[Ares-races] Suggested Protective Measures

[Lloyd A Colston]

National Infrastructure Protection Center
HOMELAND SECURITY INFORMATION UPDATE
Suggested Guidance on Protective Measures
Information Bulletin 03-002
February 7, 2003

National Threat Warning System-Homeland Security Information Update-HSAS
Threat Level Orange (High); joint guidance from the Department of
Homeland
Security and the FBI.

As recipients were advised, the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS)
was
raised to High (Orange) from Elevated (Yellow) on 2/7/03.  This
communication provides critical infrastructure owners/operators suggested
guidance for developing protective measures based on this heightened
threat
condition.  This communication also provides potential indicators of
threats
involving weapons of mass destruction.

PART I:  GENERAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES

In addition to continuing all precautions from the lower threat condition
(Yellow), the following general protective measures may be utilized.
Recipients are advised to take other appropriate steps, in conjunction
with
local conditions, policies, and procedures.  The list that follows is not
intended to be exhaustive, but merely illustrative:

-- coordinate necessary security efforts with Armed Forces or law
enforcement agencies.

-- take additional precautions at public events.

-- review contingency plans to work at an alternate site or with a
dispersed work force.

-- review plans to restrict access to facilities.

PART II:  SPECIFIC PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
OWNERS/OPERATORS
AT HIGH CONDITION (ORANGE)

-- announce threat condition high (orange) to all employees.

-- consider full or partial activation of emergency operations center.

-- review policy and plans relating to restricting access to critical
facilities and infrastructure.

-- conduct periodic inspections of building facilities and HVAC systems
for
potential indicators/irregularities

-- direct people to the Red Cross website for further review of
protective
measures for families and businesses.

-- enhance security at critical facilities.

-- institute/increase vehicle, foot and roving security patrols.

-- implement random security guard shift changes.

-- increase visibility in and around perimeters by increasing lighting
and
removing or trimming vegetation.

-- implement stringent identification procedures to include conducting
"hands on" checks of security badges for all personnel, if badges are
required.

-- remind personnel to properly display badges, if applicable, and
enforce
visibility.

-- rearrange exterior vehicle barriers to alter traffic patterns near
facilities.

-- arrange for law enforcement vehicles to be parked randomly near
entrances and exits.

-- approach all illegally parked vehicles in and around facilities,
question drivers and direct them to move immediately.  If the owner can
not
be identified, have vehicle towed by law enforcement.

-- if possible, institute a vehicle inspection program to include
checking
under the undercarriage of vehicles, under the hood, and in the trunk.
Provide vehicle inspection training to security personnel.

-- instruct citizens to report suspicious activities, packages and
people,
and report all suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement.

-- x-ray packages, if possible, prior to entry, and inspect handbags, and
briefcases, if possible.

-- encourage personnel to avoid routines, vary times and routes, and
pre-plan with family members and supervisors.

-- validate vendor lists for all routine deliveries and repair services.

-- restrict vehicle parking close to buildings.

-- inspect all deliveries and consider accepting shipments only at
offsite
locations.

-- require identification, sign-in, and escorts for visitors.

-- instruct people to be especially watchful for suspicious or unattended
packages and articles either delivered or received through the mail.

-- send a public information officer to the state joint information
center.

-- install special locking devices on manhole covers in and around
critical
infrastructure facilities.

-- initiate a system to enhance mail and package screening procedures
(both
announced and unannounced).

-- review current contingency plans and if not already in place, develop
and implement procedures for receiving and acting on:  threat
information,
alert notification procedures, terrorist incident response procedures,
evacuation procedures, shelter in place procedures, bomb threat
procedures,
hostage and barricade procedures, chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear (CBRN) procedures, consequence and crisis management procedures,
accountability procedures and media procedures.

PART III:  POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF THREATS INVOLVING WEAPONS OF MASS
DESTRUCTION (WMD)

POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF WMD THREATS OR INCIDENTS:

--            unusual/suspicious packages or containers, especially those
found in unlikely or sensitive locations, such as those found near air
intake/HVAC systems or enclosed spaces.

--    unusual powders or liquids/droplets/mists/clouds, especially found
near air intake/HVAC systems or enclosed spaces.

--    signs of tampering or break-in to a facility or maintenance/utility
area

--    reports of suspicious person(s) or activities, especially those
involving sensitive locations within or around a building

--    dead animals/birds, fish, or insects

--    unexplained/unusual odors.  Smells may range from fruity/flowery to
sharp/pungent, garlic/horseradish-like, bitter almonds, peach kernels,
and
new mown grass/hay.

--    unusual/unscheduled spraying or discovery of spray devices or
bottles

The NIPC encourages individuals to report information concerning
suspicious
activity to their local FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) office,
http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm, the NIPC, or to other appropriate
authorities.  Individuals can reach the NIPC WATCH AND WARNING UNIT at
(202)
323-3205, tol1 free at 1-888-585-9078, or by email to nipc.watch@fbi.gov
 
 
Lloyd Colston             Mayes County Emergency Management
Pryor, OK USA           http://www.geocities.com/mccem
        Don't let Yesterday take up too much of Today.