Spokane Emergency Management

Spokane DEM Newsletter May 2009

2009-06-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

Spokane Department of Emergency Management

Newsletter Vol. 4 May 2009

Inside this issue

1. From the Deputy Director

2. Training

3. Exercises

4. ABCDP & DEM

5. Mitigation Plan

6. ECC Plan

7. Homeland Security

From the Deputy Director:

There are a number of exciting and challenging projects that DEM is working on that are being addressed in individual staff inputs onto this bulletin board. Several of the note worthy items are; Homeland Security Audit by the State Auditors Office, working further with Regional Health District with the H1N1 (Swine) flue planning process and evaluation of the local incident, a re-write of the Emergency Coordination Center/ECC (formally the Emergency Operations Center/EOC) plan, collecting data and support documentation for the Federally Declared Disaster (winter 2008/09) and now that mother nature is cooperating and giving us that break, we are continuing our efforts in completing the review and update to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (http://spokaneprepares.org/SpokaneCEMP.php)

The position of Washington State Homeland Security Region 9 Coordinator is in process and applicants have been advised of their individual standings. We are hoping to have this position filled by August 1, 2009.

Remember, preparedness starts with you. How prepared are you?

Training

The training plan is completed for 2009 and will be reviewed at the training and exercise meeting. The plan is based on the target capabilities including lessons learn from events and exercises of the past two years. More information on target capabilities can be found at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm. The training course can be found at http://demcalendar.blogspot.com/. If you have comments, please contact Lisa Jameson.

Capabilities Recommendations
Prevention Mission Area:

CBRNE Detection
Outcome: Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and/or explosive (CBRNE) materials are rapidly detected and characterized at borders and ports of entry, critical locations, events, and incidents.
Threat & Risk Assessment , PMC, AWR 160, IS 821

Response Mission Area:

Explosive Devise Response Operations
Outcome: Threat assessments are conducted, the explosive and/or hazardous devices are rendered safe, and the area is cleared of hazards. Measures are implemented in the following priority order: ensure public safety; safeguard the officers on the scene (including the bomb technician); collect and preserve evidence; protect and preserve public and private property; and restore public services.
Bomb sqad identified training needs, AWR 103/PER 201, NCBRT, IRTB

Emergency Operations Center Management
Outcome: The event is effectively managed through multi-agency coordination for a pre-planned or no-notice event.
IS 230, IS 235, IS 701, IS 703, DEM 201, MGT 312, MGT 340, G775, G191,

Emergency Public Information and Warning
Outcome: Government agencies and public and private sector entities receive and transmit coordinated, prompt, useful, and reliable information regarding threats to their health, safety, and property, through clear, consistent information-delivery systems. This information is updated regularly and outlines protective measures that can be taken by individuals and their communities.
IS 242, IS 250, IS 702, E388

Onsite Incident Management
Outcome: The event is managed safely, effectively, and efficiently through the common framework of the ICS.
IS 700, IS800, ICS 100, ICS 300, ICS 400, G191

Emergency Public Safety and Security Response
Outcome: The incident scene is assessed and secured; access is controlled; security support is provided to other response operations (and related critical locations, facilities, and resources); emergency public information is provided while protecting first responders and mitigating any further public risks; and any crime/incident scene preservation issues are addressed.
PMC, AWR 160, DEM 134

Responder Safety and Health
Outcome: No illnesses or injury to any first responder, first receiver, medical facility staff member, or other skilled support personnel as a result of preventable exposure to secondary trauma, chemical/radiological release, infectious disease, or physical and emotional stress after the initial incident or during decontamination and incident follow-up.
Individual Organizations deem appropriate measures based on perfomance levels

Emergency Triage and Pre-Hospital Treatment
Outcome: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) resources are effectively and appropriately dispatched and provide pre-hospital triage, treatment, transport, tracking of patients, and documentation of care appropriate for the incident, while maintaining the capabilities of the EMS system for continued operations.
IS 703, PER 304, DEM 134

Medical Surge
Outcome: Injured or ill from the event are rapidly and appropriately cared for. Continuity of care is maintained for non-incident related illness or injury.
PER 304, DEM 134

Fatality Management
Outcome: Complete documentation and recovery of human remains and items of evidence (except in cases where the health risks posed to personnel outweigh the benefits of recovery of remains). Remains receive surface decontamination (if indicated) and, unless catastrophic circumstances dictate otherwise, are examined, identified, and released to the next-of-kin’s funeral home with a complete certified death certificate. Reports of missing persons and ante mortem data are efficiently collected. Victims’ family members receive updated information prior to the media release. All hazardous material regulations are reviewed and any restrictions on the transportation and disposition of remains are made clear by those with the authority and responsibility to establish the standards. Law enforcement agencies are given all information needed to investigate and prosecute the case successfully. Families are provided incident-specific support services.
Mass Fatality Victim Identification Seminar

If you have any questions regarding emergency management training, please contact Lisa Jameson at 509-477-3029.

Exercises:

The recent H1N1 Public Health focused incident provided a good opportunity to review our plans, partnership, and responsibilities. I will be working closely with our Public Health partners at Spokane Regional Health District on our communities Lessons Learned (LL) and After Action Reports (AAR). In a related effort, DEM participated with our muti-discipline partners on May 18th in the Health Care Coalition sponsored tabletop exercise, RAMSES III. The exercise focused on mass casualties, mass fatalities, forward movement of patients, alternate care facilities, and other medical surge related requirements. We are working to include the issues identified in both events with our other incident and exercise LL/AAR’s.

Our quarterly Regional Training and Exercise committee meets on Tuesday, June 9th and is focusing on the following areas:

· Review/discuss draft WA State Training and Exercise Plan (attached below)
· Review/discuss long range training plan
· Review/discuss IED Exercise series
· Review AAR/IP actions (exercise and incidents)

If you have any questions about these projects or meetings, please contact Darrell at 477-3006 or druby@spokanecounty.org.

ABCDP and DEM.
Gerry Bozarth, Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity

I am the DEM representative to the Alliance for Business Continuity & Disaster Preparedness (ABCDP). The ABCDP has been an active group in our community for many years and speaks on behalf of business for disaster planning, preparedness, continuity, and response. Another role is assisting businesses when they are in crisis. The Co-Chairs are John Ames of I.T. Lifeline and Randi Rich of Avista. The After Action Review from the Winter Storm noted that the ABCDP and businesses could improve their communication to those businesses affected during and after a disaster. While an attempt to utilize the media in contacting businesses suffering damage was not effective. Many of those businesses with significant damage could have benefited from the ABCDP’s expertise.

In response, the ABCDP approached local business organizations such as Greater Spokane Inc,, the Downtown Partnership, and the Better Business Bureau to name a few in the hopes of finding a solution to the commutation gap. A new advisory group has been formed to facilitate this improvement.

Business Continuity Advisory Group

Purpose: Serve as conduit between government emergency management personnel and business to facilitate dissemination of appropriate information to business, coordination of necessary business assistance, and informed decision making by Government officials in response to crisis situations.

Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) will coordinate with other regional business organizations to ensure appropriate engagement using the following envisioned structure / process:

1. Emergency situation arises necessitating business awareness and/or asistance/involvement;
2. Emergency management officials, working through the Alliance for Business Continuity, contact the Business continuity Advisory Group (BCAG) via Greater Spokane Incorporated.
3. Greater Spokane Incorporated analyzes situation, consults with appropriate BCAG members, determines the appropriate response / informs other BCAG members / helps implement necessary action. Likely scenarios for engagement of business community include:
a. Physical participation of BCAG membership as part of County Crisis Action Team (Infrequently, i.e., during declared emergencies)
b. Dissemination of information to inform business community during crisis situations (i.e., official information to inform of epidemic, fire, etc.)
c. Assistance for businesses affected during crisis (i.e., temporary access to phone / desk / internet, operating location, etc.);
d. Providing “voice of business” to inform Government official decision-making during times of crisis.

This newly formed advisory group and the proposed process should alleviate many of the problems affected businesses incurred during the last activation of the ECC.

Contact the ABCDP at http://www.spokaneprepares.org/ or John Ames at james@itlifeline.net for more information.

Mitigation Plan

DEM is conducting our annual review of the All Hazard Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Plan at the June Disaster Council meeting. This is a good opportunity to share with our partners previously identified priorities and recommended actions to help mitigate some of the annual hazards our community faces. Some of those hazards (not in priority order) are: wildland fire, winter storm, pandemic preparedness, HAZMAT, flood, terrorism, etc. The current mitigation plan http://www.spokanecounty.org/data/emergencymanagement/mp/SpokaneCountyMitigationPlanFinalApril2007.pdf

ECC Plan
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) plan is currently being reviewed and updated. In conjunction with plan changes from the recent winter storm, H1N1, and past exercises is a name change to Emergency Coordination Center (ECC). Although this is a somewhat subtle name change, we believe it better reflects our role to coordinate resources and requirements. The ECC is established to coordinate support for response and recovery to incident (s) in support of multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional emergencies in Spokane County.

Homeland Security

Following is an update on recent committee activities related to the Homeland Security Grant Program:

Local State Homeland Security Planning (SHSP) Committee – May 5, 2009
· Received status report on SHSP Grant funded projects for FY07 and FY08
· Approved reallocating remaining FY07 funds to equipment projects
· Discussed sustainment costs
· Next meeting August 2009

Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) Committee – May 20, 2009
· Received report on up-coming training classes
· Discussed H1N1 Response
· Received status report on grant funded projects for FY07 and FY08
· Received an update on Pharmaceutical Projects
· Shared information on area exercise plans
· Spokane DEM will host the next State MMRS meeting on July 15th
· Next meeting – June 17th, 2009

Region 9 Homeland Security Meeting – April 29, 2009
· Received a report on the jurisdictions represented by each Region 9 member.
· Discussed H1N1 Response.
· Reviewed proposed funding methodology options and provided Region 9’s recommendation for FY2010 to Washington State EMD.
· Approved reallocating remaining FY07 funds, a share to each County in Region 9.
· Received an update from DEM on the status of planning projects and the Regional Coordinator position.
· Received information from Chris Barnes regarding developing a Northwest Preparedness Coalition. Chris also shared information on a free FEMA course available on Emergency Planning for Special Needs Communities. He is exploring brining the course to our community.
· Next meeting – May 27th
Citizen Corps Planning Meeting – May 14, 2009.
· Received update on FY07 project allocations and expenditures
· Reviewed and approved FY08 projects

For more information, contact:
Kristine Glasgow, Homeland Security Grants Administrator
(509) 477-7603
KGlasgow@Spokanecounty.org

Weekly Podcast

2009-05-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

CEMP ESF #8 Health & Swine Flu Information

2009-04-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) Emergency Support Function (ESF) #8 can be found at http://spokaneprepares.org/ESF_8.pdf. The purpose and scope of this ESF are listed below. Also, I have included the Department of Homeland Security Private Sector Office information and links below regarding swine flu.

Spokane City/County Department of Emergency Management
Emergency Support Function #8
Health, Medical, and Mortuary Services

I. LEAD AGENCIES:
Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD)
Spokane County EMS and Trauma Care Council
Spokane County Medical Examiner
Spokane Mental Health

II. SUPPORT AGENCIES:
Ambulance/Private
American Red Cross
Department of Social and Health Services
Educational Services Districts
Fire Departments/Districts
Law Enforcement Agencies/Federal
Law Enforcement Agencies/Local/State
Medical Centers/Hospitals
Medical/Dental Societies
Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters

III. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose:
To organize pre-hospital and community health resources to reduce the mortality
and morbidity resulting from major emergencies or disasters.

B. Scope:
1. Scene security and citizen evacuation
2. Emergency medical response to provide triage, treatment, and transport to the injured.
3. The coordination of hospital resources to provide in-hospital patient care and additional pre-hospital support as needed.
4. Community mental health and ministerial services.
5. Control and prevention of epidemics.
6. Vector prevention and control.
7. Provision of potable water and wastewater and solid waste disposal.
8. Emergency medical and public health support to displaced or sheltered
persons.
9. Victim identification and mortuary services.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
PRIVATE SECTOR OFFICE
H1N1 FLU OUTBREAK UPDATE #3
APRIL 28, 2009 – 6:00PM

FEDERAL INTERAGENCY UPDATES AND INFORMATION
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

DHS H1NI Update: http://www.dhs.gov/xprepresp/programs/swine-flu.shtm
Featured: Video of Monday’s press conference

Post the H1N1 Flu Web Widget!

Help us get the message out to the public, post the H1N1 Flu Outbreak Web Widget to your web site: http://www.hhs.gov/

Center for Disease Control and Prevention Main CDC H1N1 Flu Outbreak Page: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
(4/27) CDC Press Briefing: http://www.cdc.gov/media/transcripts/2009/t090427.htm
(4/27) CDC activates Emergency Operations Center: http://www.cdc.gov/news/2009/04/swine_flu/
(4/26) Travelers Health: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluTravel.aspx
(4/26) Travelers Health (Spanish): http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluTravelSpanish.aspx

Key Facts on H1N1 Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
CDC Caretaking Guidance: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance/
Information for Airline Passengers Exposed to H1N1 Flu: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluPassengers.aspx
Good Health Habits Guidance: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
H1N1 Flu (Swine) Flu and You: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: PandemicFlu.gov
· (4/26/09) HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for H1N1 (Swine) Flu Outbreak http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/04/20090426a.html
· Frequently Asked Questions on H1N1 Flu Outbreak: http://pandemicflu.gov/faq/swineflu/
· Guidance for individuals and families preparing for pandemic: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html.
· Planning information for community organizations: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/index.html

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

· (4/27) FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Influenza Medicines, Diagnostic Test in Response to Swine Flu Outbreak in Humans
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02002.html
U.S. Department of Agriculture
· (New - 4/28) Updated Statement by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Regarding USDA Efforts Regarding H1N1 Flu Outbreak http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/04/0137.xml
· Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/04/0131.xml

Office of Personal and Management
(See attached) Memorandum for Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, Advice to Federal Employees and Agencies on Preventing the Spread of the Current Flu and Maintaining Readiness to Use HR Flexibilities if Necessary http://www.opm.gov/
U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Safety and Health Administration
Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic http://www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers: www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA_pandemic_health.pdf
Proposed Guidance on Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks in Occupational Settings: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/stockpiling-facemasks-respirators.html

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

(4/27) On Monday, the World Health Organization raised its current phase of alert in the WHO global influenza preparedness plan from Phase 3 to Phase 4.
Phase 4 is characterized by verified human-to-human transmission of an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus able to cause “community-level outbreaks.” The ability to cause sustained disease outbreaks in a community marks a significant upwards shift in the risk for a pandemic. Any country that suspects or has verified such an event should urgently consult with WHO so that the situation can be jointly assessed and a decision made by the affected country if implementation of a rapid pandemic containment operation is warranted. Phase 4 indicates a significant increase in risk of a pandemic but does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is a forgone conclusion.
For more information click to: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/index.html

TRAVELERS GUIDANCE

Travelers Health: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx

PREVENTION GUIDANCE
It is prudent for businesses to act in the absence of sufficient data to protect their employees and take advantage of a narrow window of opportunity for intervention. Persons with febrile respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections (including influenza and other respiratory illnesses) to others in their communities. In addition, frequent hand washing can lessen the spread of respiratory illness. As public health officials in the United States learn more about this virus, updated guidance will be issued to the public in conjunction with our state, local, tribal and territorial partners.
Identify your city, county or state public health department’s website for the most accurate information on what is taking place in your local area. These sites contain information on the current conditions in your area, what services are available as well as what services may be curtailed or suspended for the duration of an outbreak of influenza.

Identify your Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) and employee readiness to successfully navigate a difficult period. Consulting a website like www.ready.gov on how employees should have enough food, water, medications, and other necessities to weather any breakdown in the supply chain that could prevent employees from reporting to their place of employment.

Identify policies and procedures to protect and sustain workers
Emphasize worker and workplace disease control and protection
Encourage employees to take actions to stay healthy. Such as covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Promote often hand washing with soap and water. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth
If an employee is sick, CDC recommends that the individual stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them

Identify and assess all essential services, functions, and processes necessary to keep systems running

Identify the types and numbers of workers critical to sustain essential functions
Define roles and responsibilities of employees, labor organizations, staff, supervisors, managers, and staff medical personnel
Assess impacts from short-term and extended absences by essential workers
Access, practice, and test remote connectivity and accessibility options for workers to ensure services remain operational

Review all equipment critical to support each essential function
Review primary and supporting components of critical equipment to identify potential critical system failures and possible cascading consequences

Prepare to sustain essential equipment, materials, and supplies for a nationwide wave lasting up to 12 weeks
Assess implications if your essential equipment fails early on during the influenza outbreak

Determine the most effective ways to ensure adequate supply of essential materials
Identify physical or safety limitations in stocking sufficient critical supplies locally
Assess recurring and preventative maintenance requirements

Identify Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements that may affect business operations
Consider how each action relates to those emergency response actions in existing business contingency and emergency response plans

Identify effects from mitigation strategies; take actions to reduce negative impacts
Discuss strategies’ potential impacts with workers, as well as your strategies management will take to communicate with employees, before, during, and after an outbreak
Discuss the potential impacts of these strategies with workers, their families, and with customers, supporting businesses and other stakeholders
Collaborate with public/private partners such as state and local health authorities and first responders who support and rely on you

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Private Sector OfficeContact: private.sector@dhs.gov (202) 282-8484

Strategic Planning

2009-04-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Threat & Risk Assessment

2009-04-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

Podcast-ECC

2009-04-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

DEM Newsletter April

2009-03-28T04:48:00.000-07:00

Spokane Department of Emergency Management

Newsletter Vol.3 April 2009

Inside This Issue

1. Mitigation....what does it mean?

1. Recovery is progressing

2. Spokane Community Improvement Plan

3. Elected and Senior Officials Workshop

4. Request for Proposals

5. Homeland Security Grant Program

Mitigation…..what does it mean?

Mitigation, in the context of emergency management refers to actions taken to reduce the impact of natural or human caused disasters. Additionally, it can refer to emergency planning or describe actions that will be taken to deploy resources during a disaster. Mitigation is one of the four phases of emergency management that also include preparedness, response and recovery.

Spokane County is historically a disaster “resilient” community. That is why many of us have chosen to live here. The past two years have been quite active related to impacting our community from natural disasters. Natural hazards impact citizens, property, the environment, and the economy of Spokane County. Most of us will recall the significant impact this past winter to our community, the economy, and our day to day lives. Over the last year, we were impacted by the winter storm in Feb 2008, Valley Fire in July 2008 and as mentioned the “9th snowiest winter on record for Spokane County” over a 17 day period in December 2008 and early January 2009.

This past year has reminded all of us of two of the most common disasters that can affect our community, severe winter weather and wildland fire. Other disasters that could potentially impact Spokane County are: disease epidemic, flooding, terrorism, urban fire, volcanoes, hazardous material incidents, earthquakes, etc. The risk associated with natural hazards increases as more people move to areas affected by hazards. In the spring of 2007, the community participated in a lengthy planning effort to create the Spokane County Multi-Jurisdiction All Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan is required by the Stafford Act and was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

As a result of having a FEMA approved mitigation plan, our community is eligible for pre-disaster grant mitigation projects every year. These are not typically large grants in terms of dollars, but are strongly supported by the state mitigation office and FEMA. Statistics have shown that for every $1 dollar spent on mitigation efforts, $4 are saved in disaster costs. This is a significant return on our investment! We are currently soliciting input for mitigation plan or projects. If you have any ideas or questions, please contact Darrell at 477-3006 or druby@spokanecounty.org.

Also, as part of the FEMA requirement, we will be presenting the Spokane County Mitigation Plan at the May Disaster Council at Deaconess Medical Center on May 5th at 9:00 AM. The primary goal of this review is to ensure we have community participation in our mitigation planning efforts and to identify risks posed by hazards, and develop strategies to reduce the impact of a hazard event can assist in protecting life and property of citizens and communities. We are requesting local residents and businesses to work together with the county to update our plan and address the potential impacts of hazard events on our community. I encourage you to attend the presentation or contact me with any questions.

Recovery is progressing....

Recovery is progressing with FEMA and Washington State EMD. Spokane DEM hosted an Applicant Briefing on Monday, March 9th. Over 50 potential applicants attended which included; cities, towns, fire districts, law enforcement agencies, and other qualified non-profit organizations. The briefing detailed what is covered under the Presidential Disaster Declaration DR-1825 made on March 2, 2009. Spokane County was awarded one 48 hour continuous period of snow removal costs for qualified applicants at 100% reimbursement. The 48 hour continuous period can be chosen anytime between December 12, 2008 and January 5, 2009. This date range is considered the incident period for DR-1825. In addition to the 48 hour snow removal Spokane County is also awarded Public Assistance which could repair public roads, bridges, buildings, pay insurance deductibles, and many other potential damage claims at 75% of actual uninsured damage.

The next step in the Recovery process was also outlined at the Applicant Briefing. FEMA will be meeting individually with qualified applicants to determine the extent of damages, eligibility, and draw up project worksheets. FEMA and WA State EMD will be working with our community for many months to provide guidance and ensure we receive the reimbursement we’re entitled to.

For more information please contact me directly.

Gerry Bozarth, Disaster Recovery Specialist.

Spokane Community Improvement Plan

This plan is being coordinated by Eastern Washington University, policy institute. Other members of the task force come from a large array of community partners from many different disciplines and volunteer organizations. The focus is to identify strengths and weaknesses of the community and develop a plan to improve.

Elected and Senior Officials Workshop

May 13, 2009 is the date set for the Elected and Senior Public Officials workshop on Emergency Management presented by Tom Mattern. Mr. Terry Egan from Washington State Emergency Management Division will also be present to give information about State assistance during a disaster.

Request for Proposals

Emergency Management is continuing to work on the development of the request for proposal for a Region Strategic Plan, Regional Threat and Risk Assessment, and review and re-write of the Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) plan. Please note that the name has changed! We have decided and support given through the Emergency Management Advisory Committee to rename from Emergency Operations Center to Emergency Coordination Center. We are in hope that this better describes the function from an "operations" location to a "coordination" location. Questions, please contact Tom Mattern

Homeland Security Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides funds to local government to enhance the capability of state and local units of government to prevent, deter, respond to and recover from catastrophic and/or terrorist events through the Homeland Security Grant Program.

Spokane City/County Department of Emergency Management (Spokane DEM) administers the Homeland Security Grant Program for Region 9 (Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman counties).

Spokane DEM administers the following grants under the Homeland Security Grant Program: State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS), Citizen Corp Program (CCP) and Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG).

Following is an update on recent committee activities related to the Homeland Security Grant Program:

Local State Homeland Security Planning (SHSP) Committee – Last meeting February 10, 2009
Ø Continuing with the implementation of FY07 and FY08 SHSP projects
Ø Committee meets quarterly (has not met since last report)

Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) Committee – March 18, 2009
Ø Received status report on grant funded projects for FY07 and FY08
Ø Received report on DEM’s plans for IED training and exercise
Ø Received an update on the Pyramid and Pharmaceutical Projects
Ø Received an announcement that the CDC will be in Eastern Washington May 4-9
Ø Discussed proposed MRC Project
Ø Spokane DEM will host the next State MMRS meeting on July 15th
Ø Next meeting - April 15th, 2009

Region 9 Homeland Security Meeting – March 25, 2009
Ø Enjoyed a presentation by Kim Burke on the East Region Trauma Council
Ø Received a report on the jurisdictions represented by each Region 9 member
Ø Received a report prepared by Darrell Ruby on the recent State Improvement Planning meeting
Ø Received an update from DEM on the status of planning projects and the Regional Coordinator position
Ø Next meeting – April 29th

Citizen Corps Planning Meeting - March 12, 2009.
Ø Received update on FY07 project allocations and expenditures
Ø Discussed planning FY08 projects - Citizen Corps Council Programs have been asked to submit projects for consideration for FY08 Citizen Corps Program by April 30, 2009
Ø Next meeting – May 14th – Committee will review and prioritize FY08 CCP projects

For more information, contact:
Kristine Glasgow, Homeland Security Grants Administrator
(509) 477-7603
KGlasgow@Spokanecounty.org

Podcast- Specific Needs Conference

2009-03-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

Weekly Podcast- HLS Grant Programs

2009-03-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

ICS 300 & 400

2009-03-10T09:51:00.001-07:00

This is notification that Spokane ICS 300 & 400 level courses are full.

Due to low enrollment, the JIC training in Spokane has been cancelled. Panhandle Health District is coordinating this class on March 26th. For further information on how to register, please contact me at 509-477-3029.

Weekly Podcast- EMAC

2009-03-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Spokane DEM Newsletter Vol 2 March 2009

2009-02-27T15:34:00.000-08:00

Spokane Department of Emergency Management
Newsletter Vol.2 March 2009

Inside This Issue
1. Hazard Identification and Strategic Planning
2. Homeland Security Grant Program
3. EMAC
4. After Action & Improvement Plan
5. Emergency Management Training
6. Volunteer Coordination

Hazard Identification & Vulnerability Assessment (H.I.V.A) and the Spokane County DEM Strategic Plan

I will be leading efforts to revise the H.I.V.A. and develop a Strategic Plan to address the needs and concerns of our new H.I.V.A. The Management 310 course in April set the foundation to move forward with identifying community Hazards. Members of this training will sit on the strategic planning committee. It is proposed that this committee will make recommendations to the EMAC, revise the current H.I.V.A and ultimately create the Strategic Plan that will prepare, mitigate, respond to, and recover from all-hazards identified in this H.I.V.A.

Some of the deliverables include but are not limited to:

Developing an internal Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) including establishment of orders of succession and delegation of authority annex
Identify funding sources and budgetary concerns – Sustainability
Assess and prioritize roles and responsibly of DEM
Establish a process that identifies gaps, weaknesses, areas of improvement, and a plan for review and updates.
Delineate required, essential function, secondary services and resources needed and finally;
Indentify statutory and inter-local requirements
I look forward to working with many of you in support of this important goal.
Gerry Bozarth, Program Specialist – Community Recovery, H.I.V.A., Strategic Planning

Following is an update on recent committee activities related to the Homeland Security Grant Program:

Local State Homeland Security Planning (SHSP) Committee - February 10, 2009

Reviewed guidance from the Emergency Management Advisory Committee (EMAC)
Approved utilizing funds to conduct planning activities recommended by the EMAC
Received status report on grant funded projects
Received information on Management 310 Threat and Risk Assessment Course scheduled for April 14-16, 2009

Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) Committee - February 18, 2009

Guest: Peter Tassoni of Washington State Emergency Management Division
Received report on state MMRS meeting held January 22, 2009 in Seattle
Reviewed guidance from the Emergency Management Advisory Committee (EMAC)
Approved utilizing funds to conduct planning activities recommended by the EMAC
Received status report on grant funded projects
Formed smaller group to assist with developing a request for proposal for the MRC
Project
Chief Leavenworth provided a report on the results of the National MMRS Survey
Spokane DEM will host the next State MMRS meeting on July 15th

Region 9 Homeland Security Meeting - February 25, 2009
Guests: Jim Mullen, Don MacSparran, Roger Hieb and Charma Anderson of Washington State Emergency Management Division
Received information from Jim Mullen on the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
Engaged in general discussion with EMD staff regarding a variety of issues
Received report on the jurisdictions represented by each Region 9 member
Recommended that Darrell Ruby of Spokane DEM represent Region 9 at the State Improvement Planning meeting on March 18th
Received report on the status of a communications project
Expressed Regional support regarding utilizing funds to conduct regional planning activities recommended by EMAC

A Citizen Corps Program planning meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2009.

For more information, contact:
Kristine Glasgow, Homeland Security Grants Administrator
(509) 477-7603
KGlasgow@Spokanecounty.org

EMAC

Emergency Management presented a Draft of the request for proposal (RFP) to contract out for the development and/or review and update of the following plans:Emergency Operations Center Plan (EOC Plan)Risk and Threat AssessmentStrategic PlanEmergency Management Prioritization (Continuity of Operations Plan-COOP)It was recommend to break out the scope of work on the RFP rather than making it all inclusive. It was discussed that to ensure that we get the correct vendor for the each project that the RFP's be separated out. The vendors themselves based on their knowledge and experience will have the opportunity to bid accordingly.

Also, Homeland Security Region IX has approved utilizing Regional funds as so long as the vendor makes a presence and gather information in each of the other nine counties opposed to spending all the effort in Spokane. EMAC members were encouraged to forward any possible vendors to be included in the RFP announcement.

After Action & Improvement Plan

The After Action Report (AAR) and Improvement Plan (IP) following the Winter Storm and EOC activation are nearly complete. Thank you for everyone’s input recommendations, and participation in the process. The three primary themes we are focusing on in the IP are the EOC Plan, Information Sharing and Communication, and GIS/mapping related areas.

The Mead School district is conducting tabletop exercises for all elementary, middle, and high schools this month with participation from district staff, school staff, and first responders. The primary objectives for these tabletops are:

Demonstrate the use of ICS within a school event for staff/administration and first responders.
Demonstrate access and familiarity of Rapid Responder at each school for staff/administration and first responders.
Evaluate the decision making process for school staff/administration and first responders.
Build relationships at the command level for staff/administration and first responders.
Reinforce Unified Command roles and responsibilities for staff/administration and first responders.
Demonstrate an All Hazards approach to the specific incident for staff/ administration and first responders.

Other projects and meetings being worked on this month are:

Training and Exercise Committee, Tuesday, March 10 – focus is improving training /exercise planning, coordination and conduct.
Mitigation Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 12 – evaluating potential letters of intent for mitigation projects and plans to submit to the state as a result of Presidential Disaster Declaration DR-1817.
Washington State-wide Improvement Planning Meeting, Wednesday, March 18 – coordinate and discuss the nine homeland security regions Improvement Plan input.

If you have any questions about these projects or meetings, please contact Darrell at 477-3006 or druby@spokanecounty.org.

Emergency Management Training & Planning

ICS 300

March 24 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

March 25 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

March 26 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

ICS 400

April 21 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
April 22 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Joint Information Center Training

The Public Information Assist Team (PIAT), an element of the National Strike Force, will be teaching a Joint Information Center Course again this year in Spokane. This course is hosted by the Spokane Department of Emergency Management and will be held on March 27, 2009 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m

Management 310 Threat & Risk Assessment

April 14-16, 2009

Other projects:

Continued work on the C.E.M.P with revisions on Emergency Support Functions, Basic Plan and the W.M.D. Annex.
The Evacuation Plan & FOG incorporation
I am the POC for the Higher Education within Spokane with a meeting set for March 17th
A complete revision of Emergency Support Function #15 Public information to include forms, policies and checklist for Public Information Officers. A meeting will be set after the JIC training.
Elected Officials Workshop is being scheduled
Leadership Training program in initial development stages
Hazmat Plan has been submitted to the state for approval through the LEPC committee
Coordinating Public Relations and communications
Working with Small Cities and towns regarding Emergency Management activities

For questions, please contact Lisa Jameson- ljameson@spokanecounty.org

Volunteer Coordination:

Codified DEM’s Volunteer Policies
Codified volunteers’ requirements for utilizing Privately Owned Vehicles
Met with SAR council twice
Coordinating their needs with our resources
Continuing work on current rosters to update records
Assisting in development of SAR credentialing standards
Working with all 17 teams to update database.
New initiative to find and train volunteers for administrative support to DEM during incidents.
Met with three teams at separate night meetings to get updated information and pictures of current members
Working with teams to determine active members and remove others from rosters
Working with teams to update volunteer files for each active member
Modifying database to track more data on each volunteer
Working with SAR coordinator to determine tracking and reporting needs
Updating database as new information comes in
For more information on volunteer coordination, please contact Chris Barnes.

Weekly Podcast-Volunteer

2009-02-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Emergency Notification System (ENS)

2009-02-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

This is our weekly podcast on the Community Emergency Notification System.

Weekly Podcast- Recovery

2009-02-05T14:57:00.001-08:00

Our weekly podcast will be posted here on Friday's along with our newsletter posted at the end of each month. Please add this site to your RSS feed to get updates.

Thank you for your time.

http://spokanedeminfo.podbean.com/

Spokane DEM Newsletter Vol 1 Feb 2009

2009-02-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

Spokane Department of Emergency Management
Newsletter Vol.1 Feb 2009

Inside This Issue

Update on FEMA PA
Comprehensive Planning
Training
Emergency Notification System
Evacuation Plan and the FOG
IEMC
Exercise Improvement Plan
Homeland Security Grant Updates
EMAC is back
Volunteer Coordination
Blizzard 2008
LEPC

Update on FEMA Public Assistance (PA)
Gerry Bozarth has been working with FEMA and State EMD representatives to tour areas that were affected by the winter storm. It was determined that Spokane exceeded the threshold of $1.37 Million of uninsured damage throughout the County for the first incident period (12/11/08 - 1/5/09) to be included in the Governor's request for a Presidential Declaration of Disaster. Self insurance through County and City Governments is considered uninsured damage from FEMA's perspective as there isn't a third party paying. The County did not meet the additional $1.37 Million threshold during the second incident period (1/6/09 - 1/16/09). Since we broke several records for snow this season we probably will be allowed a total of three 48 hour continuous periods of reimbursement.

The next stage of this process is an Applicant Briefing. There are forms that will need to be completed by the applicants before this briefing. If you need copies, please email Gerry at gbozarth@spokanecounty.org.

Comprehensive Emergency Management
The Spokane Comprehensive Emergency Management plan (CEMP) is currently in review. After recent events, it has become vital that the Emergency Support Functions (ESF's) be reviewed by community partners as these plans are critical to the success of the response and recovery efforts. As we continue to identify agencies within the respective Support areas, we will make recommendations to organizations to include Incident management system (ICS) courses and other related training that will assist in the response efforts.

The participation of the various disciplines that maybe involved in an area of response, preplanning will assist in the preparedness efforts within our community. Emergency Support Function #1 Transportation meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2009 from 9:00-11:00 at the Fire Training Center. Questions, please contact me ljameson@spokanecounty.org. A meeting notice will be sent to Lead and Support agencies.

Training

Lisa is also working on devloping a Emergency Management Leadership Series that will be scheduled quarterly. This training series will walk through the various phases of emergency management. Training notices will be posted in this bulletin board. The tentative schedule for ICS 300 & 400 for end of March and early April.

Emergency Notification System (ENS) :

After many months of evaluation, the Emergency Notification System is under final review by the selection Committee. This committee will meet on February 11th and make their recommendation. After the purchase, this system is proposed to be housed with Law Enforcement Communications.

Evacuation & Field Operating Guide (FOG):

The Joint Public Safety forumn had discussions regarding a meeting to discuss the Evacuation incorporation into the FOG. Lisa is coordinating a meeting on February 9th for the Evacuation Plan.

Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC):

The After action review is in initial draft form. Chief Thompson is assisting Lisa with this project. Many of the lessons learned at this training were also present in the "Blizzard 2008" incident in relation to the EOC.

Improvement Plan :

Darrell is working on the Winter Storm After Action Review (AAR) and Improvement Plan (IP). He has solicited input from disciplines, agencies, and organizations from throughout Spokane County who were involved and will develop a county wide IP with the input received. The office is excited to incorporate this event as well as other activations and exercises over this past year to improve our service to the community and support from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The IP for the winter storm draft is projected to be complete by February 21, 2009.

He recently coordinated an Exercise Planning Committee. The committee will meet quarterly and will focus on the following activities:
· Raise awareness about all planned Training and Exercises.
· Conduct needs assessments to establish training and exercise priorities.
· Create and publish short and long term Training and Exercise Plans.
· Evaluate incident and exercise outcomes

Darrell and Lisa will be working with this group to provide a coordinated effort within the community and an awareness of events that are occurring. If you have exercise information or need assistance in this area, please contact Darrell. The state is asking us to provide input for a Regional Improvement Planning (IP) Matrix. There was discussion at the regional meeting held last week to include ideas for this matrix for areas that affect your counties and our region.

Areas to focus our discussion and input include all the capability elements such as:

Planning
Organization and Leadership
Personnel
Equipment and Systems
Training
Exercise and Evaluations
He is requesting input from all counties by Thursday February 5, 2009.

Homeland Security (HLS) Grant Updates

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides funds to local government to enhance the capability of state and local units of government to prevent, deter, respond to and recover from catastrophic and/or terrorist events through the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP).

Recent events:
Spokane City/County Department of Emergency Management just received the State Homeland Security FY08 Grant.

We also received the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) FY08 Grant. The mission of MMRS is to enhance local medical incident management’s ability to coordinate and respond to a mass casualty event during the crucial first hours, until significant external resources arrive and become operational. Spokane County DEM and other community organizations will utilize the funds to maintain and update plans, deliver training, purchase equipment and pharmaceuticals and conduct exercises.

Region 9 meeting- February 25th 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
SHSP Planning Committee - February 10th 2:30 - 4 p.m.
MMRS Committee - February 18th 3 - 4:30 p.m.
For more information, contact:
Kristine Glasgow, Homeland Security Grants Administrator
(509) 477-7603
KGlasgow@Spokanecounty.org

EMAC is back….

The EMAC is the Emergency Management Advisory Council created by the Interlocal agreement that forms the Spokane Emergency Management Office. There was a meeting held last week and there was consensual agreement of those in attendance to re-energize the EMAC as stated in the Interlocal Agreement for Emergency Management. The Agreement only calls for quarterly meetings, but it was agreed that the EMAC will be meeting monthly (forth Wednesday) for several months.
Meeting Notes:

Three priorities for Emergency Management:

1. Develop and formalize an EOC plan, train to the plan, and exercise the plan.
2. Develop a global strategic plan for DEM to allow for prioritization of DEM roles and responsibilities.
3. Develop a strategy for sustainment of those resources within DEM and any future assets.

What is needed is a letter from either your Mayor, City Administrator (depending on your form of government), or the BOCC as to your appointment and to identify an alternate.

DEM has been requested to search the availability of grant funds for strategic planning and development of the EOC plan. Also, DEM will be contacting other emergency management offices to see if there are any EM strategic plans already developed and any possible RFP's for EOC or EM Strategic Plan development.

The next scheduled meeting on February 25, 2009 at 10:00.

Volunteer Coordination:

Chris Barnes has been working on the following projects:

Volunteer Coordination:
• Met with SAR council twice
o Coordinating their needs with our resources
o Distributed current rosters for review and updating
o Assisting in development of SAR credentialing standards

• Working with all 17 teams to update database.
• New initiative to find and train volunteers for administrative support to DEM during incidents.
• Met with three SAR teams at separate night meetings to get updated information and pictures of current members
• Updating current volunteer database in preparation for tracking all volunteer’s credentials
1. Working with teams to determine active members and remove others from rosters
2. Working with teams to update volunteer files for each active member
3. Modifying database to track more data on each volunteer
4. Working with SAR coordinator to determine tracking and reporting needs
5. Updating database as new information comes in
• Attended CERT committee meeting
o gave status of volunteers information input
o working to coordinate spring trainings throughout Spokane and Lincoln counties

Attended two Special Needs committee meetings
• working on spring conference

Attended quarterly COAD meeting

Purchasing, receiving and distribution of equipment on 07 HLS grants

Supporting Kristine in grant management

Public outreach
• Discussed concept of local preparedness education coalition
• Lining up opportunities for display
• Updating display with new information and format
• New links on website to “special needs” collaborators
• New links on website to COAD members

Assisting Bill with DEM equipment

Blizzard 08

Like many structures within our county, the hangar that houses the sheriff’s helicopter, the Explosives Disposal Unit vehicles and the mobile command vehicles also fell victim to this incident. It began when the ice was sliding off the roof and took the heater vents with it. That rendered the furnaces inoperable. As the contractor was repairing the vents, more ice slid from the roof and took electrical mast and part of the wall down. All repairs were completed January 27th and the hangar is back to normal operations. None of the vehicles were affected by the incident.

Local Emergency Planning Committee

Although the weather prevented this committee from holding the December and January meetings, the activities have still gone on. January has included planning an exercise which will bring Kootenai County and Spokane County together to work on a plan to respond to an incident that could impact our aquifer. Tentatively this tabletop exercise is planned for May 21, 2009.
January 29th, there was a conference held in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho that was hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard. The purpose of the conference was the Regional Response Team 10/Northwest Area Committee and updates from Washington and Idaho. The Regional Response Team is comprised of various agencies which include Spokane Fire Department Hazmat, Kootenai County Fire, Washington Dept of Ecology, Idaho DEQ, EPA, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Disaster Management

2009-02-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

About DM
Disaster Management or DM is a Federal Program managed by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The DM Program evolved from the Disaster Management Presidential E-Government Initiative (see History).

The DMIS & OPEN Mission is twofold:

Disaster Management Interoperability Services (DMIS), a component of the DM Program, is a basic "situational awareness" toolset provided by the DM Program at no software license cost to public safety organizations at local, state/province, regional, and national government levels, within the United States and Canada. The DMIS mission is to enable government organizations at all levels to collaborate and share a common operating picture in order to enhance emergency or disaster response.
DM-OPEN, another component of the DM Program, is an operational interoperability backbone that provides a set of non-proprietary "level playing field" web services designed to enable disparate third-party applications, systems, networks and devices to share information using open, freely available interoperability standards. The OPEN mission is to enable a national network of systems that facilitates data sharing between software products serving the responder community.

Vision

Disaster Management (DM) enables responders to freely choose software products that best satisfy their functional needs while knowing that their chosen systems can exchange data with different systems used by mutual aid partners and all other incident response collaborators.

http://www.disasterhelp.gov/

Farm Service Agency Loan Program Approved for 36 Washington Counties

2009-01-30T14:14:00.000-08:00

The USDA has issued a press release. In response to the Washington State xecutive Director's request of January 26, 2009, they will be making available Farm Service Agency (FSA) emegency physical loss loans. To read more information, please see the link below.

http://www.piersystem.com/go/site/1105/

Emergency Support Function #1 Transportation

2009-01-29T11:27:00.000-08:00

This article relates to the current Emergency Support Function #1 Transportation, that is in review. In the training plan, we are identifying the target capabilities to include critical infrustructure protection.

Target Capabilities:

Citizen Protection: Evacuation and/or In-Place Protection
To successfully plan for and execute an organized movement, and relocation of the at-risk population from potentially dangerous environments to safer areas.
Respond, Minimize Impact, Implement Protective Actions

• Database (querying; updating)
• Emergency evacuation standard operations planning and mutual aid agreements
• Interoperable communications
• Standard communications protocol/terminology/formats

Exercises, Evaluations, and Corrective Actions
• Exercises to evaluate emergency evacuation procedures and locations
• System for incorporating lessons learned into plans and procedures

Critical Infrastructure Protection

The capability of public and private entities to prepare and protect those systems and assets, whether physical or virtual, so vital to the U.S. that their incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact to the country.

Protect, Protect Critical Infrastructure & Key Assets, Protect Assets & Property

Training
• Developing, adopting, enforcing fire codes, building codes, and land-use ordinances to protect critical infrastructures
• Response protocols, recognition of cues of terrorism, and identification of impending natural disaster/weather related emergencies
• Security (e.g., monitor systems, recognize discrepancies, vector security, physical asset protection and IT systems security and protection)
• Terrorism and counter-terrorism
• Threat, vulnerability and risk analysis and critical site surveys
Exercises, Evaluations, and Corrective Actions
• Conduct joint exercises to enhance relationships between public and private organizations
• Exercises that include critical infrastructure components
• System for incorporating lessons learned into plans and procedures

Environmental Health
To provide ground and aerial vector control and environmental health services in support of public health protection. Vector control includes animal or organism control that can spread disease to humans.

Respond, Minimize Impact, Respond to Hazard

Training
• Environmental and vector control
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) training
• Interoperable communications
• Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Exercises, Evaluations, and Corrective Actions
• State/regional/local/tribal exercises incorporating environmental health and vector control issues
• System for incorporating lessons learned into future plans and procedures

Surface Transportation Remains Favorite Terrorist Target
by Mickey McCarter
Thursday, 29 January 2009

Terrorists seek max carnage with low-tech weapons, analyst tells Senate

The Mumbai attacks demonstrate that terrorists are thinking strategically, leveraging inexpensive weapons to create mass casualties in public spaces, a terrorism analyst told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Wednesday.

The terrorists who attacked Mumbai on Nov. 26, 2008, achieved a number of key objectives despite being ultimately defatued, testified Brian Michael Jenkins, a senior advisor at the RAND Corp.

"Earlier generations of terrorists seldom thought beyond the barrels of their guns. In contrast, the masterminds of the Mumbai terrorist attacks displayed sophisticated strategic thinking in their choice of targets and their efforts to achieve multiple objectives," Jenkins testified. "They were able to capture and hold international attention. They sought to exacerbate communal tensions in India and provoke a crisis between India and Pakistan, thereby persuading Pakistan to redeploy troops to its frontier with India, which in turn would take pressure off of the Taliban, al Qaeda, and other groups operating along the border."

The Mumbai terrorists used different techniques from those who have attacked the city in the past, Jenkins noted, thereby surprising authorities. In 2006, terrorists planted bombs in trains, while in 1993, they detonated car bombs. But in 2008, terrorists attacked a train station directly and seized hotels, surprising Indian law enforcement with attacks in multiple locations with low-tech weapons.

One thing that remained the same, however, was that terrorists targeted areas where they could create a high casualty count, Jenkins stated.

"Terrorists will continue to focus on soft targets that offer high body counts and that have iconic value," Jenkins said. "Nationally and internationally recognized venues that offer ease of access, certainty of tactical success, and the opportunity to kill in quantity will guide target selection.

"Public spaces are inherently difficult to protect. Major investments in target hardening make sense for government only when these provide a net security benefit, that is, when they do not merely displace the risk to another equally lucrative and accessible target," he added. "Terrorists view public surface transportation as a killing field."

An analysis by the Mineta Transportation Institute's National Transportation Security Center reveals that two-thirds of all terrorist attacks launched against surface transportation had the intent to kill victims. Thirty-seven percent of those actually resulted in fatalities (as opposed to 20-25 percent of terrorist attacks overall); 75 percent of fatal attacks involved multiple fatalities; and 28 percent of those involved 10 or more fatalities.

http://www.hstoday.us/content/view/7035/128/

Emergency Operations Center Training

2009-01-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

EOC Training
March 3 - 5, 2009
9am- 5 pm
Confluence Technology Center
Wenatchee WA

Chelan County Emergency Management, with the assistance of the HMEP Grant, has arranged for Scott Brown / Training Manager, DOD/Civ. Response from the Texas Engineering Extension Service, Texas A & M, at College Place, Texas, to lead his team of instructors in presenting their newly created EOC training curriculum. If you represent county emergency management, health care providers, health districts, an emergency response agency, public works, PUD, or function as a public official or company / agency manager that may participate in or have the need to request an EOC during an emergency, then you owe it to yourself to attend this free training.

If interested, please contact:
Eileen Ervin @ Chelan Co. Sheriff’s Office
408 N. Western, Wenatchee WA 98801
509-667-6848 / 509-667-6510 fax
eileen.ervin@co.chelan.wa.us

Emergency Preparedness: Special Needs Population

2009-01-21T11:49:00.001-08:00

The Spokane Special Needs Committee is hosting a disaster preparedness training presented by Ana-Marie Jones on March 18, 2009 from 8:30-4:00. This training will be conducted at:

Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute
4000 West Randolph Rd
Spokane WA

The regular Special Needs Planning meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month, 1:30 PM at Spokane Fire Station #4 located at 1515 W. 1st.

If you have questions, please contact: Jan Doherty Spokane Fire Department 625-7058 jdoherty@spokanefire.org

Links:

http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/specialplans.shtm

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html

http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1442

http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=123

Homeland Security - I'm Ready

2009-01-20T07:06:00.001-08:00

Spokane Prepares

2009-01-20T06:45:00.000-08:00

Some people might not be familiar with the website that was launched to provide information on Spokane Preparedness. I just wanted to put out a reminder of this website http://www.spokaneprepares.org/.

There is a link to our approved Spokane Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). I am coordinating the review and update of the CEMP and will be setting up meeting end of February 2009. Please review the plan as it is vital to our community preparedness effort. Thank you.

CEMP
http://spokaneprepares.org/SpokaneCEMP.php

Emergency Management Topics:
http://www.spokaneprepares.org/preparednessDocuments.php

First Responder Training

2009-01-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

First Responder Training
Program (FRTP)

Location: Salem, Oregon
Dates: April 14-16, 2009

This is a TUITION-FREE training program presented by the

Department of Homeland Security, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center,
Office of State and Local Training

Program Focus:

The FRTP is a three-day training program that covers the topics most applicable to first responders who include: law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel. These emergency response professionals must be trained and equipped for virtually any situation, including criminal acts, natural disasters and other large-scale emergencies. A system of command will be needed to achieve a coordinated and effective incident response. Further, the psychological impact upon first responders needs to be considered following any critical incident. The FRTP will provide training, guidelines, and resources to address these, as well as other important issues.

Training Topics:

Past Responses to Major Incidents
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Safety Planning for Schools/Workplaces/Public Places
Rapid Deployment to an Active Shooter
Incident Command System/Critical Incident Response
Critical Incident Stress Management
Dealing with Emotionally Disturbed Persons

Who Should Attend:

Although the focus of the program is towards the first response of law enforcement personnel, emergency services personnel are encouraged to attend. All emergency personnel responding to a major incident need to understand the unique operational aspects of the respective services.

Cost:

TUITION-FREE (Attendees are responsible for all travel, lodging and meal expenses).

Registration and Program Information:

Click here to register and/or get additional information: First Responder Training Program (FRTP) http://www.fletc.gov/training/programs/state-local/training-opportunities/first-responder-training-program-frtp/

The Consortium

2009-01-19T12:56:00.001-08:00

Consortium
The National Domestic Preparedness Consortium
The National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) is the principal vehicle through which the Office of Grants and Training (G&T) identifies, develops, tests, and delivers training to state and local emergency responders. The NDPC membership includes G&T's Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Louisiana State University, Texas A&M University, and the Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site; each member brings a unique set of assets to the domestic preparedness program. The following is brief description of each member and their expertise:

Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP): The CDP provides hands-on specialized training to state and local emergency responders in the management and remediation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incidents. Located at the former home of the U.S. Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, the CDP conducts toxic agent training for the nation's civilian emergency response community. The training emergency responders receive at the CDP provides a valid method for ensuring high levels of confidence in equipment, procedures, and individual capabilities. For additional information on this program, call 1-866-213-9553 or e-mail studentservices@cdpemail.dhs.gov.

The Center for domestic preparedness offers training recommendations by discipline. To view more information:

https://cdp.dhs.gov/recommend/index.html

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMIMT) National Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center: NMIMT offers live explosive training including the use of field exercises and classroom instruction. NMIMT is the lead NDPC partner for explosives and firearms, live explosives, and incendiary devices training. NMIMT offers one course of instruction, the Incident Response to Terrorist Bombing course. For additional information on NMIMT courses contact NMIMT at http://www.emrtc.nmt.edu

National Center for Biomedical Research and Training: The National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (NCBRT), Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education at Louisiana State University (LSU) is a founding member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) and has been involved in the development and delivery of training and related efforts in support of the Office for State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support since 1998, and now for the Office for Grants and Training (G&T). Since that time, the NCBRT has developed and delivered for the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Health and Human Services, and Agriculture, as well as for State and local jurisdictions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, many courses dealing with Weapons of Mass Destruction, counter-terrorism, and high consequence events, for all disciplines including emergency management, law enforcement (including tactical operations), HazMat teams, public health, EMS, hospital, agricultural, and others. The NCBRT has also developed and delivered numerous workshops and seminars, developed scenarios and exercises, and has provided technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental entities. Not only are the capabilities of the NCBRT wide and deep, but they can be readily augmented by the scientists, researchers, and educators available from LSU, the flagship university of Louisiana. For additional information on NCBRT courses, contact LSU at http://www.ncbrt.lsu.edu/

Texas A&M University National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center: Texas A&M delivers a set of courses to prepare public officials, emergency medical services, law enforcement, fire protection, and public works for the threat posed by WMD. Courses are developed and designed to provide each specific segment of the emergency response community with the tools needed to accomplish its role in the event of a WMD incident. Additionally, Texas A&M has developed an Interactive Internet WMD Awareness Course for emergency responders. Texas A&M also provides technical assistance to state and local jurisdictions in the development of WMD assessment plans. Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) offers the following courses of instruction: WMD Threat and Risk Assessment, WMD Incident Management/Unified Command, Emergency Response to Terrorism Basic Concepts, Emergency Medical Operations, and WMD Awareness (Internet course). For additional information on TEEX courses contact TEEX at http://www.teex.com or nerrtc@teexmail.tamu.edu

U.S. Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site (NTS) National Exercise, Test, and Training Center: NTS conducts large-scale field exercises using a wide range of live agent stimulants, as well as explosives. NTS develops and delivers a Radiological/Nuclear Agents course. NTS, in coordination with G&T, is establishing the Center for Exercise Excellence. The Center will allow NTS to train jurisdictions in the planning and conduct of exercises, tailored to the unique threats faced by participating jurisdictions. The Center will provide a critically needed new component of the overall exercise training program, meeting those special exercise needs as the state and local jurisdictions define their exercise priorities. For additional information on NTS courses contact NTS at http://www.nv.doe.gov/combatingterrorism

FEMA EMI Courses

2009-01-19T12:45:00.000-08:00

Vacancies First Semester FY09:
http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/docs/2009%201st%20Semester%20Vacancies.pdf

First Semester Course Schedule:
http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/docs/2009%201st%20Semester%20Web%20Schedule.pdf

Second Semester Course schedule:http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/docs/2009%202nd%20Semester%20Web%20Schedule.pdf

Independant Study courses:http://training.fema.gov/IS/

Washington State EMD Training Opportunities

2009-01-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

Washington State EMD:
Upcoming Course Announcements:

Debris Management Course (G-202) January 27-29th, 2009-Everett

EOC Management and Operations (G-775) February 25-27th, 2009--Tacoma

EOC Management and Operations (G-775) March 3-5th, 2009-Centralia

Basic Public Information Officer Course (G-290) March 10-12th, 2009-Olympia

NIMS Resource Management (G-703) April 2-3rd, 2009-Redmond

Partners In Preparedness Conference April 14-15th, 2009--Tacoma

Incident Command System Curricula Train-the-Trainer TTT (L-449) May 5-8th, 2009 Camp Murray

Recovery from Disaster-The Local Government Role (G-270.4) May 6th, 2009-Renton

http://emd.wa.gov/training/training.shtml

Community Training Needs

2009-01-19T12:00:00.001-08:00

We are working on a coordinated effort with Training and Exercise's that our office is involved with. We would like to capture information in these areas within the community so we can facilitate the building block approach to support the training need and exercise the training. Once we capture the lessons learned, we can review our plans and incorporate any changes that have been identified. Please review the information below and let me know if there is anything that you see that would benefit your agency, specialized team, and/or our community efforts to prepare for an emergency/disaster. I will include links and information in following blogs so I can separate them by different training organizations. If you become aware of other training opportunities that are not listed but needed, please let me know.

Thank you,
Lisa Jameson

Disaster Assistance Guide for Local Governments

2009-01-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

The disaster Assistance Guide for local governments was very helpful to our community during the recent Emergency. I have included the table of contents and the link to provide an additional resource for government agencies during this time.
Thank you

Disaster Assistance Guide for Local Governments
April 2008

http://www.emd.wa.gov/disaster/Disaster_AssistanceGuidebook.shtml

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section I. Introduction

Chapter 1 Introduction and Overview
Chapter 2 Situation Reporting and Analysis

Section II. Emergency/Disaster Requests

Chapter 1 Local Proclamation of Emergency
Chapter 2 Local Request for State and Federal Assistance
Chapter 3 Governor’s Proclamation of Emergency
Chapter 4 Request for Presidential Declaration of an Emergency or
Major Disaster
Chapter 5 Supplemental Justification for Presidential Declaration Request
Chapter 6 Joint Field Office

Section III. Human Services

Chapter 1 Human Services
Chapter 2 Human Services Damage Assessment
Chapter 3 Disaster Recovery / SBA Centers

Section IV. Public Assistance

Chapter 1 Public Assistance Program
Chapter 2 Public Assistance Damage Assessment

Section V. Hazard Mitigation

Chapter 1 Hazard Mitigation Program
Chapter 2 National Flood Insurance Program

Section VI. Other Assistance

Chapter 1 Request for Federal Assistance Without a Presidential Declaration

Section VII. Appendices

Appendix A. Acronyms and Definitions
Appendix B. Excerpts from the Revised Code of Washington

Section VIII. Forms

Preliminary Damage Assessment Forms
• PDA Form PA-1 Instructions
• PDA Form PA-2 Instructions

Disaster Overview – Figure 1

Understanding Cyber threats and Safeguards

2008-10-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

Cyber Security Awareness

The month of October is recognized as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. This public education campaign is promoted to educate citizens on cyber threats and understanding how to safeguard against attacks. Cyber Security and Communications Assistant, Greg Garcia, makes a statement that “with the right tools, the knowledge, the resources, our cyber adversaries can steal identities and intellectual property. They can prevent access to essential services and information and they can disrupt the control systems that operate so much of our nation’s critical infrastructure (Club, 2008).” Because of the global nature of cyberspace, the vulnerabilities that exist are open to the world and available to anyone, anywhere, with sufficient capability to exploit them ((NIAC)). A greater understanding of how technology can be used in crimes, with a few protection safeguards, can mitigate some of the damage that can be done with information.

The United States economy and national security are increasingly becoming fully dependent upon information technology and the information infrastructure ((NIAC)). It is reported that 72.5 percent of the American population uses the internet (Group., 2008). This includes 220,141,969 users. As the number of internet user’s rise; cybercrime is also on the rise. The common techniques for online criminals include identity theft, Phishing attacks, and Botnet. In the United States, The total dollar value of reported complaints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on cybercrime in 2007 was recorded at $239 million in losses (Vamosi, 2008).

Current Efforts

There is currently a collaborative effort underway including federal, state, local and private entities, to research four areas of study to include: Public Safety, National Security, Financial & Corporate Fraud, and Individual Protection. The Public Safety focus includes: identity theft, cyber crime, organized crime groups, document fraud and sexual predator detection. National Security includes cyber security and defense, human trafficking and illegal immigration, terrorist tracking and financing. Financial and Corporate fraud includes financial crimes, data breaches and Individual protection includes Identity theft and fraud (Darcy, 2008). The challenge with this research is that understanding the trends of internet crimes takes time. Information technology is rapid and the attacks are usually unrecognized until it hits the system. A person may not even know that their computer is attacked, while the criminal is gathering data on their keystrokes to obtain information on that person. The question to be asked is if this is a problem that can be solved?

Criminals using the internet as the vehicle to carry out their crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. To some criminals or groups, cyber attacks are a method of making a political statement. The top threats for 2009, according to the Georgia Tech Information Security Center (Atlanta Business Chronicle, 2008), are as follows:

· Malware, under a social network link
· Botnet Attacks to wireless and peer-to-peer networks
· Cyber warfare, including targets on the U.S. Economy and infrastructure
· Threats to VoIP and mobile convergence (voice fraud & cellular botnets)
· Cyber crime economy

In Recent News

Networks, identity theft & online auctions

Criminals are beginning to form groups and organize to perform crimes utilizing information technology. In some cases, it requires less risk and more reward to them then acts of “traditional crimes” such as bank robbery. However, traditional crimes performed by criminals are beginning to expand their efforts with the use of technology. On October 1, 2008 an Armored Truck is robbed outside a Bank of America in Monroe, Washington (King5, 2008). After planning his attack, he solicited road maintenance workers at $28.50 an hour on craigslist. Those that responded were instructed to show up with specific attire and time. He made his escape on a pre-positioned inner tube. The craigslist respondents that showed up in the area wearing the same outfit, would make it difficult for the man to be identified.

Another popular crime is identity theft. On October 17, 2008 Jocelyn Kirsch, 23 was sentenced to 5 years for stealing the identities of friends and neighbors in Philadelphia in 2006 and 2007 to glean more than $116,000 in goods and services. They broke into their neighbors' apartments to steal mailbox keys; bought a machine to make their own fake drivers' licenses; and sold nonexistent laptops and iPods on eBay. Her boyfriend has not yet been sentenced (Dale, 2008). Online auction scams are very prevalent. The Buffalo News reports that “About 27 percent of New York state residents who bought on Internet auction sites such as eBay were victims of a scam or some sort of deceptive practice, making online auction fraud the Internet related complaint most often lodged with state and federal officials, Consumer Reports found (McClatchy, 2008).” In April of 2003, the Federal Trade Commission reports that “Auction fraud is the single largest category of Internet related complaints in the FTC's Consumer Sentinel database, which logged more than 51,000 auction complaints in 2002 (Farrell, 2003).”

Phishing
On October 9, 2008, The Federal Trade Commission published a warning that online scammers are taking advantage of the current economic conditions within the United States and Consumers Warned to Avoid Fake E-mails Tied to Bank Mergers (Commission, 2008). Phishing is defined as “is the act of sending an email falsely claiming to be an established legitimate business in an attempt to dupe the unsuspecting recipient into divulging personal, sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account information after directing the user to visit a specified website (Internet Crime Schemes).” In May 20, 2008, The FBI reported that 38 people globally were involved in a coordinated Phishing. A spam message began gathering stolen financial data. It was then sent to the United States via internet messages and chats. Persons within the United States created credit cards, gift cards and ATM cards with the stolen financial data. The cards were tested and a portion of the money was wired to the originator of the spam message (FBI, 2008). The development of software that infiltrates computers is becoming more sophisticated as the years pass. “As cyber criminals move beyond mass-distribution style phishing scams,” he says in the report, “they are learning how to localize and personalize their attacks for better penetration. Social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook and others will likely be used as delivery mechanisms” (Leggiere, 2008).

Botnets
Spyware, Malware, viruses and Botnets are becoming a part of the everyday concern. On a typical day, 40% of the 800 million computers connected to the Internet are bots engaged in distributing e-mail spam, stealing sensitive data typed at banking and shopping websites, bombarding websites as part of extortionist denial-of-service attacks, and spreading fresh infections, says Rick Wesson, CEO of Support Intelligence (USA Today, 2008). Botnets are often downloaded by the user or embedded within the computer by a virus. When a user downloads shareware for freeware, it could often times be attached to a botnet. Attackers may be able to access information, monitor your actions, modify programs, or perform other functions on your computer without being detected (McDowell, 2006). A person can use your computer in a crime without the owner’s knowledge.

Key to Safeguarding

In January 2008, President Bush established the Comprehensive National Cyber Security Initiative to address the vulnerabilities within the nation’s system regarding technology and the information infrastructure. On a national level, the government has increased funding to develop strategies for the Home User/Small Business, Large Enterprises, Critical Sectors/Infrastructures, National Issues and Vulnerabilities and on a global level. On a small scale there are safeguards that can be implemented today that might create a barrier within a home computer. An awareness of current threats & scams and how they are being implemented is the first step. There are a few simple guidelines that are recommended by the Department of Homeland Security.

Top 8 for Safe Cyberspace:
· Protect your personal information by changing passwords
· Know who you’re dealing with online
· Use anti-virus & anti-spyware and a firewall
· Update your operating system
· Backup important files
· Protect your children online
· Ignore suspicious emails and never click links- there is no free money
· Do not open attachments

CONCLUSION
Vulnerable computers are a target that is easily infiltrated by predators. Research on combating the problem of cybercrimes is hindered by the increased speed at which these crimes can attack systems. Scientists are attempting to gather reliable data from criminal and terrorist networks that could provide the technical insight needed to disrupt their activities within Dark Networks (Xu, 2008)”and dark markets but this does not eliminate or hinder current efforts or groups or individuals who are launching internet attacks. An internet user exploring information within cyberspace can safeguard themselves against attacks to some degree, with the right tools, knowledge and access to resources.