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Focus on Preparedness
(Source: FEMA)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it has submitted its final report and recommendations to Congress regarding the National Preparedness System. Perspective on Preparedness: Taking Stock Since 9/11 (PDF, 1.4 MB) offers an analysis of what preparedness has meant in the United States, both historically and since 9/11, and includes an in-depth analysis of post-9/11 preparedness-related activities.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed this document and ascertained it contains 25 specific recommendations for creating a better defined, better integrated, more effective preparedness system. The federal, state, local, and tribal task force responsible for its development encourages all member of the preparedness community to review the report and to discuss ways to implement the recommendations with their constituents, partners, and leadership.
Electric Vehicle Safety
(Source: FireRescue 1)
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is developing an Electric Vehicle Safety Training Program to provide firefighters and other first responders with information they need to most effectively deal with emergency situations involving electric vehicles. Working with auto manufacturers, including Chevrolet and others, the training will give first responders the information and resources to effectively prepare and safely respond.
The NFPA Electric Vehicle Safety Training will begin in early 2011, and will discuss several electric vehicle safety matters as exemplified by the following topics seen in FireRescue 1 online:
· High strength steel is used in certain locations of most electric vehicle models. Identifying the location of this steel is important when it comes to knowing the right tools to use when responding to an incident.
· Proper procedures for the identification of appropriate cut points for electrical shut-off will be important in the event of extrication.
· Like many hybrid models recently introduced, electric vehicles emit very little sound and it is important to ensure that vehicles are properly turned off prior to engagement.
· There will be new challenges presented by vehicle charging stations and other infrastructure associated with electric vehicles.
· Just like with any new technology, training is important. Firefighters and first responders have always met and challenges coming their way. The introduction of electric vehicles is simply the latest one. |
Guide to Homeland Security
(Sources: Homeland Security Today and the National Governors Association)
According to an article in Homeland Security Today, the National Governors Association (NGA) released a handbook this week to guide newly elected state governors through establishing and managing state homeland security operations. A Governor's Guide to Homeland Security (PDF, 1.6 MB) provides a resource for governors taking office, as well as veteran governors and their staff, as they determine how to organize and operate homeland security, emergency management, and public safety systems in their respective states.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) noted that the document serves as a guide to governors and state officials as they begin to examine their state's homeland security operations and structures. Each chapter of the guide offers a discussion of salient issues and includes “key points” through the lenses of preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery.
“Within those disciplines, the guide explores the coordination of state homeland security and emergency management agencies, the establishment of the authority of a governor's homeland security advisor, the operation of emergency response plans, the organization of state fusion centers, and the use of public safety communications.”
Fire Safety Aspects of Green Construction
(Source: National Association of State Fire Marshals)
The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) recently released a fire and building safety guide to green construction. Bridging the Gap: Fire Safety and Green Buildings identifies some of the key areas where rapidly growing green building construction issues coincide with building and fire safety needs.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) observed that this guide will give both the fire service and the green construction community a reference point for developing buildings and sites, which are environmentally sound and meet fire safety needs. The document is meant as an introductory guide for fire chiefs and firefighters, building and fire code enforcement officials, architects, and anyone involved in building design, plan reviews, and construction.
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The U.S. Fire Administration/EMR-ISAC does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked web sites, and does not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.
FAIR USE NOTICE
This INFOGRAM may contain copyrighted material that was not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. EMR-ISAC personnel believe this constitutes “fair use” of copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use copyrighted material contained within this document for your own purposes that go beyond “fair use,” you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
REPORTING NOTICE
DHS and the FBI encourage recipients of this document to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to DHS and/or the FBI. The DHS National Operation Center (NOC) can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9685 or by e-mail at NOC.Fusion@dhs.gov.
The FBI regional phone numbers can be found online at www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm.
For information affecting the private sector and critical infrastructure, contact the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC), a sub-element of the NOC. The NICC can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9201 or by e-mail at NICC@dhs.gov.
When available, each report submitted should include the date, time, location, type of activity, number of people and type of equipment used for the activity, the name of the submitting company or organization, and a designated point of contact.
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U.S. Fire Administration · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Emmitsburg, MD 21727 · (301) 447-1325 | 
