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General Security and Resilience

Earthquake Preparedness Tips and Resources from EPA

In recognition of Earthquake Preparedness Month, EPA reminds water and wastewater utilities of the potential impacts they can experience as a result of these events and reminds them of resources to help prevent and reduce damages and facilitate a quicker recovery. To access these resources, EPA points to its “Earthquake Resilience for Water and Wastewater Utilities” webpage.

National Weather Service Predicts High Spring Flood Risk along Mississippi River

In its just released annual Spring Flood Outlook, the National Weather Service (NWS) reports a “well above normal” risk for flooding along the main-stem of the Mississippi River, with tributaries ranging from near normal to well above normal. Persistent wet conditions across much of the region, well above normal soil moisture conditions, and much above normal streamflow are all contributing factors to this year’s increased potential for spring flooding.

New U.S. National Counterintelligence Strategy includes Focus on Protecting Critical Infrastructure, Working with Whole-of-Society

Earlier this week, the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) – a center within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) – unveiled the National Counterintelligence Strategy of the United States of America 2020-2022, which discusses foreign intelligence threats to the nation and activities by the federal government, working with the whole-of-society, to address its counterintelligence missions.

Federal Financial Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Resilience in the U.S. Water Sector

A new paper authored by a trio of researchers from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) examines federal policies, programs, and financial resources that support the water sector in implementing mitigation and resilience strategies. It also includes a detailed review of the water sector’s participation in Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs. U.S. water systems are increasingly considering actions to mitigate risks and enhance resilience in order to comply with the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018, providing an important backdrop to the study.

New Executive Order Aims to Support Responsible Use of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Services Used by Critical Infrastructure

Noting that the national and economic security of the U.S. depends on the reliable and efficient functioning of critical infrastructure, yesterday President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) emphasizing the importance of accurate and reliable Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services and identifying measures to promote their resilience.

Earthquake Preparedness Tips from FEMA

While acknowledging that earthquakes are more common in some areas, FEMA reminds the public that these events can happen anywhere and be unpredictable. According to FEMA, people living in some parts of the Midwest and the South can be just as vulnerable as those living in California and Alaska. And yet, according to the data from FEMA’s 2019 National Household Survey (NHS), those living in the Midwest and South tend to be less prepared than those who live in areas more often associated with earthquake risk.

FBI Director Says HVEs, Domestic Extremists, and FTOs Are Most Persistent Terrorist Threat to U.S.

In testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee yesterday, FBI Director Christopher Wray identified the most persistent terrorism threats to the U.S. as homegrown violent extremists (HVEs), domestic extremists, and foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). Drawing a link between two of the groups, he explained how FTOs have made extensive use of the Internet and social media to disseminate propaganda and training materials to attract and influence individuals in the U.S., giving rise to HVEs.

February is Earthquake Preparedness Month

To bring attention to earthquakes and their associated risks, the Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) and several states are observing Earthquake Awareness Month. During February, they encourage communities to learn about the earthquake hazards they face and take appropriate action to reduce risk. On its website, CUSEC has posted a “Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety” and describes activities such as the Great Shakeout to assist in earthquake preparedness. Another upcoming activity being promoted by CUSEC is the National Earthquake Conference (NEC).

Active Shooter Incidents: Topical One-Pagers from the FBI

The FBI has published a report compiling statistical data regarding 277 active shooter incidents in the U.S. between 2000 and 2018. Each of the pages in the report focuses on a particular active-shooter topic, such as casualty breakdown, shooter’s weapon, and incident locations. For example, the casualty breakdown page shows that most casualties (both wounded and killed) in active shooter incidents occurred in open spaces, a finding heavily influenced by the 2018 Las Vegas incident that resulted in a total of 547 casualties.

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