USDAUSDANatural Resources Conservation ServiceNatural Resources Conservation Service

Homeland Security &Homeland Security &Crisis PreparednessCrisis Preparedness

Illinois All Employee Training ConferenceIllinois All Employee Training Conference

February 28 – March 3, 2005February 28 – March 3, 2005

The National Response PlanThe National Response Plan

The National Response Plan, unveiled January 6, The National Response Plan, unveiled January 6, 2005 by Secretary of Homeland Security Tom 2005 by Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, continues the Bush Administration's Ridge, continues the Bush Administration's commitment to strengthen homeland security commitment to strengthen homeland security protections, including in the food and agriculture protections, including in the food and agriculture sector. The National Response Plan will serve as sector. The National Response Plan will serve as a guide to coordinate between Federal, state, a guide to coordinate between Federal, state, local and tribal governments, along with critical local and tribal governments, along with critical partners in the private sector to ensure we are partners in the private sector to ensure we are prepared in the event of an emergency to prepared in the event of an emergency to respond quickly and effectively. respond quickly and effectively.

The National Response PlanThe National Response Plan

In June 2004 USDA launched web based In June 2004 USDA launched web based National Incident Management System National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) training programs available to all (ICS) training programs available to all USDA employees. With offices in almost USDA employees. With offices in almost every county in the nation, many USDA every county in the nation, many USDA employees serve as first responders in employees serve as first responders in their local communities. their local communities.

The National Response PlanThe National Response Plan

The Incident Command System (ICS) training The Incident Command System (ICS) training courses are available through AgLearn, courses are available through AgLearn, USDA's web-based Agriculture Learning USDA's web-based Agriculture Learning Management System at Management System at http://www.aglearn.usda.gov/ http://www.aglearn.usda.gov/

Homeland Security Homeland Security Advisory SystemAdvisory System

• Low Low (Green)(Green)

• Guarded Guarded (Blue)(Blue)

• Elevated Elevated (Yellow)(Yellow)

• High High (Orange)(Orange)• Severe Severe (Red)(Red)

Homeland Security Homeland Security Advisory SystemAdvisory System

See See www.ready.govwww.ready.gov for citizen for citizen guidance on the Homeland guidance on the Homeland Security Advisory System and Security Advisory System and recommended actions for recommended actions for citizens.citizens.

Possible SituationsPossible Situations

• Fire EmergencyFire Emergency• ExplosionExplosion• Medical EmergencyMedical Emergency• Biological HazardBiological Hazard• Chemical HazardChemical Hazard• Radiological HazardRadiological Hazard• Bomb or other threatBomb or other threat• Civil DisturbancesCivil Disturbances• Severe WeatherSevere Weather• Workplace ViolenceWorkplace Violence

Title 130, Part 403 Title 130, Part 403 Crisis ResponsibilitiesCrisis Responsibilities

USDA Emergency ResponsibilitiesUSDA Emergency Responsibilities

a.a. USDA defense responsibilities are:USDA defense responsibilities are:1.1. Develop standby defense emergency programsDevelop standby defense emergency programs

2.2. Carry out these programs during a civil defense Carry out these programs during a civil defense emergency proclaimed by the Congress or Presidentemergency proclaimed by the Congress or President

b.b. USDA natural or man-made disaster emergency are:USDA natural or man-made disaster emergency are:1.1. Develop plans for responding to natural or man-made Develop plans for responding to natural or man-made

disasters, anddisasters, and

2.2. Respond to these disasters if USDA can assist in Respond to these disasters if USDA can assist in mitigating the emergency.mitigating the emergency.

NRCS Defense Emergency AssignmentsNRCS Defense Emergency Assignments

1.1. Based on radiological monitoring of the extent of radioactive Based on radiological monitoring of the extent of radioactive contamination, providing guidance to land users on:contamination, providing guidance to land users on:

i.i. Safety of livestock.Safety of livestock.

ii.ii. Disposition of growing crops and harvesting of crops.Disposition of growing crops and harvesting of crops.

iii.iii. Use of crops stored on farms.Use of crops stored on farms.

iv.iv. Selection and use of land from agricultural production.Selection and use of land from agricultural production.

v.v. Use, conservation, disposition, control of water to ensure Use, conservation, disposition, control of water to ensure adequate usable water for agriculture (except for water adequate usable water for agriculture (except for water management, control, and allocation function assigned to FSA).management, control, and allocation function assigned to FSA).

2.2. Assessing damage to agricultural lands and water resulting Assessing damage to agricultural lands and water resulting from enemy attack.from enemy attack.

NRCS Natural Disaster AssignmentsNRCS Natural Disaster Assignments

NRCS is authorized to provide with or without a NRCS is authorized to provide with or without a Presidential declaration of a major disaster:Presidential declaration of a major disaster:

1.1. When authorized by the Secretary, NRCS provides technical When authorized by the Secretary, NRCS provides technical assistance and financial assistance under the authority of assistance and financial assistance under the authority of Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1950, to retard runoff Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1950, to retard runoff and prevent soil erosion. The purpose of this assistance is to and prevent soil erosion. The purpose of this assistance is to safeguard lives and property from floods resulting from safeguard lives and property from floods resulting from erosion on any watershed suddenly damaged by fire or other erosion on any watershed suddenly damaged by fire or other natural forces.natural forces.

2.2. Providing technical assistance on:Providing technical assistance on:i. Rehabilitation of land and conservation systemsi. Rehabilitation of land and conservation systems

ii. Protection of land by emergency measures from high water and ii. Protection of land by emergency measures from high water and rehabilitation of rural lands damaged by natural disaster.rehabilitation of rural lands damaged by natural disaster.

NRCS Natural Disaster Assignments NRCS Natural Disaster Assignments (Cont.)(Cont.)

3.3. Providing assistance on:Providing assistance on:i. Evaluation of the severity of the disasteri. Evaluation of the severity of the disaster

ii. Assessment of the problem and type of emergency work ii. Assessment of the problem and type of emergency work needed to restore the area to normal operations.needed to restore the area to normal operations.

iii. Location of heavy earth moving equipment.iii. Location of heavy earth moving equipment.

iv. Transportation problems when roads and highways cannot iv. Transportation problems when roads and highways cannot be used. be used.

4.4. Information and materials such as maps and reports on Information and materials such as maps and reports on watershed projects, river basin studies, and RC&D projects.watershed projects, river basin studies, and RC&D projects.

5.5. Availability of NRCS equipment for emergency use.Availability of NRCS equipment for emergency use.

A. Presidential declaration of major disaster or emergency under A. Presidential declaration of major disaster or emergency under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-288) makes it the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-288) makes it possible for NRCS to provide additional assistance under the possible for NRCS to provide additional assistance under the direction of Federal Disaster Assistance Administration direction of Federal Disaster Assistance Administration (FDAA). This Act authorizes the President to use Federal (FDAA). This Act authorizes the President to use Federal departments and agencies to carry out debris clearance departments and agencies to carry out debris clearance under the Director of FDAA as follows:under the Director of FDAA as follows:

1.1. Remove from publicly or privately owned lands any waters, Remove from publicly or privately owned lands any waters, debris and wreckage resulting from a major disaster, ordebris and wreckage resulting from a major disaster, or

2.2. Make grants to any state or local government for such Make grants to any state or local government for such debris removal.debris removal.

NRCS Natural Disaster Assignments NRCS Natural Disaster Assignments (Cont.)(Cont.)

USDA Authorities USDA Authorities for Responding to Crisis for Responding to Crisis

• The Defense Production Act of 1950 The Defense Production Act of 1950

(50 USC App. 2061 et seg)(50 USC App. 2061 et seg)• Executive Order 11490Executive Order 11490• Flood Control Act of 1950Flood Control Act of 1950• Disaster Act of 1974Disaster Act of 1974• Executive Order 12656 (1988)Executive Order 12656 (1988)• USDA Emergency Operations Handbook (1982)USDA Emergency Operations Handbook (1982)• USDA National Emergency Preparedness Instruction USDA National Emergency Preparedness Instruction

(1983)(1983)• USDA Occupant Emergency Plan (1989)USDA Occupant Emergency Plan (1989)

NRCS Field OfficesNRCS Field Offices

Each office should have the following Each office should have the following information on file:information on file:

• USDA Emergency Operations Handbook for USDA USDA Emergency Operations Handbook for USDA state and county emergency boards (1982)state and county emergency boards (1982)

• The order of succession of authority for the district The order of succession of authority for the district conservationistconservationist

• The pamphlet entitled: Natural Disaster Assistance The pamphlet entitled: Natural Disaster Assistance Available from the U. S. Department of AgricultureAvailable from the U. S. Department of Agriculture

HOMELANDHOMELAND SECURITY SECURITY

Who’s ResponsibleWho’s Responsible ... ...

USDA Organization for CrisisUSDA Organization for Crisis

• State LevelState LevelEach state and the Caribbean Area and the Pacific Area Each state and the Caribbean Area and the Pacific Area have a USDA State Emergency Board which coordinates have a USDA State Emergency Board which coordinates USDA crisis preparedness and response at the state level. USDA crisis preparedness and response at the state level. The board includes the NRCS state conservationist.The board includes the NRCS state conservationist.

• County LevelCounty LevelEstablish a USDA County Emergency Board, which Establish a USDA County Emergency Board, which coordinates USDA crisis preparedness and response at the coordinates USDA crisis preparedness and response at the county level. The board has an automatic membership county level. The board has an automatic membership consisting of the head of each USDA agency located at the consisting of the head of each USDA agency located at the county level. The NRCS county level. The NRCS district conservationistdistrict conservationist is a member is a member of the county board.of the county board.

NRCS Operations NRCS Operations in a National Emergencyin a National Emergency

In the event of a nuclear attack or large In the event of a nuclear attack or large scale natural disaster or man-made disaster, scale natural disaster or man-made disaster, NRCS employees’ duties are:NRCS employees’ duties are:

• Safety of their familiesSafety of their families• And then act in conjunction with other And then act in conjunction with other

agencies’ procedures, or as set forth in agencies’ procedures, or as set forth in agency guidance.agency guidance.

State Office EmployeesState Office Employees

Report to the State Conservationists or his/her successor Report to the State Conservationists or his/her successor who will:who will:

• Assist civil defense or military authorities, including Assist civil defense or military authorities, including personnel, equipment, supplies and materials.personnel, equipment, supplies and materials.

• Try and establish contacts with area conservationists and Try and establish contacts with area conservationists and NHQ.NHQ.

• Coordinate with USDA State Emergency Board.Coordinate with USDA State Emergency Board.

NRCS Operations NRCS Operations in a National Emergency (cont.)in a National Emergency (cont.)

Area Office EmployeesArea Office Employees

Try and establish contact with field offices and with the Try and establish contact with field offices and with the State office. Until contact is established with the State State office. Until contact is established with the State office, the area conservationist assumes full office, the area conservationist assumes full responsibility for carrying out the NRCS plan for a responsibility for carrying out the NRCS plan for a national emergency. Area specialists are to help in national emergency. Area specialists are to help in this endeavor.this endeavor.

NRCS Operations NRCS Operations in a National Emergency (cont.)in a National Emergency (cont.)

Field OfficeField Office• DC to begin work as soon as practical as a member of the DC to begin work as soon as practical as a member of the

USDA County Emergency Board.USDA County Emergency Board.

• As necessary, perform the defense emergency or natural As necessary, perform the defense emergency or natural disaster assignments (See sections 403.3 and 403.4)disaster assignments (See sections 403.3 and 403.4)

• Continue essential NRCS activities, but with due regard for Continue essential NRCS activities, but with due regard for the safety of personnel.the safety of personnel.

• Not wait for instructions, but take action that good judgment Not wait for instructions, but take action that good judgment dictates based on local needs and conditions within the dictates based on local needs and conditions within the framework of NRCS emergency responsibilities.framework of NRCS emergency responsibilities.

NRCS Operations NRCS Operations in a National Emergency (cont.)in a National Emergency (cont.)

Succession of Line OfficersSuccession of Line Officers

NTC, State, Area and District Conservationists NTC, State, Area and District Conservationists are to prepare and maintain a listing showing are to prepare and maintain a listing showing the order in which succession will occur during the order in which succession will occur during an emergency period. an emergency period.

Alternate Headquarters SitesAlternate Headquarters Sites

• State OfficesState OfficesFirst (primary), second, and third alternate headquarters First (primary), second, and third alternate headquarters locations are to be designated.locations are to be designated.

• Area and Field OfficesArea and Field OfficesNo requirement that alternate headquarters be No requirement that alternate headquarters be designated. designated.

Directory of Key EmployeesDirectory of Key Employees

• Current list of key NRCS employees to be Current list of key NRCS employees to be maintained at the primary and alternate maintained at the primary and alternate locations.locations.

• Recommended that the directory contain the Recommended that the directory contain the order of succession and alternate headquarters. order of succession and alternate headquarters.

• Contact Information for EmployeesContact Information for Employees

• Whereabouts of EmployeesWhereabouts of Employees

• Inform Employees of Emergency Operation ProceduresInform Employees of Emergency Operation Procedures

• Familiar with the Threat ConditionsFamiliar with the Threat Conditions

• Participate in Training ExercisesParticipate in Training Exercises

• Assign staff member to assist disabled employeesAssign staff member to assist disabled employees

• Designate rally pointDesignate rally point

• Encourage employees to use the buddy systemEncourage employees to use the buddy system

• Inform staff to monitor TV and RadioInform staff to monitor TV and Radio

• Keep supervisor abreast of situation Keep supervisor abreast of situation

SupervisorsSupervisors

Employees & ContractorsEmployees & Contractors

• Familiar with the Threat ConditionsFamiliar with the Threat Conditions

• Be familiar with Biosecurity PolicyBe familiar with Biosecurity Policy

• Participate in training exercisesParticipate in training exercises

• Follow instructions of emergency officialsFollow instructions of emergency officials

• Keep supervisor informed of situationKeep supervisor informed of situation

• Monitor local media (TV, radio, etc.) for emergency updatesMonitor local media (TV, radio, etc.) for emergency updates

• Discuss with family member what to do during emergenciesDiscuss with family member what to do during emergencies

• Develop family emergency planDevelop family emergency plan

Civil Defense TrainingCivil Defense Training

• NRCS ParticipationNRCS Participation

May volunteer for civil defense activities if they May volunteer for civil defense activities if they are not needed to carry out USDA emergency are not needed to carry out USDA emergency assignments.assignments.

• Official Time to ParticipateOfficial Time to Participate

May be granted official time for emergency May be granted official time for emergency training.training.

Illinois Emergency Recovery PlanIllinois Emergency Recovery Plan

• www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/nrcsemp/emergency/intro.htmlnrcsemp/emergency/intro.html

NRCS ResponsibilitiesNRCS Responsibilities

• Develop PolicyDevelop Policy

• Develop Emergency PlanDevelop Emergency Plan

• Identify areas of VulnerabilityIdentify areas of Vulnerability

• Identify high risk areasIdentify high risk areas

• TrainingTraining

• 11,000 Plus Employees11,000 Plus Employees

• $25 Billion Information Technology$25 Billion Information Technology

• 3100 Offices3100 Offices

• Watershed DamsWatershed Dams

• Other AreasOther Areas

Areas of VulnerabilityAreas of Vulnerability

Identify Areas of High RiskIdentify Areas of High Risk

• Conduct AssessmentsConduct Assessments

• Install Security MeasuresInstall Security Measures

PreparePrepare

ComponentsComponents• BasicsBasics• Grab and Go KitGrab and Go Kit• Shelter in PlaceShelter in Place• Leaving the AreaLeaving the Area

Your Family PlanYour Family Plan

BasicsBasics• Backup for day care, child pickup, elder Backup for day care, child pickup, elder

care, etc.care, etc.• Where will family reside during Where will family reside during

emergencyemergency• Designate rally pointDesignate rally point• Contact informationContact information

Your Family PlanYour Family Plan

BasicsBasics• Select (2) places to meetSelect (2) places to meet• How to contact supervisorHow to contact supervisor• Report whereabouts to friendReport whereabouts to friend

PreparePrepare

Grab and GO KitGrab and GO Kit• Water – 1 - 2 quartsWater – 1 - 2 quarts

• Food – non-perishables and lightFood – non-perishables and light

• Three day supply medicinesThree day supply medicines

• N95 paper maskN95 paper mask

PreparePrepare

Grab and GO KitGrab and GO Kit• • Small battery operated or solar radio,Small battery operated or solar radio,

• Small flashlight that use same batteries as radioSmall flashlight that use same batteries as radio

• Extra batteriesExtra batteries

• Light/glow stick to pin to your clothes in case Light/glow stick to pin to your clothes in case you have to walk in the darkyou have to walk in the dark

• Small knife or multi-toolSmall knife or multi-tool

• Personal toiletries, including toothbrush, non-Personal toiletries, including toothbrush, non-water hand cleaner, eye drops etc.water hand cleaner, eye drops etc.

PreparePrepare

Grab and GO KitGrab and GO Kit• Pen and small note/book with phone numbers Pen and small note/book with phone numbers

and e-mail addresses of family, friends, and e-mail addresses of family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.neighbors and co-workers.

• Rain ponchoRain poncho

• BlanketBlanket

• Small first aid kitSmall first aid kit

• Area mapArea map

Shelter In PlaceShelter In Place

• Protective Action taken inside the building Protective Action taken inside the building to protect from external hazards, minimize to protect from external hazards, minimize your chance of injury and/or provide time your chance of injury and/or provide time for safe evacuation.for safe evacuation.

Scenarios:Scenarios:• Severe weatherSevere weather• Civil unrestCivil unrest• Accidental chemical releaseAccidental chemical release• Biological, chemical or radiological attackBiological, chemical or radiological attack

PreparePrepare

Shelter In Place: Shelter In Place:

Severe Weather or Civil Unrest Severe Weather or Civil Unrest • Stay insideStay inside• Move away from windows to inner corridorsMove away from windows to inner corridors• Close all doors connecting exterior offices to the Close all doors connecting exterior offices to the

corridorcorridor• Take your Grab and Go kitTake your Grab and Go kit

PreparePrepare

Shelter In PlaceShelter In Place

External chemical, biological or External chemical, biological or radiological incident:radiological incident:

• Choose an interior roomChoose an interior room• Turn off A/C and heating systemsTurn off A/C and heating systems• Seal windows and doorsSeal windows and doors• Close doors connecting exterior offices to the Close doors connecting exterior offices to the

corridorcorridor

PreparePrepare

Shelter In PlaceShelter In Place

Internal chemical, biological, or Internal chemical, biological, or radiological incident:radiological incident:

• Immediately relocate to another safer locationImmediately relocate to another safer location• The developing situation will dictate further The developing situation will dictate further

actionsactions

PreparePrepare

Leaving the AreaLeaving the Area• Plan your get away in advancePlan your get away in advance• Choose several destinationsChoose several destinations• Keep at least a ½ tank of gasKeep at least a ½ tank of gas• Become familiar with alternate routes and other Become familiar with alternate routes and other

means of transportationmeans of transportation

PreparePrepare

USDA Employee Emergency USDA Employee Emergency Response GuideResponse Guide

Guidance for specific situations is available in the Guidance for specific situations is available in the guide at: guide at: www.usda.gov/00/bepreparedwww.usda.gov/00/beprepared

Test PlansTest Plans

• Family PlanFamily Plan

• Response Plan Response Plan

When the Unexpected OccursWhen the Unexpected Occurs

• Implement your planImplement your plan

WebsitesWebsites

• www.FEMA.govwww.FEMA.gov• www.USDA.gov/00/bepreparedwww.USDA.gov/00/beprepared• www.USDA.gov/dawww.USDA.gov/da• www.OPM.gov/emergencywww.OPM.gov/emergency• www.DHS.govwww.DHS.gov• www.ready.govwww.ready.gov• www.Whitehouse.govwww.Whitehouse.gov• www.usda.gov/homelandsecuritywww.usda.gov/homelandsecurity