Gatekeeper Newsletter February 1, 2007 Volume VII, Edition 2 A RIZONA E MERGENCY R ESPONSE C OMMISSION 5636 EAST MCDOWELL ROAD PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85008-3495 Lou Trammell, Chair http://www.dem.state.az.us/ Janet Napolitano, Governor Daniel Roe, Executive Director http://www.dem.state.az.us/azserc/ It's Baaack!! Tier Two & Plan Review Time!! Check out www.azserc.org and complete your Tier Two Hazardous Chemical Inventory report on-line. Don't forget... the report is DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 1! Please don't wait until the last minute to do this because this year's changes will require a little extra time, but ultimately will make your job easier. We strongly believe that the direction we're taking will provide more timely information to planners and responders and provide an opportunity for real time reporting/access by facility owners/operators. Might as well use the available technology to make our lives easier and safer! Basics! Hazardous Chemicals: If you manufacture, process, otherwise use, store... or whatever word you can think of...any hazardous chemical, you may be subject to completing the Tier Two Hazardous Chemical Inventory Report. The report, when completed, is to be provided to the Arizona Emergency Response Commission (AZSERC), your County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) in Arizona and the Fire Department/District with jurisdiction for your facility. If you avail yourself of our online filing system, reporting to AZSERC and LEPCs is completed when you file on line. You need to check our website to see if your fire department accepts the electronic reporting. We're working (still) to encourage more fire departments/districts to come on board and you can help move us in that direction too! Just talk to them about accepting the reports electronically and to get in touch with us at azserc@azdema.gov for information. If there are facilities subject to EPCRA in their jurisdiction or they can be called upon for mutual aid support in a HAZMAT incident, this can be an invaluable tool for them and for your community. If lack of a computer is impairing coming on board, have them talk to us about AzSTRUT (Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology)... we can help. LIST OF LISTS http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/pubs /title3.pdf ! You may not find your chemical in that listing...BUT that doesn't mean it's not covered by the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Laws...both federal and state. For state law, see www.azleg.state.az.us and review Title 26, Chapter Two, Article Three. VOLUNTARY RECALL 2 TRI B URDEN R EDUCTION F INAL R ULE 4 RULES MORE IMPORTANT THEN PERSONALITIES 5 A NNUAL R EPORT UNDER F IFRA T OO ! 6 THINGS TO BE “HEADS UP” 8 ABOUT Back to the List of Lists! If you do not find your chemical in that list, the minimum reporting threshold for the Tier Two is 10,000 pounds. If you find your chemical in the Section 302 (EHS) TPQ (Threshold Planning Quantity) column the reporting threshold is the LOWER OF 500 POUNDS OR THE LISTED THRESHOLD PLANNING QUANTITY. Please do read the first few pages of the List of Lists to determine what to do with chemicals that have two listed TPQs. Continued on page 7 Don't be confused by EPA's Inside this issue: 2007 CIP RESOLUTION 9 NIMS ALERT 01-07 NIMS RECOMMENDED STANDARDS 10 STUDENTS GET EMERGENCY TRAINING 12 TRIBAL CORNER 16 SHORTS 19 LEPC & Voluntary Recall- Dewalt DG2900 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with DeWalt industrial Tool Co., announced a voluntary recall of the DeWalt DG2900 Portable Generator. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov.) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgibin/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO ) Name of Product: DeWALT DG2900 Portable Generators Units: About 13,000 Manufacturer: DeWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md. Hazard: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) installed on the generator could fail to operate properly, posing a risk of electric shock to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported. Description: The recall involves DeWALT DG2900 2900 watt gasolinepowered generators with date codes 200150 through 200635. The generators are black and yellow. "DeWALT" and "DG2900" are printed on the generator. The date code is stamped on the right side of the unit on the black plastic covering the rear of the control panel. Units with an "R" stamped on the name plate are not affected by this recall. Sold by: Major home center and hardware stores nationwide from December 2001 through November 2006 for between $900 and $1,000. Manufactured in: Japan Remedy: Consumers should stop using the generators immediately and contact DeWALT to arrange for a free inspection and, if necessary, free repair. contact DeWALT tollfree at (888) 742-9108 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at http://www.DeWALT.com. INDUSTRY CORNERS Firm's Recall Hotline: (888)742-9108 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 (Thanks to PRNewswire-USNewswire and to Hal Newman, Managing Editor, Big Medicine, for sharing.) Consumer Contact: For more information, Medical Services and First Aid [29 CFR1910.151] According to 29 CFR 1910.151, employers must ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of plant health. materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body must be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace that is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons must be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies must also be readily available. In areas where accidents resulting in suffocation, severe bleeding, or other life-threatening or permanently disabling injury or illness can be expected, a 3- to 4-minute response time, from time of injury to time of administering first aid, is required. In other circumstances, for example, where a life-threatening or permanently disabling injury is an unlikely outcome of an accident, a Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive Page 2 longer response time. such as 15 minutes, is acceptable. Where first aid treatment cannot be administered to injured employees by outside professionals within the required response time for the expected types of injuries, a person or persons within the facility must be adequately trained to render first aid. (Thanks to Connie Broich" CBroich@ercweb.com, Environmental Resource Center. Visit www.ercweb.com ) Gatekeeper Newsletter OMB Watch - TRI Changes: "EPA gave industry a nice gift for the holidays this season. On Monday, Dec. 18th, EPA announced a final rule, quadrupling the reporting thresholds for the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), despite the overwhelming opposition EPA received from over 120,000 members of the public, government officials and agencies, health professionals and public interest and environmental groups. The new rule will reduce public access to information on the most dangerous toxic chemicals stored at facilities across the country. Last week, OMB Watch issued a report, "Against the Public's Will," which summarizes the massive opposition to EPA's changes to TRI: http://www.ombwatch.org/info/TRICom mentsReport.pdf Instead of increasing the reporting threshold to 5,000 pounds for most chemicals, as was originally proposed by EPA, the agency increased the threshold to 5,000 pounds of production waste AND added a 2,000 pound threshold for releases directly to the environment (e.g., air, water, land). In other words, to drop detailed reporting, facilities must produce less than 5,000 pounds of the chemical and of that 5,000 pounds, only 2,000 pounds can be released to the environment. The rest would likely be treated or recycled on or offsite. The agency also established a loophole to discontinue detailed reporting on the most dangerous toxic chemicals –Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs). If the total amount of a PBT is under 500 pounds and none of it is released to the environment, then the company can forgo detailed reporting. This completely ignores the fact that storing a dangerous chemical in an onsight container does not protect the public. Hurricane Katrina proved that point. EPA claims that these changes improve the TRI program and that they will create incentives to increase recycling. But the reality is just the opposite. These changes will leave the public in the dark about toxic chemicals in their communities and place them at greater risk of exposure and harm. In 2007, we will mount a renewed effort to stop EPA from moving forward with these dangerous changes. Our attention must now shift to Congress and the courts. In the process, we will conduct outreach to ensure that you are informed and engaged. Your efforts proved crucial in urging the House to pass an amendment preventing the EPA from moving forward with changes to TRI. Unfortunately, the Senate never had an opportunity to seal the deal. In the 110th Congress, we expect to fully engage Congress to stop EPA from destroying a flagship environmental program. Thanks for all your support and we look forward to your continued involvement over the next year." (Thanks to Sean Moulton, Director, Federal Information Policy, OMB Watch; Phone: (202) 234-8494; Fax: (202) 2348584 ) More on TRI- Burden Reduction-Final Rule: EPA is revising the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements. TRI reporting is required by section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). This rule expands non-Persistent Bioaccumulative and Toxic (non-PBT) chemical eligibility for Form A by raising the eligibility threshold to 5,000 pounds of total annual waste management (i.e., releases, recycling, energy recovery, and treatment for destruction) provided total annual releases of the non-PBT chemical comprise no more than 2,000 pounds of the 5,000-pound total waste management limit. This rule also allows, for the first Gatekeeper Newsletter time, limited use of Form A for PBT chemicals when total annual releases of a PBT chemical are zero and the total annual amount of the PBT chemical recycled, combusted for energy, and treated for destruction does not exceed 500 pounds. This rule, however, retains the current exclusion of dioxin and dioxinlike compounds from Form A eligibility. To guard against situations where large non-production related amounts are not reported on Form R and to provide greater consistency between PBT chemical and non-PBT chemical Form A eligibility, this rule redefines the non-PBT Form A eligibility threshold to include non-production related amounts reported in Section 8.8 of Form R. DATES: This rule was effective on January 22, 2007. The first reports with the revised reporting requirements will be due on or before July 1, 2007, for reporting year (i.e., calendar year) 2006. http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPATRI/2006/December/Day-22/tri21958.pdf (Thanks to Matt Conway, Gov Affairs, Ping and Chuck Paulausky, CHMM Thunderbird Chapter; www.thunderbirdchmm.org ) Page 3 TRI Burden Reduction Final Rule - Correction: In rule document E6–21958 beginning on page 76932 in the issue of Friday, December 22, 2006, make the following correction: On page 76937, at the bottom of the second column, in footnote six, ‘‘For the purposes of the proposed rule and the final rule, ‘‘non–PBT chemicals ’’ indicates all listed TRI chemicals that are not ‘‘which are listed in 40 CFR 372.28.’’’’ should read, ‘‘The Agency cannot determine with certainty whether a facility has exceeded the one-millionpound threshold because facilities are not required to report totals for manufacture, processing, or otherwise use.’’ http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPATRI/2007/January/Day-10/tri21958.pdf (Thanks to Matt Conway (mattc@pinggolf.com) and Chuck Paulausky (cpaulausky@cpsafety.net) Settlement in Hazardous Chemical Case: EPA recently announced it has reached a $28,677 settlement with a San Francisco company, R.J. McGlennon Co. Inc., over the company's failure to submit annual reports about its toxic chemical usage, a violation of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know-Act. The company manufactures finishes for wood and other surfaces. In a September 2006 civil complaint the EPA alleged that McGlennon did not submit timely reports for its use of methyl ethyl ketone and xylene between 2001 and 2003 as well as its use of certain glycol ethers between 2001 and 2004. “These annual reports provide the public valuable information about the chemicals being released into their communities,” said Enrique Manzanilla, director of the Communities and Ecosystems Division in the EPA’s San Francisco office. “This information is critical to protecting public health and the environment.” EPCRA was enacted by Congress in 1986 as national legislation on community safety. It was designed to help local communities protect public health, safety and the environment from chemical hazards. The law requires companies using any of 650 listed toxic chemicals over a certain thresholds to report their chemical usage to EPA on an annual basis. The information is then compiled into a national database that is accessible to local emergency planning personnel and the general public. For more information on the EPA’s EPCRA program, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/epcr a/epcraenfenvresults.html (Contact: Mark Merchant, (415) 947-4297) More On SPCC- Final Rule: EPA is amending the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan requirements by: first, providing the option for owners and operators of facilities that store 10,000 gallons of oil or less and meet other qualifying criteria to selfcertify their SPCC Plans in lieu of review and certification by a Professional Engineer; second, providing an alternative to the general secondary containment requirement without requiring a determination of impracticability for facilities that have particular types of oil-filled equipment; third, defining and exempting particular vehicle fuel tanks and other onboard bulk oil storage containers used for Gatekeeper Newsletter motive power; and fourth, exempting mobile refuelers from the sized secondary containment requirements for bulk storage containers. The Agency also is removing and reserving the SPCC requirements for animal fats and vegetable oils that are specific to onshore oil production facilities, onshore oil drilling and workover facilities, and offshore oil drilling, production, or workover facilities. Finally, the Agency is extending the SPCC compliance dates for farms. These changes significantly reduce the burden imposed on the regulated community for complying with the SPCC requirements, while maintaining protection of human health and the environment. In a separate document in this Federal Register, the Agency is proposing to extend the compliance dates for all facilities. DATES: This final rule is effective February 26, 2007. See: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPAWATER/2006/December/Day26/w21509.pdf (Thanks to Matt Conway, Gov Affairs, Ping and to Chuck Paulausky, CHMM Thunderbird Chapter; www.thunderbirdchmm.org ) Page 4 Rules More Important Than Personalities- by Walter E. Williams Not that many complimentary things are said about politicians. When a problem arises, people say, "Government ought to do something." They seem to have forgotten that it's the politicians who are running the government. Many think things can be changed by electing different politicians, but I ask: Given the incentives politicians face, why should we expect one politician to differ significantly from another? We should focus less on personalities and more on rules. The kind of rules we should have are the kind that we'd make if our worst enemy were in charge. My mother created a mini-version of such a rule. Sometimes she would ask either me or my sister to evenly divide the last piece of cake or pie to share between us. More times than not, an argument ensued about the fairness of the division. Those arguments ended with Mom's rule: Whoever cuts the cake lets the other take the first piece. As if by magic or divine intervention, fairness emerged and arguments ended. No matter who did the cutting, there was an even division. By creating and enforcing neutral rules, we minimize conflict. Consider one area of ruthless competition -- sports. In Super bowl XL, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks had a lot on the line. Specifically, there's the $73,000 payment per man, contract enrichment and other benefits to the winners. Despite a bitterly fought contest and all that was at stake, the game ended peacefully and winners and losers were civil to one another. How is it that players with conflicting interests and reasons for winning can play a game, agree with the outcome and walk away as good sports? It's a minor miracle of sorts. That "miracle" is that it is far easier to reach agreement about the game's rules than the game's outcome. The rules are known and durable, and the referee's only job is their evenhanded enforcement. Even football teams with losing records would find their long-run interests lie in known, durable and evenhandedly applied rules. They can more adequately devise a winning strategy because predictability is enhanced. Suppose the game rules were flexible and referees played a role in determining the game's outcome. In other words, imagine the referees were more interested in what they saw as justice than enforcement of neutral rules. What might one predict about team behavior? Instead of trying to raise team productivity, owners would allocate resources to influence-peddling in the form of lobbying or bribing the referees. In the case of last year's Super Bowl, the referees might have argued that since the Pittsburgh Steelers won four previous Super Bowl championships, justice demands that the game be rigged in favor of the Seattle Seahawks, who have never won a Super Bowl. It's easy to imagine all the conflict that would arise -- team owners bringing lawsuits for what they see as biased referee decisions, and games ending in rancor and fights. There would be a reduction in the skill and fitness of all players and a lower overall quality of the sport. After all, if the outcome is determined by how well the team influences the referees, why spend resources recruiting and training superior players? It's better to use those resources for lobbying and bribes. We have a set of rules that are known, neutral and intended to be durable. Those rules were created by our founders and embodied in the U.S. Constitution. Those rules have been weakened by a Congress of both parties that picks winners and losers in the game of life. The U.S. Supreme Court, which was intended to be a neutral referee, has forsaken that role and become a participant. All of this means we can expect a future of bitterly fought elections and enhanced conflict. (Thanks to RB for sharing: From: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php ?print=yes&id=18714 Jan 03, 2007) Grant Opportunity- Strategic Agriculture: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX requests proposals for the Strategic Agricultural Initiative, for projects that foster transition by the agricultural community to the use of less and reduced risk pesticides, alternative methods of pest control and sustainable practices in food production. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that include a “whole systems” approach by integrating pest, soil, water and crop man- Page 5 agement practices; address an array of commodities; incorporate conservation planning; or that focus on “sustainable” agriculture. Projects must be implemented within Region IX which includes AZ. $400K expected to be available, up to 6 awards anticipated. Responses due 3/19/07. For more info, contact Cindy Wire at wire.cindy@epa.gov or go to: http://www.epa.gov/region9/funding/fqp a-strategic-ag-2007.html. Refer to Sol# EPA-R9-CED1-07-001. (Grants.gov) Gatekeeper Newsletter Annual Report Under FIFRA Too!: EPA has reached a settlement for $4,680 with a Burbank, Calif. company for failing to submit an annual report for its 2005 production of pest control devices, a violation of federal pesticide law. The EPA cited Steril-Aire, a manufacturer of pest control devices, for failing to submit an annual production report required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Although Steril-Aire filed the required production reports with the EPA in 2001 through 2003, it failed to do so in 2005 after a warning in 2004. As part of the settlement, Steril-Aire has now submitted the required documentation. "Reporting requirements detailing a company's production of pesticide control devices are necessary in the EPA's effort to ensure safe management and distribution of these devices," said Enrique Manzanilla, the EPA's Communities and Ecosystems Division director for the EPA's Pacific Southwest Region. "It only takes a few steps to stay in compliance with federal pesticide regulations." Before selling or distributing any pesticide or pest control device in the United States, a company must register the pro- duction establishment with the EPA. As with pesticides, pest control devices must then be identified in pesticide production reports submitted annually to the EPA. The enforcement case was based on a compliance review of production reports performed by the EPA earlier this year. For more information on pesticide regulation and enforcement, please visit the EPA's website at: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/fifra /index.html (Contact: Francisco Arcaute (213) 244 1815 ) AZ ASSE: The next ASSE Lunch meeting will be on FRIDAY FEB 2, 2007. Cost is $20. Speaker: Trish Ennis ASSE VP Program : Ethics in Safety Please note that The Arizona Chapter of ASSE meets the first FRIDAY of every month from September through June. Luncheon meetings start at 11:30am and are held at the Phoenix Country Club located at 2901 N 7th Street (7th Street and Thomas Rd). RSVP to the Chapter's new VOICEMAIL number at (480) 850-9554 by the preceding Friday! http://az.asse.org (Contact David Bellmont at 602-6312004 for information about classes being offered. Review http://osha.ucsd.edu for other safety classes offered in Arizona by The AZ Training Partnership in 2007.) To register on line for the lunch: azasse@yahoo.com ; visit Job Search Resources for Emergency Managers: http://www.careerbuilder.com/ : On this site, the user can set up a profile and have searches matching their needs emailed to them. "Emergency management" is the working job search for emergency managers. http://www.monster.com : On this site, the user can set up a profile and searches matching their needs. Searches are emailed to them on the users' schedule. "Emergency management" is the search term that produces the greatest results. http://www.usajobs.gov/ : On this site, the user can search through the various agencies of US government or can search, Gatekeeper Newsletter using terms, such as "public affairs" to determine which government agency has an opening. http://www.nemaweb.org/jobs/index.cfm is the index of jobs announced by the National Emergency Management Agency. Using http://www.web2mail.com the user can track the page that is of most interest to them. When the page changes, the user gets an email of the changed page. http://www.disastermanagementjobs.com/ searches jobs in USA and Canada. http://publicservicecareers.org/ offers a search feature. (Thanks to EmergencyManagement@yahoogroups.com ) http://www.iaem.com/resources/Career/Jo b_bulletin_board/cgi-bin/dcboard.pl is the job board at the International Association of Emergency Managers. Page 6 It's Baaack!! Tier Two & Plan Review Time!! (Cont…) LEPCs in Arizona, through the AZSERC, are requesting that in addition to the Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS) that you must report at 500 pounds or Threshold Planning Quantity (whichever is lower), that you include on the Tier Two report, for LEPC emergency planning purposes, all EHS' for which you are required to prepare, under state law, a Facility Emergency Response Plan. That request is supported by section 303 (D)(3) of PL 99-499, which is the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986. Household chemicals can kill! The following is a grim reminder regarding the handling of chemicals at home. Thanks to hazmat-wmd@yahoogroups.com for getting the word out. Might strongly consider visiting that site and joining up! Good info!! came to his aid were hospitalized because of the fumes, although all were expected to recover quickly. They weren't wearing masks because they believed they were responding to an asthma attack victim. The victim's wife and adult son were also taken to hospitals after the mishap. cleaning powder that contains chlorine bleach. "Drain Opener Fumes Kill Man (http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/17 9079,CST-NWS-orland20.article) December 20, 2006; BY SHAMUS TOOMEY Staff Reporter Mixed chemicals: "Sometimes we think we add a little bit of this, that's good. Add a little more, that's better," a battalion chief commented. "That's not a good idea. We need to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and not mix chemicals." As always... if you have questions, connect with us so we can sort things out. Visit www.azserc.org to get started! A Sobering Reminder: A man, trying to clear a clogged kitchen sink died after being overcome by toxic fumes from a mixture of a powerful drain cleaner and other chemicals. Five paramedics and a student-paramedic who The drain in the victim's porcelain, double-bowl kitchen sink had been stopped up for days, and he had tried several chemicals to loosen the blockage, police said. First, he poured in Liquid-Plumr. When that didn't work, he tried Rooto Professional Drain Opener, an industrial strength concentrate with sulfuric acid. Police also found Comet near the sink, a It's unclear whether he used the Comet in the sink, but when he poured in the Rooto, a reaction started and lethal vapors began rising, there was a strong smell of chlorine in the home. (The above was extracted from the SunTimes. Contributing: Daily Southtown, Lisa Donovan; stoomey@suntimes.com) "Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards"-Comments DUE FEB 7, 2007: See the Proposed Rule, 6 CFR Part 27 from the Department of Homeland Security. (Advance Notice of Rulemaking.Federal Register: December 28, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 249) SUMMARY: Section 550 of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 provided the Department of Homeland Gatekeeper Newsletter Security with authority to promulgate interim final regulations' for the security of certain chemical facilities in the United States. This notice seeks comment both on proposed text for such interim final regulations and on several practical and policy issues integral to the development of a chemical facility security program. Written comments must be submitted on or before February 7, 2007. For more information go to (watch word wrap): http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/ 01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2 006/06-9903.htm Page 7 Things to be “Heads-up” About: Situational awareness remains our mantra as a nation. To assist in that awareness, be familiar with Suspicious Incident Categories. Here are some descriptions that we should be sensitive about: CATEGORY DESCRIPTION ELICITING INFORMATION: Questioning facility personnel about a facility; this includes individuals probing employees in person on- or off-site, over the phone, or on the Internet about particular structures, functions, and personnel procedures at the facility. BREACH: Unauthorized personnel entering a restricted area. ATTEMPTED INTRUSION: Unauthorized personnel attempting to enter a restricted area. PHOTOGRAPHY: Taking still or moving pictures of a facility. OBSERVATION: Showing unusual interest in a facility; for example, observing it through binoculars, taking notes, drawing maps, or making drawings of facility structures. THEF: Stealing something associated with a facility. SABOTAGE/TAMPERING/ VANDALISM: Damaging, manipulating, or defacing part of a facility with mali- cious intent. CYBER ATTACK: Compromising, or attempting to compromise, a facility’s IT infrastructure. EXPRESSED THREAT: Making a spoken or written threat to damage or compromise a facility. FLYOVER Flying an aircraft over a facility; this comprises any type of flying vehicle, including an unmanned aerial vehicle loitering over a site. WEAPONS DISCOVERY Discovery of small arms or explosives at or near a facility. OTHER Incidents not fitting any of the above categories. FROM EMR-ISAC: The National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Infrastructure Protection is the central point for notifications regarding infrastructure threats, disruptions, intrusions, and suspicious activities. Emergency Services Sector personnel are requested to report any incidents or attacks involving their infrastructures using the following points of contact: 1) NICC - Voice: 202-282-9201, Fax: 703-487-3570, E-Mail: nicc@dhs.gov 2) Your local FBI office - Web: http:// www.fbi.gov/ contact/fo/fo.htm (Thanks to HITRAC- The Homeland Infrastructure Threat and Risk Analysis Center, DHS for information they provide) NOTE: As always... if our senses tell us something is wrong... something probably is wrong! Check last month's Gatekeeper Newsletter for additional places to report your concerns, but keep in mind that local law enforcement is a great place to start, and 9-1-1 gets you there pretty quickly! The Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center at 602-644-5805 (8772SAVEAZ) is also a good number to keep handy. Reporting on terrorist incidents and suspicious activities can be done through the same entity that has accepted hazardous chemical release reports for decades. The National Response Center, at 1-800-4248802, http://www.nrc.uscg.mil/ report.html accepts telephonic notification on: bombings, bomb threats, suspicious letters or packages, and incidents related to the intentional release of chemical, biological or radioactive agents. NRC watch standers have been trained to ask specific questions for such reports and will immediately pass the information to the proper agencies for response. FBI Launches E-Mail Alerts on Public Website: To improve public safety and law enforcement partnerships, the FBI recently launched a service that sends out e-mail alerts when new and vital information is posted on its Internet website. "Through these alerts, the FBI's breaking news and information comes straight to you-to your PC, laptop, or wireless device," said John Miller, Assistant Director for Public Affairs. "It's a fast, effective way of keeping our partners and the public informed about terrorist threats, missing kids, wanted fugitives, emerging scams, major cases, and more. And most importantly, it will help us do a better job of catching criminals and keeping the American people safe." Gatekeeper Newsletter Signing up is easy. Just click on the red envelope icons found on the FBI's main website at http://www.fbi.gov and on the websites of its 56 field offices nationwide. No personal information is required, just an e-mail address where the alerts will be sent. Subscribers select which topics that they want updates on, such as new e-scams and warnings, most wanted terrorists, top ten fugitives, and national and local press releases. The alerts are sent as soon as updates are posted on the FBI website or in daily, weekly, or monthly digests. Since launching the service in October, the FBI has e-mailed more than 600,000 alerts to nearly 14,000 subscribers. Through its website, the FBI has also begun providing RSS (Really Simple Syndication) news feeds for press releases, top stories, and other breaking news. Go to http://www.fbi.gov/rss.htm for details. The FBI website, which is visited by 2-3 million people from around the world each month, has been an important public safety and communications tool for more than a decade. On the site, you can report crime, help find fugitives and missing persons, apply for a job, request FBI records, get tips on how to "be crime smart," and learn how to do business with the Bureau. Page 8 2007 CIP Resolution: While LEPCs (Local Emergency Planning Committee’s) are not directly mentioned in the following extract from EMR-ISAC's article... the shoe sure seems to fit! Another opportunity for LEPCs to have their voices heard in the EPA and Homeland Security arena and to seek support for local, tribal and state programs. Take advantage of the opportunity. SERCs (State Emergency Response Commissions) and TERCs (Tribal Emergency Response Commissions) across the country should also pursue, through their needed initiatives through EPA and DHS. This remains a continued golden opportunity to enhance at least one pillar within the critical infrustructure of our nation. From EMR-ISAC's 01-07 e-mail to subscribers: "...the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) encourages the leaders, owners, and operators of the nation’s emergency services to resolve to proactively practice the protection of internal critical infrastructures (CIP) essential for uninterrupted response-ability. For 2007, the EMR-ISAC specifically recommends the revision and rehearsal of plans, procedures, and guidelines to emphasize protection and prevention activities as well as response and recovery actions. Identifying and reducing the vulnerabilities of internal critical infrastructures will bolster protection and prevention, and make the infrastructures more resilient to both man-made and natural calamities. There are time-efficient, low-cost methods to reduce or eliminate threats and vulnerabilities. Many of them are the result of ingenuity and creativity. Some are limited more by imagination than by time and money. Gatekeeper Newsletter The EMR-ISAC extends its best wishes for great success throughout 2007 with the selection and application of protection and prevention measures appropriate for each first responder organization and its community. Revising Community Preparedness Plans George W. Foresman, Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Preparedness, recently stated: 'Preparedness is the critical link between what we do to prevent, protect, and secure our critical infrastructure, and how we respond and recover from disasters.' Borrowing from another quote by Coach Vince Lombardi, preparedness planning must be a local initiative 'that requires the commitment of each and every individual to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.' After analyzing local preparedness intentions, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) appreciates that an appropriate goal for community preparedness planning should be 'a safe and secure community that protects cherished values and services.' To accomplish this fitting purpose, preparedness planning must establish an integrated method of actions that focus and unify how the locality will prevent, protect, manage, respond, and recover from a full spectrum of threats or incidents. When revising community preparedness plans with attention given to critical infrastructures, the EMR-ISAC suggests local emergency managers, assisted by a team of community stakeholders, consider the following five essential lessons learned. If accomplished, these recommendations should increase the probability that a municipality will achieve the appropriate goal for community preparedness plan- ning identified in the preceding paragraph. -Upgrade local preparedness through regional collaboration, cooperation, and decision making. -Build regional capabilities to prevent and protect against critical infrastructure degradation, and to expedite the restoration of vital services after the event. -Identify and address the various threats to and vulnerabilities of existing critical infrastructures. -Schedule activities to minimize or eliminate identified vulnerabilities within the shortest amount of time. -Ensure all critical infrastructure leaders, owners, and operators receive the information needed to improve their own safety and security." To acquire a subscription to EMR-ISAC's weekly CIP INFOGRAM, follow instructions at: https://disasterhelp.gov/suite/doc/32357. The National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Infrastructure Protection is the central point for notifications regarding infrastructure threats, disruptions, intrusions, and suspicious activities. NOTE: Don't forget the National Response Center at 1-800-4248802!) Emergency Services Sector personnel are requested to report any incidents or attacks involving their infrastructures using at least the first and second points of contact seen below: 1) NICC - Voice: 202-282-9201, Fax: 703-487-3570, E-Mail: nicc@dhs.gov 2) Your local FBI office - Web: http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm 3) EMR-ISAC - Voice: 301-447-1325, EMail: emr-isac@dhs.gov, fax: 301-4471034, Web: www.usfa.dhs.gov/subjects/emr-isac, Mail: J-247, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 (Thanks to EMR-ISAC) Page 9 NIMS Alert 01-07 NIMS Recommended Standards: This NIMS Alert provides information for all NIMS Stakeholders on the NIMS Integration Center (NIC)'s recommended standards for the implementation of NIMS. The NIMS Integration Center (NIC) conducted a review of incident and emergency management related standards through a multi-disciplinary Practitioner Working Group (PWG) to determine which standards provide the essential guidance for successful NIMS implementation. As a result, the NIC recommends that State and local governments voluntary adopt the following standards: The National Fire Protection Association standards * NFPA 1600: Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs. * NFPA 1561: Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System. The NIC will conduct another standards review cycle in Fiscal Year 2007 to evaluate additional standards and begin to identify areas of NIMS where there are no current programmatic, technical or operational standards. Likewise, the review will identify where existing standards do not meet the intent of NIMS. ommended standards will occur during the next NIMS standards review cycle after being released. It should be noted that the adoption of NPFA 1600 and 1561 are not NIMS compliance requirements, but is a voluntary effort that is not tied to receipt of DHS grant funds. Because standards development organizations regularly review and update their standards to maintain relevance, recommended standards will be reevaluated as revisions or new versions of the standards are released. A Fact Sheet on NIMS Recommended Standards containing additional information can be downloaded from the NIMS Integration Center website at: www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/fact_she et_standards.shtm. The reevaluation of updated NIMS rec- (Contact NIMS Integration Center 202646-3850) 10 Homeland Security Technologies to Watch in 2007: The latest from W. David Stephenson! "...the networked homeland security approach primarily relies on commercial communication technologies that can adapt instantly to provide emergency information in a terrorist attack, pandemic, natural disaster, etc., and that foster collaboration..." Visit: http://www.bigmedicine.ca/wdavidstephenson.htm (Thanks to Hal Newman, Managing Editor, Big Medicine; Managing Partner, Team EMS Inc., 514.697.1470; hnewman@tems.ca) Changes to NFPA Standard Call for NIOSH Certification: Revisions made for the 2007 edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Standard 1981 require that selfcontained breathing apparatus presented for NFPA approval under the standard for use in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents must also have certification by NIOSH for such use. For more information, see the December 8, 2006, letter to all manufacturers at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/resources Attention LEPCs in EPA Region IX Please forward your LEPC meeting schedule (date, time, location) to Al Fischer at Fischer.Al@epa.gov for inclusion in their master schedule of SERC, LEPC, Regional Response Team (RRT), Gatekeeper Newsletter /pressrel/letters/lttr-120806.html tinyURL: http://tinyurl.com/y9wmz2 or contact Heinz Ahlers at hahlers@cdc.gov. (Thanks to hazmat101@yahoogroups.com for posting) (Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii): Tribal and Border Program meetings. EPA Region IX also maintains on that schedule a listing of major conferences such as HazMat Explo, Gatekeeper Regulatory Roundup, Southern Arizona Envi- ronmental Management Society, Continuing Challenge, NASTTPO, Yuma Ammonia Days, and major exercises such as Topoff or regional exercises. Page 10 U.S. EPA Region IX Solicits Award nominations: USEPA Region IX is encouraging citizens in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands to nominate a friend, peer or organization for this year's U.S. EPA Environmental Awards program. The program, now in its ninth year, seeks to recognize individuals and groups outside of the U.S. EPA who made significant contributions to improve the environment in the year 2006. Anyone can be nominated, such as scientists, teachers, journalists, citizen activists, young people, organizations, business representatives, public officials and others committed to protecting public health and preserving our natural surroundings. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: · promotion of innovative ideas, techniques, and/or technologies · ability to address an environmental problem or need · accomplishment of stated goals · ability of the program/activity to be replicated or widely shared · collaboration with others · clarity and effectiveness of the presentation · long term benefits for the environment Nomination forms must be submitted online no later than February 16, 2007. An EPA panel will review all of the applications and select this year's finalists, who will be notified by mid-March. Winners will then be recognized at a ceremony to be held in San Francisco mid-April. For more information and to submit a nomination form online, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region09/awards. For questions regarding the program, please call the Environmental Information Center at (866) EPA-WEST or Wendy Chavez at (415) 947-4248. See the online nomination forms at www.epa.gov/region09/awards (Contact: Wendy Chavez, 415/947-4248, chavez.wendy@epa.gov ) Assistance to Firefighters Grants Awarded: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today $4,909,588 in direct assistance grants to 60 fire departments and first responder organizations through the department's Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. To view the latest round of AFG award announcements, please visit: http://www.firegrantsupport.com/awards LEPCs should be encouraging every Fire Dept/District to be applying for these grants. Provides support for many that is NOT forthcoming through other means. Special Events Planning: See: "Special Events Contingency Planning Job Aids Manual". FEMA. March 2005; http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/downloads/is15aSpecialEventsPlanning-JAmanual.pdf Special Events. "Planned Special Events: Checklists for Practitioners" US Dept of Transportation http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/psechecklists/index.htm (Thanks to Gregory T. Banner) OnLine Training: The University of Albany CPHP (http:// www.ualbanycphp.org) and the New York Consortium for Emergency Preparedness Continuing Education (http:// www.nycepce.org) have announced three new interactive web-based courses: -Emergency Preparedness Training for Hospital Clinicians Page 11 (http://www.nycepce.org/Courses/ept/ ept.htm) -HazMat Transportation Incidents: Using the Emergency Response Guidebook (http://www.ualbanycphp.org/learning/ registration/detail_ERG.cfm) -Working in a Point of Dispensing (POD) (http://www.nycepce.org/Courses/mrc/ mrc.htm) (Thanks to Lloyd Colston, Mayes County Emergency Management, Pryor, OK http://mayescem.us ) Gatekeeper Newsletter Students get Emergency Training - By Tammy Krikorian, Tribune In the event of a campus emergency, a group of Higley High School students is being trained to assist law enforcement with triage, basic treatments and light search and rescue. About 20 Higley students are participating in the Teen SERT (School Emergency Response Training) pilot program with the Gilbert Fire Department. Nancy Diab, assistant principal, said they are the first students to sign up for the program in Maricopa County and possibly even the state. "Just in case something happens within the community or the school, (the students) can assist their peers and we can incorporate it into the school emergency plan," Diab said. "It takes away that helpless feeling." The students participated in Saturday training for three hours for six weeks, culminating with a mock emergency exercise on Saturday. Karissa Greene, a 16-yearold junior, said she's learned a lot about fire safety and creating emergency plans for her household. She shares what she learns with her parents when she goes home after each lesson. The lessons were also made applicable to the school setting. If an emergency occurred on campus, students from the class would be pulled out of class to help, and would be able to provide assistance without panicking, Greene said. "Say the ceiling fell and we were OK," she said. "They would have us help people get out, light search and rescue, or if there was a little fire, we know how to put those out." Greene and her classmates have also learned to be more aware of their surroundings. "One thing I do now, when I enter a room, I look to see where the exits are," said Tyler Lovell, a 16-year-old junior. Lovell, who wants to be a volunteer firefighter, said he's learned how to assist people having breathing problems, how to use a fire extinguisher and where to apply pressure if someone is bleeding. "It's helping you become well-rounded (and) safe if an incident happens," he said. Jacob Schultz wants to go into the military and thought the course would be helpful in that capacity. The 16-year-old sophomore said he's learned how to crib, or lift heavy things off of people, and perform light search and rescue. In dayto-day life, he's learned what chemicals not to mix, how to take care of a Christmas tree so it doesn't become a fire hazard, and safer routes to ride his bike. He also understands that he doesn't know everything. "If you're in danger," he said, "don't go in - call professionals." (Thanks to the East Valley Tribune- Arizona) School Kids Warn About Dangers of Radon: Six middle school children received kudos from EPA and the acting U.S. Surgeon General for their efforts to raise awareness on radon. Radon, an invisible radioactive gas, causes lung cancer and kills about 20,000 Americans each year. The only way to know if your home contains high radon levels is to test for it. The poster contest, for children ages 9 14, is run by the National Safety Council and co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and EPA. This year's contest had more than 700 entries from chil- Gatekeeper Newsletter dren in 28 states, three Tribal Nations and two U.S. Territories. This year's winners include two children from Alabama, two from New York, one from Pennsylvania, and one from Utah. January was National Radon Action Month. EPA launched a new radon Public Service Announcement featuring the Surgeon General's warning that people should test their homes for radon. This announcement is part of a larger effort to inform people that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon problems in homes problem can be easily tested and fixed. Information on radon month: http://www.epa.gov/radon/rnactionmonth. html Winners of the 2007 National Radon Poster Contest from the National Safety Council can be seen at: http://www.nsc.org/issues/radon/poster_w inners.htm (Contact: Roxanne Smith, (202) 564-4355 / smith.roxanne@epa.gov ) Page 12 Survival, Safety and Our Loved Ones: by Fred Cowie, Ph.D We all know the scenarios, for they are on TV all the time, either as “headline news” or as “anniversary” items—school shootings, hostage situations, home invasions, road rages or “going-postal” style events at work. Yet, for all of this “in your face” reality, what are we doing to protect our loved ones, those close to us? I venture to say “damned little.” As an emergency management professional (who has spent the major part of a career trying to convince the government to stick with the local hazard, local risk, local response paradigm in face of international terrorist threats), I believe it is time that we prioritize just what it is that those around us need to know and need to do to stay safe.(1) Using a simple hazard/risk analysis process and starting with reality and statistics rather than fear itself, we should worry about lower respiratory lung infections and drunk drivers for they are killing millions every decade. Thus, we and our loved ones should, at a minimum where applicable, get flu and pneumonia shots and take defensive driving courses. Along with those, I would suggest an OSHA Level I Hazardous Materials Awareness course. Such a consciousness raising class is critical for personal safety in our wonderfully creative, chemicalbased world. Unfortunately, those previously noted cultural phenomena (school shootings, hostage situations, home inva- sions, road rages and ‘postal’ events at work, inter alia) have forced me to add one more “must have” module to my “basic training” courses—Personal Survival Training. After consultation with security, safety and law enforcement personnel from around the country, I have added the following concepts to a variety of my training courses. I hope you find them useful. Assess, evaluate: Are people being shot or killed right off? If yes, running away and trying to escape might be a very good risk management option. Survive: Remember, you goal is survival. It is not to be a witness or a hero. If you try to look closely at the gunman/gunmen (or gunwomen?), you may set them off. If you try to attack them, they will react, perhaps with lethal force. It is highly probable that they are on speed, meth, cocaine or other drugs or are somehow otherwise chemically overloaded—or are perhaps suffering from psychosis or paranoid schizophrenia. Loud noises, bright lights (like flashlights) and other things (like badgering questions) might overload their heightened sensitivities. Make yourself small: That is, a small target! Lie on the floor if there is nothing to hide behind, with your head away from the gun and stay face down. Thus, you will be no threat to the gunman. Be polite, respectful: Be quiet! Speak when spoken to. Some people say to use their first name, but that is your call. Honor their pain, their anger. You don’t have to think it’s justified, but surely see that it is real. And for heaven’s sake (and yours), don’t belittle them. Humanize yourself: Speak of your future, your kids, your family, whatever might make you of more a person and less of an object in their eyes. Follow their lead if they talk about their family members, lovers, etc. Drink water, eat, breathe, and relax: If the hostage situation becomes long term, be sure to take care of your self, your body. Eat. Don’t get dehydrated. Do isometrics and breathing exercises. Maintain a perspective and a good sense of self, you will need it. There may be more things too, but people can’t learn too much, too fast. They need a great strategy and a few good specifics. I hope these help and make sense. It’s too bad we have to teach these to our kids and family members, but it’s worse if we don’t! (1). See Dr. Cowie's previous newsletter article “Osama and my Mama” (Thanks to Fred Cowie; © 2006 Frederick J. Cowie, Ph.D; Fredcowie.com ; fredcowie@aol.com ; 24/7 Phone: 406-4313531;You may reprint if you include Dr. Cowie's contact info.) DHS Launches the Corrective Action Program System: The Corrective Action Program (CAP) System is a web-based application that allows Federal, State, and local emergency response and homeland security officials to track, prioritize, and analyze corrective actions following exercises, policy discussions, and real-world events. Sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), Gatekeeper Newsletter the system enables users to: -Quickly enter data from a finalized After-Action Report/Improvement Plan (AAR/IP); -Track the progress of corrective action implementation; and -Analyze and report on trends in improvement plans. able to the national exercise community, via the DHS HSEEP homepage. Organizations and jurisdictions interested in using the CAP System should contact the HSEEP Program at hseep@dhs.gov. -In addition, LLIS.gov will post additional CAP System overview information and training materials as they become available on the LLIS CAP System page. -Version 1.0 of the CAP System is avail- Page 13 First Responders- Radiological Incidents: When an emergency hits, the first people on the scene are local services, including medical, law enforcement, and fire brigades. They have important roles in the early response to a radiological or other kind of emergency. What they do in the first few hours can save lives. Through new web pages and a series of publications, the IAEA - through its Department of Nuclear Safety and Security is issuing guidance to emergency response teams that could be called to the front lines of a nuclear or radiological incident or accident, and for national officials backing-up the early response. "Responders generally have no experience with radiation emergencies as they are very rare", says Warren Stern, who heads the IAEA's Incident & Emergency Centre (IEC). "They can benefit a lot from practical guidance about what's known about radiation, and how to deal with accidents and incidents involving nuclear or radioactive materials." The new web pages and reports cover different types of emergencies. They include uncontrolled dangerous radioactive sources; misuse of dangerous industrial and medical sources; public exposures and contamination from unknown origins; serious overexposures; malicious threats/acts; and transport emergencies. Guidance includes helping first responders to determine the existence of or extent of a radiological emergency, and to take the corresponding correct actions for protecting people and the environment. -Radioactive materials can cause radiation exposure even when persons are not in contact with them. -The health effects resulting from radiation exposure may not appear for days, weeks or even years. -The public, media and responders often have an exaggerated fear of radiation. Visit: http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/News/2 006/firstresponders.html# (Thanks to "Kostiuk, Ed M." EdK@health.ok.gov and to HazmatWMD@yahoogroups.com, EmergencyManagement@yahoogroups.com, iaemlist@iaem.com ) Background -Even very low levels of radiation, that pose no significant risk, can be detected rapidly with simple, commonly available instruments. Health Care Emergency Response: You can access the transcript of a recent discussion on the National Alliance for Training Health Care for Emergency Response (NATHCER) from the EIIP Virtual Forum homepage www.emforum.org -- OR -via the following URL: http://www.emforum.org/vforum/lc07011 0.htm . This educational service is provided by the Emergency Information Infrastructure Partnership (EIIP). (Thanks to "Avagene Moore" amoore@emforum.org ) Useful info for Volunteer Programs: While part of the Medical Reserve Corps Technical Assistance Series at http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/TAS eries , the following is useful for ALL programs: Technical Assistance Series sponse Partners 4. Developing Volunteer Relationships and Capabilities 5. Establishing and Maintaining Your MRC Unit's Organization Contents 6. Special Topics: Risk Management and Liability Basics for MRC Units 1. Getting Started: A Guide for Local Leaders 7. Special Topics: MRC Training and Core Competencies 2. Organizing an MRC Unit: Operational Components and the Coordinator's Role 8. Special Topics: Sustainability 3. Coordinating With Your Local Re- Gatekeeper Newsletter 10. Special Topics: Guidelines for Developing and Managing an MRC Unit (Thanks to Elizabeth H. Fitch, MPA, Medical Reserve Corps Regional Coordinator, Region IV, Atlanta, GA and Gregory T. Banner, M.S., C.E.M., Regional Emergency Coordinator, Region I - New England, US Dept of Health and Human Services for sharing and ensuring the word it out!) 9. Special Topics: Volunteer Retention and Recognition Page 14 So...How's Your New Year's Resolution Doing? ARIZONANS URGED TO “RESOLVE TO BE READY” - Make a Plan, Build a Kit, and Stay Informed. Each year nearly half of all Americans will make at least one New Year’s resolution. This year, the Arizona Division of Emergency Management encouraged Arizonans to make a resolution that is both important and easy to keep - resolve to be prepared for emergencies. “An emergency can strike with little or no warning,” said Lou Trammell, Director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management and Chair of the Arizona Emergency Response Commission. “However, there are simple steps that citizens can take now, before an emergency occurs, that will bring some peace of mind later, after a disaster strikes.” members will communicate with each other during an emergency, and how to safely evacuate the house. Determine common meeting locations, both primary and secondary, in case it is impossible to return home. 2) Build a family disaster kit with canned food, water, toiletries, a flashlight, medicine and important documents, in case of a quick relocation. Don’t forget specific items for family members with special needs and family pets. 3) Stay informed about emergency events; learn about potential hazards in your area. Keep a battery-operated radio with extra batteries on hand. Think about it... a hazardous materials release, whether from a fixed facility or from a transportation related incident could easily send you "packing." Even if shelter-in-place was ordered... your plan and kit are needed. Not a bad resolution to keep!!! Arizona 211 (www.az211.gov) is a resource for preparedness information and real time updates for unfolding disasters. To access checklists for writing a family communication plan and building a disaster kit go to www.az211.gov and click the state symbol in the center of the page. (Thanks to Judy Kioski, ADEM (602) 509-5216; Public Information Officer) 1) Write and practice a preparedness plan. The plan should outline how family Plan Will Allow Emergency Lines to Accept Digital Images: See the article that covers ways that the camera phone can be put to use by civilians in a disaster. The article is entitled "50 Emergency Uses for your Camera Phone" and the direct link is: (http:// www.disasterprep101.com/ camera_phone_uses.htm) (Thanks to www.disasterprep101.com and EmergencyManagement@yahoogroups.com ) Third Annual Gatekeeper Regulatory Roundup: Visit www.epaz.org/regulatory-roundup2007.htm for registration information. BUILDING BRIDGES February 20-21, 2007 Chaparral Suites, Scottsdale Gatekeeper Newsletter Page 15 TRIBAL CORNER Of Interest to Tribal and Rural Communities: *Hospital Emergency Response Training (HERT) For Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI) Train-the-Trainer February 12-16, 2007 June 18-22, 2007 March 5-9, 2007 August 6-10, 2007 April, 23-27, 2007 September 24-28, 2007 Fort McClellan, Alabama For more information: Linda Pressley, EMI’s HERT/MCI Course Manager, (256) 231-0103, email: lindas.pressley@dhs.gov *Anti-Crime Planning for Tribal Nations February 6-7, 2007 Billings, Montana For more information: Kimberly Sorrells, Project Manager, Lamar Associates, (202) 543-8181, email: Kimberly@lamarassociates.net or visit website: www.lamarassociates.net *8 Hour DOT HazMat Transportation Refresher February 7, 2007 Tempe, Arizona For more information: Ryan T. Brown, Academic Associate, Office of Environmental Technology, Arizona State University, (480) 727-1869 or (480) 7972436, email: Ryan.T.Brown@asu.edu *Critical Response & Emergency Systems Training (CREST) February 12, 2007 *3rd Annual North Region Tribal Bio Terrorism Conference February 13-15, 2007 Hon Dah, Arizona For more information: Sherri Helton, Tribal Liaison, Navajo County, (928) 524-4750, email: sherri.helton@co.navajo.az.us or Shannon Tate, Bio Terrorism Coordinator, White Mountain Apache Tribe, (928) 338-2483, email: state@wmat.us *8 Hour Water Quality Laws & Requirements Seminar February 15, 2007 Tempe, Arizona For more information: Ryan T. Brown, Academic Associate, Office of Environmental Technology, Arizona State University, (480) 727-1869 or (480) 797-2436, email: Ryan.T.Brown@asu.edu *Third Annual Ammonia Awareness Safety Day February 15, 2007 Yuma, Arizona For more information: Dan Roe, Arizona Division of Emergency Management, (602) 231-6345 *Gatekeeper Regulatory Roundup Conference February 20-21, 2007 Scottsdale, Arizona For more information: Brad Cross, Conference Chairperson, (480) 905-9311, email: _Brad.cross@lfr.com_or Dwight Clark, Conference Co-Chairperson, (602) 243-1600, email: dclark@ninyoandmoore.com *2007 Regional NIMS Implementation Conference February 21, 2007 Albuquerque, New Mexico For more information: Brian E. Ellis, NIMS Implementation Coordinator, FEMA Region VI, (940) 898-5126, email: brian.ellis@dhs.gov Tribal Program Link: http://www.epa.gov/region09/indian Page 16 *Archeological Resources Protection Training Program February 26 - March 2, 2007 Las Vegas, Nevada For more information: Virginia McCleskey, (912) 554-4828 or Charles D. Louke, email: Charles.Louke@dhs.gov *FI-210, Fire Investigator Training February 26-March 2, 2007 Albuquerque, New Mexico For more information: Val Christianson (505) 563-3375, Lee Schmunk (605) 720-8010, Gary Hilton (612) 725-4526 *2007 TRI National Conference February 27-28, 2007 Arlington, Virginia For more information: Mia Sealey, Project Manager, Environmental Council of the States, (202) 624-3662, email: msealey@sso.org *Community Emergency Response Team Train-the-Trainer February 28 – March 2, 2007 Scottsdale, Arizona For more information: Michelle Dennis, Arizona State Training and Exercise Office, (602) 231-6252 or 1-800-4112336 ext. 6252, email: michelle.dennis@azdema.gov *E580 Emergency Management Framework for Tribal Governments March 12-15, 2007 September 10-13, 2007 *E344 Mitigation for Tribal Officials April 2-5, 2007 Continued on next page… Tribal Program Newsletter: http://www.epa.gov/region09/indian/newslet.html Gatekeeper Newsletter Of Interest to Tribal and Rural Communities: (Cont. from pg. 13) *E581 Emergency Operations for Tribal Governments June 11-15, 2007 Emmitsburg, Maryland For more information: Anne Griffin, Regional Training Manager, FEMA Region 8, (303) 235-4929, or visit website: http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/E MICourses/EMICatalog.asp *18th Annual Fire Prevention Workshop March 12-16, 2007 Santa Ynez Valley, California For more information: California Fire Prevention Institute, Chairman Penni Overstreet-Murphy, (760) 386-8472, or Treasurer Rick Terry, (925) 838-6600, or visit website: www.firepreventionofficers.org *U.S. Department of Justice/Office of Justice Programs - Tribal Training and Technical Assistance March 27-29, 2007 Minneapolis, Minnesota June 4-6, 2007 Jacksonville, Florida July 29-August 1, 2007 Phoenix, Arizona For more information: Bob Brown, (202) 616-3297, email: _Robert.brown@usdoj.gov_or go to website: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/topics//ttta.htm *National Association of SARA Title III Program Officials 2007 Conference April 16-17-18, 2007 Kansas City, Missouri For more information: Visit website: www.nasttpo.org *2007 National Environmental Partnership Summit May 7-10, 2007 New Orleans, Louisiana For more information: Beverly Updike, Office of Compliance, OECA, (202) 564-7142, or visit website: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/ Page 17 Website: www.whitehouse.gov/reports/katrinalessons-learned/ EPA Region IX Tribal Resources Website: www.epa.gov/region09/indian/res.html *17th World Conference on Disaster Management July 8-11, 2007 Toronto, Canada For more information: Alysone Will, Conference Coordinator, (416) 595-1414, ext. 224, email: coord@wcdm.org_ , or visit website: www.wcdm.org Contacts of Interest: US EPA Emergency Response Training Program Website: www.ert.org/mainContent.asp?section=Tr aining&subsection=Courses *National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) Website: www.fema.gov/nims US EPA On-Scene Coordinator Website: http://epaosc.net Arizona Homeland Security Website: www.homelandsecurity.az.gov Superfund Hotline Training Modules Website: www.epa.gov/superfund/contacts/sfhotlne /index.htm Arizona 2-1-1 Tool to help people get connected with health & human services and emergency response resources in their communities. A source of timely information during natural or man-made emergencies, such as, wildfire, floods, water shortages and evacuations. Go to website: www.az211.gov/ Information about Avian Flu Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Public Health Hotline Statewide: 1-800314-9243; Metro Phoenix: (602) 3644500; Arizona Department of Agriculture Livestock and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-742-5334 Arizona Division of Emergency Management Website: www.dem.state.az.us/ Arizona Emergency Response Commission & Gatekeeper Newsletter Website: www.dem.state.az.us/azserc_ and www.azserc.org Arizona Public Safety Communications Commission (PSCC) Newsletter: http://www.azdps.gov/pscc/newsletter/Da taFile.asp?FileID=247 Arizona Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety Website: www.dfbls.az.gov/ Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned FEMA Emergency Management Institute (including NIMS & ICS on-line training) Website: www.training.fema.gov 2006-2007 National Fire Academy Course Schedule and Catalog Website: www.usfa.dhs.gov/training/nfa/catalog Pipeline Emergency Response Guidelines Website: www.pipelineawareness.org U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Website: www.fws.gov/ National Center for Rural Law Enforcement The National Center for Rural Law Enforcement provides Internet access and email at no cost to rural law enforcement agencies and tribal criminal justice agencies by use of a toll-free dial up service. The project also provides free website hosting, an electronic information resource center, model policies and procedures, and promotes information sharing among law enforcement agencies by use of email. Internet access is primarily available to rural law enforcement agencies and must be use for agency business purposes only. Applications are accepted throughout the year. For more information, visit website: http://64.219.0.21/BJA%20Internet%20in dex.htm Gatekeeper Newsletter 3rd Annual North Region Tribal BT Conference: The North Region Tribal Bioterrorism Programs are pleased to invite you to the upcoming 3rd Annual North Region Tribal Bioterrorism Conference hosted by The Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, and the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona. This conference will focus on cultural awareness, tribal public health emergency preparedness with an emphasis in exercise, security, SNS and Pandemic Influenza planning, and continuous networking with various tribal, as well as local and state agencies. WHEN: February 13-15, 2007 Please indicate you are with the WMAT BT Conference to receive discount. Deadline for registration is February 5, 2007. WHERE: Hondah Casino & Resort HWY 260 and 73 (3 miles south of Pinetop) Hondah, AZ Rooms will be available at $79.00. Please call 928.369.0299 or toll free at 1.800.929.8744 to reserve your room. COST: $40.00 (Covers lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday including afternoon breaks.) For more information, please contact: Sherri Helton, Tribal Liaison at 928-5244750 or sherri.helton@co.navajo.az.us or Shannon Tate, WMAT BT Coordinator at 928-338-2483 or state@wmat.us. Mitigation for Tribal Officials Course, April 2 - 5, 2007: E344, Mitigation for Tribal Officials, is scheduled for April 2 – 5, 2007 at EMI. Attendance is limited to tribal members or those representing tribes. The course will provide a 1-week overview of FEMA's Mitigation programs, including planning, the NFIP, and Mitigation Grant programs (PDM, FMA, and HMGP). Students should have some familiarity with FEMA, in terms of overall programs. Space is limited to 30 students, and EMI would like to have the class full, or close to full six weeks prior to class start date. Page 18 FEMA expects to publish a regulation early next year, which will provide for a planning requirement that is specific to Indian tribal governments (previously, tribes had the option of developing State or local plans). FEMA is incorporating the new planning regulations and policy into the course materials– and anticipates that this will help reduce some of the confusion related to tribal mitigation planning. Attendees should fill out the FEMA form 75-5 (FEMA General Admissions Application) with the course code and title: E344, Mitigation for Tribal Officials. The date: April 2 – 5, 2007. Under jurisdiction (14a) check the box with special district. Under Approvals (22 and 23), have the applicant get a signature from the appropriate tribal leader (it does not go through the State). FEMA General Admissions Application (75-5) should be faxed to NETC Admissions at (301) 447-1658 not later than February 19, 2006. If you have any questions about the course, who should attend, or how to apply, please contact Dawn Warehime at (301) 447-1309 or by email at dawn.warehime@dhs.gov. FEMA is excited about this opportunity to fill a training need for tribes - and give them a basis for more fully participating in mitigation programs. (Thanks for sharing to Rose Whitehair, AZGITA) Gatekeeper Newsletter U PCOMING E VENTS February Events: Future Events: • • February 2, 2007 Pinal County Air Quality and Emergency Management presents a Free Compliance Assistance Workshop. The workshop will be held in Florence on Friday February 2, 2007 at the Pinal County Complex, 31 N. Pinal St., Florence, Building F EOC Room from 9:00 am to 12 pm. Seminar Focus: EPCRA Tier II reporting formats, applying for and revising an air quality permit, Submitting air quality reports RSVP to: Kale Walch Pinal County Air Quality 520-866-6960 kale.walch@co.pinal.az.us • February 6-7, 2007 activity, see Tribal Corner for contacts/websites and Upcoming Meetings/Trainings of interest. • February 13-15, 2007, 3rd Annual North Region Tribal BT Conference. Cost $40.00 (includes lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday also afternoon breaks). Conference held at: Hondah Casino & Resort HWY 260 and 73 (3 miles south of Pinetop) Hondah, AZ For more information please contact Sherri Helton, Tribal Liaison 928-524-4750 or at Sherri.Helton@co.navajo.az.us • • February 15, 2007 Third Annual Yuma Ammonia Safety Day will be held at the Yuma Civic & Convention Center. Featuring speakers, exhibits, and a working ammonia refrigeration system. NO ADMISSION FEE!! February 20-21, 2007 Gatekeeper Regulatory Roundup (GRR) will be held at the Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale, AZ. Please visit http://www.dem.state.az.us/azserc/upcoming.ht m for more information. FREE Hazardous Materials Multimodal Training Seminar: Mark your calendars! March 13-14, 2007 in Torrance, CA. • You are invited to attend DOT's Two-Day Hazardous Materials Multimodal Training Seminar in the Long Beach, CA vicinity. It's FREE to the first 450 enrollees and offers something for most hazmat employers and employees to increase their knowledge for the safe and secure transportation of hazmat. Each seminar begins with a General Session that provides overviews of the Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Program and an overview of the seminar. The remainder of the two-day seminar consists of Concurrent Breakout Sessions. Sessions are organized and scheduled into three tracks. You can follow a specific track or you can attend only those sessions that best meet your needs. Each session is offered twice to help you maximize your seminar experience. We need each enrollee to submit the name of the agency or company; company e-mail; street address, city, state, and zip code; phone and fax number to seminars@dot.gov to ensure your information is correct. An electronic confirmation will be provided upon receipt of registration. For further information call: (202) 366-4900, and visit: http://hazmat.dot.gov/training/training.htm -NOTE: If more than one person will attend from your organization, please include all names with the specified information outlined above. (Thanks to: Pat Romero, USDOT; Pat.Romero@dot.gov 909-937-7225, Fax 909390-5142 ; Website: http://hazmat.dot.gov ) April 17th through 19th, 2007, State Training Offering MAMGT322 Preparedness and Response to Agricultural Terrorism STARS Event #10652977 Yuma County Emergency Operations Center 4343 S Ave 5 ½ E Yuma, AZ 85634 April 17th through 19th, 2007 0800-1700 ** Register On-Line in STARS ** For additional information, please contact Ron Kopcik at 602-231-6210 or 1-800-411-2336 ext. 6210; or email ron.kopcik@azdema.gov. You may also visit our website at www.dem.state.az.us, Homeland Security > Training • AZ Fire District Association Conference: Mark your calendars: July 13-15, 2007, Tucson, Arizona Please note this date has been changed from the dates previously announced at the August 2006 conference. JW Marriott Starr Pass 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd., Tucson 85745 Rates: Single/Double: $98 Rates are offered 3 days prior and post, based on space and rate availability. Reservations: Reservation Deadline: June 21, 2007 or until the room block fills For reservations call (888) 228-9290 or (520) 792-3500 Ask for the AFDA room block rate. Questions? Contact Arizona Fire District Association , 1-888-511-2332 or 480-496-4331 S HORTS WORTH YOUR TIME TO WATCH: HSEEP: Please view this short video and share with your families and at your safety meetings! Check out the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Website at: https://www.hseep.dhs.gov/ and if interested in related graphics, take a look at Volume IV. http://www.sheriff.org/videos/psa_cartheft.ht ml (Thanks for sharing to Gary Fisher gfisher.safety@cox.net ) Videos and More! Visit Homeland Responder at http://www.homelandresponder.org/pages/vid eo.html Page 19 "Terror on the Tracks": ANOTHER attention getter! Visit: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ news/cityregion/s_487117.html NIMS For NGOs: Visit: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/ nims/ngo_fs.pdf to see "Guidance for Non- Governmental Organizations and the National Incident Management System" from FEMA. Something for LEPCs to strongly consider reviewing. Handwriting sure appears to be on the wall! Citizen Corps Newsletter: If you missed it..you can see the first National Office of Citizen Corps monthly newsletter at http://www.citizencorps.gov/pdf/newsletter/ cc-newsletter-nov2006.pdf Please see the following website to subscribe http:// www.citizencorps.gov/news/enews/ (Thanks to Embe Kugler and Rose Whitehair) Gatekeeper Newsletter Hate to See You Go! If you recognize errors in how we've sent the email notifications, let us know. If you recognize an old email address of yours...let us know so we can remove it. Help us keep our listing accurate and up to date. Thanks. naepc@naepc.com tleal@seriaz.org bmathews@omegachemistries.com jbustamante@naepc.com OJames@scatui.net brfd@direcway.com patrick.bailey1@yuma.mil creddin@bio2.edu rlong@harquahalafire.com ktiller@lagunatribe.org rcurry@tcusd.org gxmartin@bop.gov lame-buffallo@webtv.net bloc53@hotmail.com georgehardeen@opvp.org connie@aquaclearpoolservice.com kingcc@SLU.EDU sandyknowltonn@hotmail.com jimeinman@hotmail.com BRudersd@glscorp.com fighterb@michigan.gov gregg.monger@hansonamerica.com tkraus@wrmeadows.com pat.conley@ky.ngb.army.mil hrhudy@wwm.co.pima.az.us cherron@uc.usbr.gov Lynette.Johns@gric.nsn.us fmchappell@philomathfire.COM earth3@tele-net.net houghtonr@chemsecurity.com sivi@theriver.com bluesonice@sbcglobal.net brad.shumway@dynonobel.com chief81@molalla.net dpeck126@yahoo.com marks@phx.srcoils.com borderlands@igc.org kwclay@usouthal.edu amotley@aztrib.com tom.callahan@noaa.gov adam.mason@hansonamerica.com TimothyW@co.steuben.ny.us senecafd@excite.COM sellis@comfortex.com lindadix48@msn.com rvi-medfordairport@ccountry.net DWebster@wedc.com walter@lamarassociates.net fgtabanico@hotmail.com bobby@santabarbarafarms.com John.Taylor8@safeway.com rhuey@ci.bakersfield.ca.us ChrisBoyd@ocfa.org jta37@dana.ucc.nau.edu tfd@grand-canyon.az.us Fhmoussa@agtop.state.ks.us rroot@benjes.com mirlenborn@gaic.com Dan.Firth@CityofPaloAlto.org wcs@peoplepc.com pmaphoto@mindspring.com L ET ’ S H EAR F ROM Y OU ! Send us your inputs and feedback on the newsletter; including, exercises and other LEPC related activities in which you've been involved. Let us know what you’d like to see in future editions. Talk to us! We appreciate your input and look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Dan Roe Executive Director Commercial products and services are mentioned for informational purposes only and should not be construed as AZSERC endorsements. Gatekeeper Newsletter Page 20 ARIZONA EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMISSION 5636 E. MCDOWELL ROAD PHOENIX, AZ 85008-3495 PHONE: (602) 231-6346 (602) 392-7519 FAX: Visit us on the web: www.dem.state.az.us/azserc www.azserc.org (for reporting) AZSERC STAFF Daniel Roe Roger Soden Executive Director Emergency Services Program Coordinator Paul Culberson Planner II Richard Eaton Programs & Projects Specialist II Sylvia Castillo Admin Asst III Chrissy McCullough Admin Asst II COMMISSIONERS: Lou Trammell Susan Gerard Stephen A. Owens Victor Mendez Roger Vanderpool Chair ADHS Director ADEQ Director ADOT Director ADPS Director DESIGNEES: Daniel Roe Don Herrington Michael Fulton Terry Conner Sonya Herrera ADEM ADHS ADEQ ADPS ADOT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Corporation Commission Industrial Commission State Mine Inspector State Fire Marshal Radiation Regulatory Agency Department of Agriculture Arizona Fire Chiefs Association Mesa FD & Chandler FD State Attorney General SI Smith and Associates, LLC – Sybil Smith Apache Nitrogen – Pam Beilke Intel Corporation - James Wick Riverside Environmental- Bill Embree GATEKEEPER NEWSLETTER: DANIEL ROE – EDITOR IN CHIEF CHRISSY MCCULLOUGH - EDITOR RICHARD EATON - WEB ADVISOR Help us reduce “snail” mail. Send us your email address and tell us to switch you to electronic notification. E-Mail azserc@azdema.gov A BOUT O UR O RGANIZATION The AZSERC was established by Arizona Law (Arizona Revised Statutes-Title 26, Chapter 2, Article 3) and is tasked with the implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPRCA) in Arizona. This Commission oversees 15 Local Emergency Planning Committees and supports community, industry and government and academia in: planning, release and incident reporting, data management guidance for inventory reporting, public disclosure of information about hazardous chemicals in Arizona as well as development of training and outreach programs. The Commission supports individual agency goals and objectives. This is accom- plished through the receipt and coordination of emergency notifications of chemical releases, collection and provision of chemical inventory information to interested parties, training and grants programs. Additionally, the AZSERC provides consultative services, conducts and participates in workshops and coordinates development and review of plans and programs for 15 Local Emergency Planning Committees. Further, the AZSERC serves as a state clearinghouse for hazardous chemical emergency preparedness and planning activities and information through coordination with federal, tribal, state, local governments, industry and community interest groups.