CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ARCHIVES
Communications Decision Could Impact Emergency Response
Christina Crue
December 3, 2014
The Federal Communications Commission is considering changing the provider of the local number portability administrator. Emergency responders should be aware that this decision could affect responders’ ability to identify 911 callers, to track suspects, and to transition, test, and validate telephone databases following a disaster.
Resilience – Making a List & Checking It Twice
Stephen Grainer
December 3, 2014
When the electric power infrastructure fails, it affects much more than just the electronic equipment that is powered by it. A lesson from Superstorm Sandy demonstrates how managing ground support, supplies, and facilities may differ when electrical power is gone. It may even require hundreds (or thousands) of orange traffic
Community Preparedness for Power-Grid Failure
Mary Lasky
November 25, 2014
Loss of the electric power grid could cause cascading effects following a major disaster. By working and planning together, individuals and communities will be better prepared and more resilient when faced with any disaster. As communities plan for major disasters, they also will be better prepared for not-so-major incidents.
Electromagnetic Pulse Triage & Recovery
Charles (Chuck) L. Manto
November 25, 2014
There are immediate and long-term steps – planning, triaging, and shielding – that any organization can take to mitigate disasters related to electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Understanding how EMP works, benefits and types of protective actions, as well as standards and ratings will help simplify the process of protecting civilian critical
Grid Power Failure – Alternative Energy Systems That Work
William Kaewert
November 19, 2014
As businesses and residents examine alternative energy sources in light of long-term power outage threats, some important features must be considered. Ensuring that a system is able to operate off grid requires that it operate completely independently, have a manual or automatic transfer switch installed, and include either on-site energy
Maine – A Journey Through State Grid-Protective Legislation & the Threat of Regulatory Capture
Andrea Boland
November 19, 2014
Government officials in Maine are taking steps to protect the electric grid from severe geomagnetic disturbances and manmade electromagnetic pulse weapons. However, ensuring that state agencies and electric utilities work together toward a common goal can be a challenge. The final task force report on emergency legislation passed on 11
Satellite Navigation & Timing: Good News, Bad News
Dana A. Goward
November 19, 2014
The Global Positioning System is an integral part of the U.S. critical infrastructure. However, its importance may not be realized until the system fails. It is important to examine the good and the bad of satellite navigation and timing when discussing: current systems, vulnerabilities, satellite signals, cost, implementation, and government
Challenge: Defeat Ballistic Missile Attacks From the South
Henry (Hank) F. Cooper
November 19, 2014
When President John F. Kennedy announced that Soviet ships were transporting nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles to Cuba, U.S. citizens prepared to “duck and cover” as they had been taught in grade school. Individuals and families were more self-reliant in the 1960s than today. With greater reliance on electricity, all
Washington, D.C. – Fail Gracefully, Recover Quickly
Rodrigo (Roddy) Moscoso
November 11, 2014
In the nation’s capital, emergency managers identify hazards, consider location-specific elements, and implement lessons learned from past incidents in order to create a robust preparedness plan for critical infrastructures, including power and water. Efforts in neighboring jurisdictions and private sector cooperation also contribute to the regional resilience of the power
‘Old-School’ Response to Medical Emergencies
Joseph Cahill
November 10, 2014
This current emergency medical services (EMS) dispatch and response process has evolved significantly over the past few decades. A dispatcher records the details of a 911 call in a web-based application. That information flows through a computer terminal into an ambulance. The unit responds using directions from a global positioning
Hazard Assessment & Response Management for CBRNE Incidents (HARM)
Domestic Preparedness
November 9, 2014
The Center for Domestic Preparedness is offering a unique course that challenges individuals assembled from different disciplines and geographic areas to apply their operational knowledge in support of a hazardous materials team responding to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) incident.
Part V – The ‘Big Picture’: Integration of Strategies & Plans
Catherine L. Feinman
October 29, 2014
Part 5 of 5: By implementing a national command structure, creating ongoing relationships, sharing resources, and participating in joint exercises and trainings, Baltimore City is able to better coordinate preparedness efforts with multiple disciplines and jurisdictions to protect communities and critical infrastructure. A small staff can accomplish a lot when
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