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IN THE NEWS... May 22, 2008 - Preparedness for the 'Day After' Oct 25, 2007 - WebEOC Used to Support Emergency Response Efforts in Southern California Sep 28, 2007 - EmerGeo Engaged in National Disaster Simulation Project FEATURE ARTICLE Mar 12, 2008 - B.C. Hydro puts threat risk assessment software to the test |
Critical Infrastructure – Energy, communications / IT, finance, healthcare, food, water, transportation, safety, government, manufacturingThese are the critical infrastructure sectors as defined by Public Safety. If you work in this area, you have special requirements placed upon you either by regulation, or by corporate commitment to community safety.
Risk Assessment – Using an All Hazards / HIRA approach to assessmentsThe first step to a successful security plan begins with a quantifiable and standardized risk assessment which is best achieved through the use of software. The approach should included a threat / hazard assessment, asset assessment and site vulnerability assessment which results in both a published and electronic report that can be used for business continuity and emergency planning. Emergency Operations Center – Replicate your forms, status boards, and automate reporting via softwareThe benefits of moving to a web-based EOC software include having your emergency team check in to the significant events log before they arrive on site so they are fully briefed and ready for action. Emergency managers experience much more simplified reporting than ever before. Internet-based software is 99% customizable to your own workflow so your process doesn’t change – its simply replicated in software. GIS for the EOC – Integrate maps, plume models, earthquake shake models, and manage evacuations using GISThe benefits of moving to a web-based EOC mapping software include having roles for planning, operations, press contacts, etc., and publishing web based maps on a need to know basis. Emergency managers will experience a faster, more robust planning process as it relates to geography. As well, plume and earthquake modeling software can be integrated into your GIS system so you can manage evacuations. Emergency Notification – Broadcast alerts and receive responsesBy using emergency notification systems, you can cost-effectively and easily communicate with employees, partners, and customers anytime, anywhere. When an enterprise is confronted with an emergency – manmade or natural hazard, accidental or intentional, timely notification and response are critical. Multiple devices can be hit simultaneously or in sequence depending on the urgency of the situation. Secure Dial-up to Remote Locations – Connect multiple devices to a single dial-up line and ensure NERC / CIP level securityAny of your locations that still have dialup connections to the substations have two alternatives to become NERC / CIP compliant. The first is to do a forklift upgrade and take out the dialup connections, upgrade the associated network and potentially upgrade the SCADA equipment. By installing special equipment and software, none of these upgrades are required as all existing network is maintained and secured, with a very short time frame to 100% ROI. Asset Management improves Infrastructure Management – A risk based asset management plan allows for better decision makingWe tend to focus on threats such as natural events (meteorological, and biological) and man-made (accidental and intentional). However, there is another threat to our infrastructure that goes beyond either of these categories: aging and crumbling infrastructure. To compound this external threat, there is constant pressure on regulated utilities such as the power industry to stabilize rates, while increasing reliability. |
