Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Security Archive

3/19/10 - NFPA releases new edition of NFPA 1600®, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs

 It is available for download at no charge on NFPA’s Web site

10/15/09 - Secretary Napolitano Announces New Proposed Standards for Private Sector Preparedness

(DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced new proposed standards for a 9/11 Commission-recommended program for the private sector to improve preparedness for disasters and emergencies

9/1/09 - Secretary Napolitano and Administrator Fugate Mark the Beginning of National Preparedness Month

Today marked the beginning of the sixth annual National Preparedness Month—focusing on becoming better prepared for and more resilient in the face of emergencies of all kinds.

7/16/09 - Twitter Hack Raises Flags on Security (NY Times)

The Web was abuzz Wednesday after it was revealed that a hacker had exposed corporate information about Twitter after breaking into an employee’s e-mail account.

7/16/09 - Effort to Replace Federal Driver’s License Mandate Gains (NY Times)

The proposed legislation would be more flexible and less costly for states than the unpopular Read ID law

5/17/09 - Chemical Plant Safety (NY Times Editorial)

1/16/09 - Ready Campaign Launches Social Media Initiative to Encourage Americans to Prepare for Emergencies

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Ready Campaign, in partnership with The Advertising Council, is introducing a series of new social media tools today to further engage Americans in taking steps to prepare for emergencies.

1/9/08 - Testimony of DHS Under Secretary Charles Allen before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, "Lessons from the Mumbai Terrorist Attacks"

12/14/08 - A Lesson of Mumbai: Have a Safety Plan (NY Times)

The deadly attacks in Mumbai, which targeted areas favored by tourists, including two of the city’s most luxurious hotels — the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower and the Oberoi — have raised concerns about the safety of guests at even the best accommodations.

12/12/08 - Now’s the Time: The Ready Campaign Encourages Americans to Resolve to Be Ready in 2009

With the new year approaching, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Ready Campaign is reminding Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2009.

10/20/08 - Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School on Risk Management

10/9/08 - Richmond Conference to Focus on Disaster Preparedness, Hazmat

Who do you call when terrorists try to explode a dirty bomb, criminals set up a meth lab full of toxic chemicals, or a hurricane hits your town? These and other questions will be answered Oct. 26-29 at the Richmond, Va. Convention Center, where one of America’s foremost emergency preparedness conferences is expected to attract 1,000 disaster experts and hazmat technicians to learn the best response techniques and examine state-of-the-art detection and cleanup technology at more than 100 exhibits.

9/16/08 - U.S. EPA Disaster Experts Stress Importance of Emergency Preparedness Experts Available for Interviews During National Preparedness Month 2008 Audio files available on-line

With more than 2,700 public and private sector organizational partners, September 2008 marks the fifth annual National Preparedness month. This month focuses on important preparedness steps including: Getting an Emergency Supply Kit, Making a Family Emergency Plan, Being Informed, and Getting Involved.

9/16/08 - U.S.Department of Homeland Security Awards New York City $29 Million Under the Securing the Cities Initiative

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced approximately $29 million in grants to prevent a radiological/nuclear attack in the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area by enhancing regional capabilities to detect and interdict illicit radioactive materials.

9/5/08 - DHS Recognizes Critical Manufacturing Sector As Key New Private Sector Security Partner

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today formally recognized the creation of the new Critical Manufacturing Sector Coordinating Council (CMSCC).  The CMSCC includes companies such as automakers, heavy equipment manufacturers and steel producers.

9/4/08 - DHS’ Ready Campaign Reminds Americans to “Get Prepared” as Tropical Storm Hanna Moves Toward the U.S. with Tropical Storms Ike and Josephine Behind It

As Gustav continues inland, Tropical Storms Hanna, Ike and Josephine serve as stark reminders of the need for Americans to be prepared.

8/5/08 - Learning to Be Your Own Best Defense in a Disaster (NY Times)

How prepared are you for an emergency? One sign is your behavior during the office fire drill. Do you stop working and make the walk down the stairs to the exit? Or do you stay at your desk, ignoring the alarm and pleadings of the security staff?

7/31/08 - DHS Releases National Emergency Communications Plan

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released today the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) to address gaps and determine solutions so that emergency response personnel at all levels of government and across all disciplines can communicate as needed, on demand, and as authorized.

7/6/08 - Are You Ready for the Next Disaster? (NY Times)

Why we’re so bad at preparing for catastrophe.

7/2/08 - DHS Marks 5th Annual National Preparedness Month This September

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today that more than 1,200 national, regional, state and local businesses and organizations have pledged their support and joined the 2008 National Preparedness Month Coalition. Sponsored by the department’s Ready Campaign, National Preparedness Month helps to raise awareness and promote action by Americans, businesses, and communities on emergency preparedness

3/11/08 - DHS Holds Cyber Storm II Exercise to Further Cyber Security Preparedness and Response Capabilities

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is conducting the largest cyber security exercise ever organized. Cyber Storm II is being held from March 10-14 in Washington, D.C. and brings together participants from federal, state and local governments, the private sector, and the international community.

1/22/08 - National Response Framework Released

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the National Response Framework (NRF), successor to the National Response Plan. The NRF, which focuses on response and short-term recovery, articulates the doctrine, principles and architecture by which our nation prepares for and responds to all-hazard disasters across all levels of government and all sectors of communities. The NRF is responsive to repeated federal, state, local and private sector requests for a streamlined document that is less bureaucratic and more user-friendly.  The NRF also focuses on preparedness and encourages a higher level of readiness across all jurisdictions.

1/11/08 - DHS Releases REAL ID Regulation

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today a final rule establishing minimum security standards for state-issued drivers’ licenses and identification cards. The rule sets uniform standards that enhance the integrity and reliability of drivers’ licenses and identification cards, strengthen issuance capabilities, and increase security at drivers’ license and identification card production facilities

12/20/07 - DHS Encourages Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2008

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reminds Americans that the New Year is a perfect time to Resolve to be Ready. The department’s Ready Campaign has outlined the top 10 items for a basic emergency supply kit so that every American can keep their preparedness resolutions next year

12/12/07 - Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on 2007 Achievements and 2008 Priorities

12/11/07 - Remarks of Assistant Secretary of Cybersecurity and Communications Greg Garcia at the New York Metro Infragard Alliance Security Summit

12/5/07 - Fact Sheet: Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL)

DHS is pursuing development of alternative documents to meet Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) implementation requirements at land and sea ports of entry. DHS is encouraging states to submit proposals to enhance their driver’s licenses and identification documents to satisfy WHTI requirements. To meet WHTI requirements, these documents will denote both identity and citizenship, be issued in a secure process and include technology that facilitates travel

11/2/07 - DHS Publishes Chemicals of Interest List for Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards

The Department of Homeland Security released Appendix A of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), a critical element of its chemical security efforts. The appendix contains a list of chemicals that, if possessed by a facility in a specified quantity, trigger a requirement to complete and submit an easy-to-use, online consequence assessment tool called a Top-Screen.
9/21/07 - Testimony of Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jon R. Krohmer, M.D., F.A.C.E.P., before the House Committee on Homeland Security
Protecting the Protectors: Ensuring the Health and Safety of Our First Responders in the Wake of Catastrophic Disasters
9/13/07 - DHS Releases National Preparedness Guidelines
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today publication of two important tools to organize and synchronize national efforts to strengthen preparedness: (1) the National Preparedness Guidelines, which establish a vision for national preparedness and provide a systematic approach for prioritizing preparedness efforts across the Nation; and (2) the Target Capabilities List, which describes the collective national capabilities required to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.
8/31/07 - More Than 1,700 Organizations to Participate in Fourth Annual Homeland Security National Preparedness Month

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that more than 1,700 national, regional, state, and local organizations will support the department by participating in National Preparedness Month 2007. This campaign occurs annually in September, and encourages Americans to prepare for all types of emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. DHS promotes individual emergency preparedness through the Ready Campaign and the department’s Citizen Corps Program throughout the year.