The Key to Saving Lives in CBRNE Events
Bobby Baker Jr.
March 28, 2018
In January 2018, in New York City, a group of professionals – representing entities including the Department of Homeland Security, private contractors, hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction (hazmat/WMD), law enforcement officers, and intelligence experts – gathered to discuss the emerging threats to U.S. passenger rail service. Not only are these threats pertinent to passenger rail service, but they also may potentially affect all mass gatherings and large venues across the country on any given day. Emergency planners and responders must determine the best way to mitigate such threats.
Emerging Threats to Rail Infrastructure: Part II, Passenger
Catherine L. Feinman
March 28, 2018
With millions of passengers travelling each day by rail and subway in the United States alone, the passenger rail industry and the communities they serve are faced with difficult
Roles in Disaster – Completing the Chain
Catherine L. Feinman
March 28, 2018
A passenger train derails in an urban community. Whether caused by intentional or unintentional
factors, this incident would have consequences that go well beyond the rail company and the passengers
traveling in these fated rail cars. Surrounding companies and communities would be affected, hazardous
materials may be a threat, critical infrastructure beyond transportation could be impacted, cyber and
physical security could be at risk, and so on. Mitigating these risks, threats, and vulnerabilities
requires education, tools, and a desire to play a key role in disaster preparedness and response.
Historical Argument for Hardening Facilities
Michael E. Gray
March 14, 2018
People’s lives were changed forever on Tuesday, 11 September 2001. At the time of the 9/11 attacks, airport security was primarily focused on threats from guns and explosives. There was little worry about knives or sharp instruments. Even when detected at checkpoints, they were not often considered dangerous. Closing this security loophole came after these attacks, which spurred drastic security changes at all phases of the transportation system. However, this was not the first time such security has come into question. An historical review of terrorist tactics emphasizes the need to remain vigilant.
User Guide for Responder-Driven Technology Development
Ann Lesperance and Richard Ozanich
March 7, 2018
With new technology coming to market at a record pace, it can be difficult to know whether products are reliable, durable, and secure enough to make the nation’s emergency management professionals safer, better connected, and fully aware. The market is flooded with tools and capabilities that may be of benefit to first responders, but these tools need to be vetted for the rigorous technical, operational, and safety needs in the field.
Rail Threats & Interdependencies – Thoughts for Discussion
Domestic Preparedness
March 6, 2018
In the United States, there are ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Presidential directives, coupled with national security strategies and several iterations of the
National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), have spanned the terms of at least four presidents and
included the rail system. The volume of activity on or near rail lines, potential threats, and
interdependencies all raise concern for the protection of this critical infrastructure asset.
