts updated across all of your channels, including phone, email and social media. This will make it easy to reach out to the right people quickly to get information and supply updates. Consider creating a group list serve of your top contacts.

  • Learn how to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone to your contacts and social channels in case voice communications are not available. Text messages and the internet often have the ability to work in the event of a phone service disruption.
  • Keep extra batteries for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand crank charger. These chargers are good emergency tools to keep your laptop and other small electronics working in the event of a power outage. If you own a car, purchase a car phone charger because you can charge your phone if you lose power at your home.
  • Program “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you are unable to use your phone. Let your ICE contacts know that they are programmed into your phone and inform them of any medical issues or other special needs you may have.
  • If you have a traditional landline (non-broadband or VOIP) phone, keep at least one non-cordless receiver in your home because it will work even if you lose power.
  • If you are evacuated and have call-forwarding on your home phone, forward your home phone number to your cell phone number.
  • If you do not have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card to use if needed during or after a disaster.
  • Prepare a family contact sheet. This should include at least one out-of-town contact that may be better able to reach family members in an emergency.
  • Have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio or television available (with spare batteries).

You can also get text messages from FEMA sent to your phone. To sign up, text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA). You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 43362 (4FEMA). Text messaging and data rates apply to this service.

Click here to learn more from FEMA about using technology to prepare for disasters and emergencies.

Filed under All Hazards, Communication/Outreach, Emergency Planning, FEMA

EPA to Host Two Climate Ready Webinars

April 3, 2013 by Leave a comment

EPA’s Water Security Division is offering two opportunities for states and utilities to learn more about new and updated tools that look at climate readiness, extreme weather events, climate-based risk assessments, and adaptation planning strategies.

On April 10th, EPA will host a webinar (1:00-2:00 eastern) on two tools, the Extreme Events Workshop Planner and the Adaptation Strategies Guide. The presentation will demonstrate how utilities can use the tools together to develop an adaptation plan. The session will also include a guest presentation from Craig Kern on a pilot workshop in Erie, Pennsylvania with Erie Waterworks.

On April 24th, EPA will host the second webinar (1:00-2:00 eastern) on the Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool, or CREAT. CREAT allows utilities to learn about localized climate impacts and complete a comprehensive risk assessment to help prepare for and adapt to those impacts. This webinar will continue demonstrating the tool processes, with an outline of the baseline analysis, resilience analysis and adaptation planning steps. As part of this presentation, Southern Nevada Water Authority in Las Vegas, Nevada will provide a description of their experience using CREAT with EPA.

To register, view the “Training Calendar” tab at www.epa.gov/climatereadyutilities. Participant space is limited, so we suggest that you register early. You’ll receive an email confirmation when your registration is approved. Please contact EPA at CRWUhelp@epa.gov if you have any questions or require additional information regarding CRWU initiative tools, resources, or webinars.

Filed under Climate Change, Communication/Outreach, EPA, Natural Disasters, Plans/Planning, Risk Assessment/Analysis

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