Connecting the Dots: The Role of Cross-sector Emergency Mobilization Technology
By Deborah | May 15, 2009
The national defense initiatives to enhance logical and physical security since the events of September 11th, 2001 are unprecedented. One of the most significant endeavors was the creation of The Department of Homeland Security to consolidate bits and pieces of information coming from disparate agencies in an effort to better protect the nation. This undertaking is the largest government reorganization since 1927, covering two dozen agencies and 180,000 federal employees with different missions and methods of operation. Adding to the complexities of this new initiative is the realization that government alone cannot protect the nation from today’s cyber and physical attacks. It requires a partnership with the private sector that owns and operates over 85% of the nation’s critical infrastructure assets.
A two-way flow of information and warnings between the public and private sectors is essential and not without challenges.
- Cultural—can we trust you with this information?
- Legal—what are the legal liabilities involved in sharing information? Who will see this information and how will it be used?
- Clarity—to whom should we direct information? What roles and responsibilities do we have?
- Cross-sector Environment—how do we share information when it involves multiple industries? How secure is it? How easy is it to use? Does the environment fit our business strategy for disseminating threat information?
- Private-sector Adoption: Is the threat still significant? What cost/benefit ratio should we expect? How will participating in a shared homeland security initiative enhance my business?
Effective response to cyber or physical threats can be achieved through relevant and reliable crisis communication, collaboration and information-sharing across multiple sectors by empowering private industry with the technology tools necessary to share in the nation’s security initiatives. This paper explores the use of a centralized technology platform to facilitate education and awareness, threat response, and operational management as well as the cultural shift and private sector adoption necessary to achieve The Department of Homeland Security goals.
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NO HELP Coming – The Book
By Deborah | February 15, 2009
Chapter I
3 Days Out
The bay air is particularly thick today laced with the smell of bay bottom muck. It must be low tide I think to myself as I settle onto the chaise of the outer deck with my coffee and paper. I notice the snowy egret next door scrounging for bait scraps left by the old timer’s early morning fishing trip. Word has it this egret has been showing up each morning for the past 13 years. At least some things remain constant, I chuckle to myself as I browse the headline. “Texas Governor seeks single contact for hurricane evacuation…he gets a committee of ten.” Guess the egret is not the only constant. Galveston politics has always tilted a bit left, in my opinion, and this was just the latest in a string of decisions made by a city government too politically correct to be effective. Every island problem…environmental, economical, or political… ends up in a black hole committee with no expectation of action. The island’s endless supply of committees has bolstered many a resume over the years…most with political agendas where fence sitting is a much sought after trait by the controlling handful of old money families.
I felt the sun’s heat on my face as I closed my eyes and contemplated our move back to DC. The silent moment was abruptly broken with the sound of our energetic Springer spaniel, Baxter, leaping the steps of the outer deck with the lease in his mouth
and my husband, Dave, in tow. “I’m taking Baxter for a walk…better catch the news when we get back, sounds like that storm is heading right for us.” In the background, I could hear the storm radio going off. It’s a blood curdling sound that can stop a person in their tracks. It’s a way of life for people who live on the coast. Six months out of the year you live in fear of hurricanes coming up the Gulf of Mexico, and the other six months of the year you spend talking about the last one that hit and just how bad the next season will be. Hurricanes are a sobering balance to the otherwise peaceful lifestyle.
The past few years, the hurricanes have been more intense and destructive. Forecasters say we’re in the middle of a ten year trend of really bad storms. Katrina and Rita were among the worst in history to hit the Gulf coast. Even the scrappy west-enders, who brag about staying through hurricane Carla as if it was a badge of honor, left the island. It was an unprecedented, massive evacuation of two million people. I never understood how coming face to face with a hurricane was anything but crazy.
The storm tracker shows hurricane Arlene has strengthened to a Category 3 and is expected to continue to strengthen as it moves through the Yucatan peninsula out into the warm waters of the Gulf. A twinge of concern creeps in as I remember my sister saying that if the turtles cross IH 3005 from the beach to the canal side of the island, we’re in for a big one. I wonder if she has seen any turtles today.
At this stage, most residents are busily tying down and boarding up; waiting for evacuation notices. If Arlene hits the open bay waters it’s just a matter of hours before it hit the coast. Where it will make landfall is the million dollar question.
The phone rings – it’s Yuri, a researcher friend from the Biohazard Level 4 facility on the island.
“What’s up Yuri?”
“We’re in the middle of a lock-down procedure here so I can’t talk long, but I wanted to check with you to see where you were going to evacuate if this things gets nasty?” We will be heading up to the hill country more than likely. What about you? “I don’t know at this point, I hate to leave the animals here, especially Adam.” “I’ll be here until the last light goes off, it’s the only way I know to keep the primates calm…they are already bouncing off the sides of their cages trying to get out.” “I think they sense something is about to happen.” “You are welcome to join us if they call for an evacuation,” I suggested. “I’ll have my cell with me if you want to connect up.” “Thanks Caitlyn, talk with you later.”
I met Yuri, a Russian immunologist, a few years back when I was working on a disaster recovery project for the island’s new biohazard facility. He is one of the few highly regarded infectious disease scientists who haven’t gotten lost in the bureaucracy. I remember a candid discussion with him one day about what keeps him up at night. Yuri tells it like it is—a refreshing character trait in a university setting. I guess his reputation has earned him a little leeway with the university powerbrokers. In research, grants are the name of the game; and Yuri’s name associate with a grant request just about guarantees approval.
Progress and island time are usually opposing notions. The fact that a Level 4 national laboratory could be voted in and constructed within a few years is a remarkable feat. Politically, it was a shear masterpiece of work. Level 4 facilities work with some of the nastiest diseases known to mankind. Before my work with the facility, I had no idea that many of the diseases had to be created first in order to be studied. Diseases like smallpox, malaria, and plague are being created in a handful of labs scattered about the United States. I’m sure most of the citizens of this island community are just as naïve about their newly constructed national laboratory.
I’ll never forget the first conversation I had with Yuri. “Why do you suppose a 32-mile island off the coast of Texas is such a great location for a level 4 facility?” When I didn’t answer immediately, he answered for me, “It can be easily quarantined —locked off from the mainland.” As I said, Yuri doesn’t mince words; he tells it like it is —unless, of course you are asking about his life —anything personal is quickly diverted to another subject.
Dave was pulled away from the news by an email alert on his Blackberry. I swear that holstered device could interrupt the most intimate of moments, thinking to myself. It was the Homeland Security official that was negotiating the final details of his new assignment in DC. Few techies can speak government. Dave is an exception making him a much sought after consultant on aviation technology and disaster response procedures.
Dave and I became acquainted about ten years ago through our interest in aviation technology. Retired Air Force, Dave has a global network of friends in the aviation/aerospace industries that most competitors would kill for. I was finishing my commercial pilot rating when I met Dave. He couldn’t resist the opportunity to engage in some verbal sparring with a female pilot. He was a quick-witted air traffic control supervisor who had mastered the art of weaving humor with sexual innuendos that traveled well under the radar scope of most people’s thinking. My mother would be appalled to think that her well-bred, Irish Catholic daughter could pick up on such things without blushing. Dave was refreshing and exciting to me. I was always ready for the next adventure and Dave was my connection to a world full of interesting places and fascinating people.
“You have that look—what’s going on?” I asked as Dave entered the room. “Something’s off.” “This last email was more than a bit weird.” “We have a hurricane breathing down our necks and they want me on the next plane to DC.” “You’ve gotta be kidding,” I questioned with more than a bit of attitude. This is so typical, I though to myself. “You know the government …they schedule things at their convenience, not ours,” he added. “It looks like an evacuation is inevitable if this storm keeps tracking the way it has been.” “Can you handle this alone?” We found an old turkey ranch in the hill country that was far enough away from the coast as our evacuation spot. “Get to the ranch as soon as they call for an evacuation, and I will join you as soon as I can.” I could tell he was concerned by his tone. It was more of an order than a request. Normally, I would take offense to what sounds like and order…but I’ve known Dave long enough to know it is his way of protecting me. “And for God sake, remember…I will come to you if anything happens…you are to stay put,” he added in a scolding tone. Dave wasn’t one to leave things to chance and after 9/11, his military training kicked into high gear with plans and procedures.
Life changed for everyone after 9/ll. On the Texas gulf coast we typically worried about hurricanes, tornadoes or the occasional refinery exploding. Now, we worry about terrorist threats to blow up the ship channel, or the possibility of releasing some kind of biohazard in downtown Houston. Hell…if all of that isn’t enough, Mexican nationals protesting immigration laws last week threatened to take back Texas! Life has been anything but boring.
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Nationally Acclaimed Eminger Berries Founder to Participate in Salado’s Chocolate Festival Activities October 10th -12th
By Deborah | October 1, 2008
SALADO, TEXAS — A special highlight of Salado’s first annual Expressions of Good Taste Chocolate Festival is the appearance of Susan Eminger at Prellop Fine Art Gallery in the Village’s historic downtown district, Saturday, October 11th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eminger received national acclaim with her Eminger Berry recipe in The Food Network’s “Road Tasted” with Jamie and Bobby Deen. Eminger will be showcasing her famous dessert-stuffed strawberries at the gallery during the gallery tour portion of the weekend events. The Eminger Berry demonstration and the gallery tour are free of charge and open to the public.
Guests are invited to talk with Eminger about her dessert creations and sample her famous strawberries stuffed with New York Cheesecake and then dipped in white or dark chocolate. This is a rare opportunity for Texans to experience the original Eminger Berry from Maine.
The Food Network’s “Road Tasted” with Jamie and Bobby Deen cookbook, featuring the Eminger Berry recipe, will be available for sale during the evening. Eminger will be on-hand throughout the evening for book signings.
About the Village of Salado:
The Village of Salado is located in Central Texas approximately fifty miles north of Austin. The Village is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, historic shopping district, idyllic setting on the Salado Creek, and its growing arts and cultural community. Salado has been home to many esteemed Texas notables including authors,Liz Carpenter and A.C. Green, Governor James E. Ferguson, Governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, and numerous historical figures have visited, such as Sam Houston and General George Custer. For more information visit the Village of Salado Web site at www.salado.com, or contact Debbie Charbonneau at 254-947-8634 – email saladotourism@vvm.com.
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Salado Hits a Sweet Spot with its First Annual Expressions of Good Taste Chocolate & Art Festival October 10-12th, 2008
By Deborah | August 19, 2008
Salado, TX – The Village of Salado hits a sweet spot with weekend getaway fans. For those who believe the four basic food groups consist of white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate and truffles…the ‘Expressions of Good Taste’ Chocolate & Art Festival is one event not to be missed. This year’s event takes place throughout the downtown shopping district and coincides with the annual Christmas in October shopping spree and Gallery Night in October. October 10-12th offers visitors three great Salado events in a single weekend…Expressions of Good Taste Chocolate & Art Festival, Gallery Night in October and Christmas in October.
The three-day chocolate celebration promises to satisfy all the senses with chocolate, wine tastings, music, demonstrations, chocolate sculpting, a gourmet chocolate & champagne brunch, and gallery tours. The festival kickoff begins on Friday evening with an Evening of Chocolate & Wine from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Salado Wine Seller. Guests will be invited to savor the taste of premier Texas wines paired with decadent chocolates. The Evening of Chocolate & Wine will feature the finest in artisan chocolates, and wine tasting from Texas vineyards. Carriage rides and Belgian horses will provide transportation from both the Stagecoach Inn and Holiday Inn Express to the event location.
A Day of Chocolate & Art is scheduled for Saturday, October 11th. The first event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Stagecoach Inn. This event will feature chocolate cooking demonstrations from Chef Denice, an instructor at the Texas Culinary Academy, along with Jackie Parchman and Jennifer McClintock. There will also be a fun/educational class on wine and chocolate pairings from Jane Nickles entitled “Like Wine for Chocolate” along with live music and children’s chocolate activities.
Participants will have an opportunity to sample some delicious desserts made by Pastry Chef Denice Woods, each paired with a wine hand selected by Sommelier Jane Nickles. “We’ll see how the wine and chocolate interact, and keep tasting until we find the perfect wine and chocolate match,” stated Jane Nickles. Carriage rides and the Belgian horses will be available to transport guests to and from the event.
Gallery Night in October will open Saturday evening activities with all nine Salado galleries hosting featured artists and art enthusiasts with a wine and cheese reception between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Chocolate sculpting demonstrations will also take place at several galleries. Specific times and locations will be announced at a later date.
A special highlight of Gallery Night in October is the appearance of Susan Eminger at Prellop Fine Art Gallery. Eminger received national acclaim with her Eminger Berry recipe in The Food Network’s “Road Tasted” with Jamie and Bobby Deen. Eminger will be showcasing her famous dessert stuffed strawberries at the gallery between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Guests will be able to sample her famous strawberries stuffed with New York Cheesecake. The berries are dipped in dark and white chocolate. Eminger will be providing booklets full of recipes and stories from her experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the original Eminger Berry. The business has closed. This is simply Eminger’s way of reaching out to Salado visitors. “I have found a new joy in this community,” stated Susan Eminger. “What better way to share the magic than through the chocolate festival?” concluded Eminger.
The three-day event will conclude on Sunday, October 12th with a spectacular Chocolate and Champagne Brunch between the hours of 11: 00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Participating restaurants and inns will dazzle guests with their finest chocolate and gourmet recipes. Menu selections incorporate the finest chocolate and gourmet selections, including Adelea’s cocoa rubbed beef tenderloin thinly sliced and placed on a bed of field greens with a raspberry vinaigrette and dark chocolate mousse with fresh raspberries. A complete list of Chocolate and Champagne Brunch locations and menus can be found at www.saladochocolatefestival.com.
For festival details and ticket information, visit us online at www.saladochocolatefestival.com or contact the Village of Salado Tourism office at 254-947-8634.
About The Village of Salado:
The Village of Salado is located in Central Texas approximately fifty miles north of Austin. The Village is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, historic shopping district, idyllic setting on the Salado Creek, and its growing arts and cultural community. Salado has been home to many esteemed Texas notables including authors, Liz Carpenter and A.C. Green, Governor James E. Ferguson, Governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, and numerous historical figures have visited, such as Sam Houston and General George Custer. For more information visit the Village of Salado Web site at www.salado.com, or contact Debbie Charbonneau at 254-947-8634 – email saladotourism@vvm.com.
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