NTAS Interim Stakeholders Handbook
(Source: DHS)
The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) had its beginning on 26 April as a means to share heightened terrorism threat information across the United States and allow authorities and stakeholders to take protective action. It was developed in close collaboration with federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector partners to replace the color-coded alerts of the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS).
Th e Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) recently received the new NTAS Interim Stakeholders Handbook (PDF, 348 Kb). The purpose of the handbook is to provide the basic necessary information about the system and to spotlight key points where stakeholders are involved both in the decision processes and execution activities. According to its Introduction, this document supports the Administration's focus: “strengthening our country's defenses by getting all stakeholders—including the public—the information and resources they need in order to play their part in helping to secure the country.”
This interim handbook is a first step towards joint development of a more comprehensive NTAS stakeholder doctrine. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will coordinate refinement and content of the handbook as a joint effort in the future with all stakeholders.
DHS previously published a detailed NTAS Guide (PDF, 451 Kb) for public information and use.
National Hurricane Preparedness Week
(Source: National Hurricane Center)
The National Hurricane Preparedness Week began Monday, 23 May, to raise awareness about the common threads among all major hurricane disasters and the importance of taking steps to protect health and safety during the hurricane season (1 June through 30 November). The National Hurricane Center maintains that knowing existing vulnerabilities to these storms and implementing applicable mitigating actions can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that the Atlantic basin is expected to see an “above-normal” hurricane season this year. According to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), there will be 3 to 6 major hurricanes originating over the Atlantic Ocean. The CPC also announced that climate conditions point to a “below-normal” hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific, with 1 to 3 storms becoming a major hurricane.
National Hurricane Center Director Bill Reed reminded that the 2010 season had the highest number of hurricanes without landfall. Winds steered most of the season's tropical storms and hurricanes away from U.S. coastlines. However, he emphasized that the persistent trough of low pressure off the U.S. East Coast, which directed nearly all of the storms safely out to sea last year, was highly unlikely to be repeated. Therefore, we need to be prepared, especially with this above-normal outlook for the Atlantic basin, said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration director.
See the FEMA website and Ready America for information regarding hurricane planning, training, mitigating, etc. A detailed Preparedness Guide (PDF, 1 Mb) is also available. More resources can be found at the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
RAD Operations Training
(Source: Center for Domestic Preparedness)
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) was notified by the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) that it offers five courses focusing on radiological (RAD) preparedness in communities across the United States. In coordination with the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program (REPP) Office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), RAD operations training has be ongoing at the CDP for the past four years with the purpose of improving radiological response (PDF, 36 Kb).
Radiological courses prepare first responders to deal with all types of radiological incidents. Depending on the course, students learn basic fundamentals to advanced techniques. Each course ties in the response to a potential mass casualty event involving radiological material. As an outcome to this training, responders will know how to best protect themselves from the exposure and contamination risk of a radiological event.
Indirect training courses are also offered through the Indirect Authorized Training Program (IATP). The IATP prepares CDP graduates to train first responders using authorized Train-the-Trainer programs in their home jurisdiction. Links to the CDP radiological curriculum tracks can be seen at Programs, T, WW, and XX on the CDP website.
The CDP, located in Anniston, AL, plays a leading role in preparing municipalities and local response forces to protect, prevent, deter, and respond to acts of terrorism or major accidents involving hazardous or toxic materials, or events resulting in mass casualties. The EMR-ISAC confirmed that tuition, meals, and lodging are fully funded for state, local, and tribal first responders who attend CDP courses.
Guidance for FY 11 Preparedness Grants
(Source: DHS)
Late last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the release of Fiscal Year 2011 (FY 11) grants guidance and application kits for 12 DHS programs totaling $2.1 billion. The grant programs were developed to assist states, urban areas, tribal, and territorial governments, non-profit agencies, and the private sector in strengthening our nation's ability to prevent, protect, respond, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies.
Referring to the DHS Press Release, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) confirmed the FY 11 grants focus on the highest risk cities facing the most significant threats. Additionally, they will continue to provide dedicated funding to law enforcement throughout the country to prepare for, prevent, and respond to pre-operational activity and other crimes that are precursors or indicators of terrorist activity.
The grant guidance incorporates feedback from state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners, and includes specific steps implemented by DHS to improve the ability of state and local personnel to apply for and utilize grant funding.
See the DHS grants website and the FEMA non-disaster preparedness grants website for more information regarding FY 11 grants |
