Association of Contingency Planners

 Greater Boston Chapter

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NEWS

New Study Announced to Protect Against Chemical Attacks and Bolster Emergency Planning Efforts
New Study Announced to Protect Against Chemical Attacks and Bolster Emergency Planning Efforts
Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600

Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced a new DHS Science & Technology Directorate-led study that will examine the behavior of airborne contaminants if they were to be released into the subway—reflecting Secretary Napolitano’s emphasis on preparedness and the shared responsibility of protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program

The Department of Homeland Security has signed an agreement with the ANSI-ASQ National
Accreditation Board (ANAB) to establish and oversee the development and implementation of the
accreditation and certification requirements for the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness
Accreditation and Certification Program. This program is directed by Public Law 110-53,
Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, requiring the department
to establish a common set of criteria for private sector preparedness in disaster management,
emergency management and business continuity.
DHS evaluated twenty five standards (21 of which were recommended by the public) using Target
Criteria, published in the December 24, 2008. Federal Register Notice (73 FR 79140) in which DHS
announced the PS-Prep Program and sought public comment on all aspects or its implementation.
DHS is proposing to adopt the following standards: NFPA 1600 "Standard on Disaster/Emergency
Management and Business Continuity Programs"; BS25999, “Business Continuity Management”
and ASIS SPC. 1-2009 "Organizational Resilience: Security Preparedness and Continuity,
Management Systems.''
DHS will be publishing a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intent to adopt the three
standards. The notice also requests public comment on these standards and other programmatic
issues. Currently, DHS selected three preparedness standards, though; it may select additional
standards in the future.

FEMA Announces Release Of Final Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the release of the final Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101: "Developing and Maintaining State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Government Emergency Plans."

CPG 101 completes the requirements of HSPD-8, Annex I to develop a "national integrated planning system."  Combined with the Integrated Planning System (IPS) guidance provided by the Department, the vision of a vertically integrated planning system providing for a consistent planning process across all levels of government is realized.

While IPS focuses on Federal planning, CPG 101 was developed by a team of state, tribal and local officials from across the United States working together to develop guidance that can aid State, tribal, local, and territorial officials in protecting their citizens.

CPG 101 is the first in a series of publications developed through the FEMA National Preparedness Directorate's CPG Initiative. Future CPGs will discuss planning considerations for a variety of emergency functions, hazards and special preparedness programs including; special needs planning, household pets and service animals, fusion center / emergency operations center interface, and hazard-specific guidance. 

CPG 101 serves as the emergency plan foundation for both public and private sector planning in the United States. Planners in all disciplines and organizations may find portions of the guide useful in the development of their emergency response plans. 

The CPG 101 document can be found online at www.fema.gov/about/divisions/cpg.shtm.  For more information on other FEMA initiatives, visit www.fema.gov. 

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters.

Office of Consumer Affairs Files Revised ID Theft Regulations

New personal information security for consumers begins Jan. 1, 2010

BOSTON - February 12, 2009 - Today, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation filed revised identity theft regulations that will preserve the privacy of consumers by increasing the level of security on personal information held by businesses and other entities.
The regulations will take effect Jan. 1, 2010, and mandate that personal information – a combination of a name along with a Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card number – be encrypted when stored on portable devices, or transmitted wirelessly or on public networks. Encryption of personal information on portable devices carrying identity data like laptops, PDAs and flash drives must also be completed by Jan. 1, 2010, and will ensure better protection of personal information.
“It is time for businesses and other holders of personal information to ensure that consumers’ information is kept safe,” said Daniel C. Crane, the Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. “These new safeguards are fundamental standards that will keep information safer and will help businesses reinforce a vital sense of trust with customers.”
The regulations are a product of the identity theft prevention law signed by Gov. Deval Patrick. In keeping with the administration’s commitment to protecting consumers, Patrick signed an executive order last September requiring all state agencies to implement security measures consistent with the requirements in the regulations.
Since November 2007, there have been over 450 reported cases of stolen or lost personal information that have affected nearly 700,000 Massachusetts residents.  The regulations are the first of their kind in the country, and had originally been scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2009. A sharp change in the business climate, along with the business community’s increased understanding of what is required to protect their customers’ identity, led to the new date.
“Businesses are becoming more aware of the urgency of this issue. To achieve the full benefit for consumers as quickly as possible, it’s worth making sure every business in the state has time to make the necessary changes to comply with these regulations,” Crane said. “We understand the impact of the current business environment, and feel this is an appropriate timeframe for companies to implement the necessary protections.”
To find out more about identity theft protection, visit the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation website.
To read the regulations, go to http://www.mass.gov/Eoca/docs/idtheft/201CMR17amended.pdf.

MEMA Issues Winter Weather Preparedness Information

Click Here for More Information

Please see our Training page for upcoming courses in the Boston area.

BC Management is pleased to announce a new service; please see the attached press release.  If anyone has any questions, they may contact info@bcmanagement.com or call directly at (714) 843-5470.

ACP Corporate - Speakers Bureau

Recently, ACP announced the creation of a Speakers Bureau to serve its membership and the continuity industry. Speakers are ACP members who have identified a willingness and expertise to present at organizational meetings, conferences, or special events.  We are pleased to inform you that Don Bryne of North River Solutions, a member of the ACP Greater Boston Chapter, is now part of the ACP Speakers Bureau.  We appreciate the ambassadorship role Don is taking on to represent our Chapter and know he will do a great job representing us when speaking at meetings and events.  View information about Don and other ACP speakers on the ACP Corporate website http://www.acp-international.com/contact_speakers.asp.

Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW VOLUME NOW:

http://www.henrystewart.com/jbcep/subscription_information.html
To receive your 15% discount, please quote the code ACP when subscribing.

FEMA announces ‘QuakeSmart’ project to help businesses with earthquake risk management

http://www.continuitycentral.com/news04051.html

BC Management 2007 Compensation Report is now available. Please download your copy at http://www.bcmanagement.com/research/index.php

ACP Corporate Vulnerability Alert #2