June 20, 2007

New DHS framework for critical infrastructure protection
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released 17 Sector-Specific Plans in support of the National Infrastructure Protection Plan. Each SSP is tailored to the unique risk characteristics of that sector to promote greater consistency of protective programs and resources within the sectors.

The vast majority of the nation's critical infrastructure is owned and operated by private industry. SSPs define roles and responsibilities, catalog existing security authorities, institutionalize already existing security partnerships and establish the strategic objectives required to achieve a level of risk reduction appropriate to each individual sector. Non-sensitive SSPs, SSP Executive Summaries, and the NIPP are available at http://www.dhs.gov/nipp.

Poll shows U.S. coastal residents unprepared for hurricanes
Despite the historic and devastating hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, a new Mason-Dixon poll reveals that a dangerously high percentage of residents in hurricane-vulnerable states still aren't prepared, don't take the threat of hurricanes seriously and have big gaps in what they know about hurricanes – even among those who live within 30 miles of the coast.

Among the most alarming findings of the survey:

• 53 percent don't feel vulnerable to a hurricane or related tornado or flooding.
• 52 percent have no family disaster plan.
• 61 percent have no hurricane survival kit.
• 88 percent have taken no steps to make their homes stronger.
• 16 percent said they might not or would not evacuate even if ordered to do so.

The poll is one of the leading elements of the National Hurricane Survival Initiative, http://www.hurricanesafety.org/, a public education and safety outreach partnership that includes the National Hurricane Center, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Emergency Management Association, the Salvation Army and the state of North Carolina.

New special needs resource available
The Department of Homeland Security Lessons Learned Information Sharing has launched a new resource page, Emergency Planning for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. It is a one-stop resource for planners at all levels of government, non-governmental organizations and private sector entities. The resource page provides more than 250 documents, including lessons learned, plans, procedures, policies and guidance on how to include citizens with disabilities and other special needs in all phases of the emergency management cycle. To view the information, register for free at https://www.llis.dhs.gov/. It is an encrypted system and all users are verified emergency response providers and homeland security officials.

CEDAP grant deadline extended
The application period for the Department of Homeland Security 2007 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program awards has been extended. CEDAP strengthens regional response, mutual aid and interoperable communications capabilities across the nation by providing local homeland security partners essential equipment and equipment training that they might not be able to afford otherwise. Eligibility for CEDAP is limited to law enforcement agencies, fire and other emergency responder organizations with specific financial and capability needs.

Equipment and equipment training awards are offered in five categories: personal protective equipment; thermal imaging, night vision and video surveillance tools; chemical and biological detection tools; information technology and risk management tools; and interoperable communications equipment. The program application is available through the Responder Knowledge Base at http://www.rkb.mipt.org. Applications can be submitted until 11:59 p.m. on June 29, 2007.

OSHA unveils pandemic flu guidance
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has unveiled new safety and health guidance that will help health care workers and their employers prepare for a possible influenza pandemic.

Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers, http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA_pandemic_health.pdf, provides a wide range of information and tools helpful to pandemic planners, including: Internet resources, communication tools, sample infection control programs, and self-triage and home care resources. It also offers how-to advice on diagnosis and treatment of staff during a pandemic, planning and supply checklists and risk communication.

Training...
Damage Assessment Training
The last of a series of Disaster Damage Assessment Training is scheduled for June 27 in Petersburg. Local government personnel and volunteers with specific responsibility for field damage assessments and recording damages in the field should attend. Registration closes June 22.

The workshops will train personnel on the Federal Emergency Management Agency standard for conducting damage assessments. Morning sessions are devoted to damage assessment of residences and businesses; afternoon sessions are devoted to damage assessment of infrastructure. Although every effort will be made to register all who apply, it might become necessary to limit registration. Please note that students must register separately for the morning and afternoon sessions. For more information and to register, visit VDEM's Training Calendar at http://www.vaemergency.com/train/calendar_course.cfm?id=89.

In addition, damage assessment training materials, the job aide and all field and EOC submittal forms may be found at http://www.vaemergency.gov in the Recovery Center.

Produced by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236