At a field hearing in Buffalo, New York Policy Office of International Affairs Director of Canadian Affairs Deborah Meyers addresses the Department of Homeland Security’s partnership with Canada to boost safety whilst facilitating lawful trade and travel.
Division of Homeland Safety News
General
Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Calls to Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano nowadays spoke with Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan to express her condolences and provide any support essential in the ongoing investigation into the shooting in Aurora, Colo. Secretary Napolitano reiterated the Administration’s support for the federal, state and nearby authorities who responded to this horrific occasion and the folks of Aurora throughout this tough time.
Division of Homeland Security News
Residency Rule Amended for Canadian NEXUS Applicants
Washington -The United States and Canada are continuing to deliver on essential commitments below the Beyond the Border Action Plan for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. Announced today and effective quickly, the Canada Border Services Agency lifted the three-year residency requirement for Canadian citizens to apply to NEXUS. (much more)
CBP.gov: National News Releases
FEMA: Operating Closely With State and Nearby Partners
Posted by: Michael Moore, Federal Coordinating Officer, Ohio Severe Storms
FEMA continues to work closely with our federal and state partners to meet the needs of all those that have been impacted by the severe storms that moved through much of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic. In Ohio, the President signed an emergency disaster declaration that has authorized FEMA to provide much needed resources to support state and local response and recovery, including generators to support critical infrastructure such as shelters, as well as positioning water in staging areas near the impacted areas. While those resources are critical, the state of Ohio and others of the emergency management team are taking the welfare of citizens very seriously. Here is one example:
Ohio’s “Knock and Talk” Outreach
On July 1, Ohio Governor John Kasich deployed more than 200 Soldiers and Airmen of the Ohio National Guard (ONG) to Franklin and Montgomery counties on a “Knock and Talk” mission. From single-story homes to 20-story high rises, team members are braving the heat and knocking on doors to chat with residents. They provide valuable information on available resources, such as cooling centers, that our local and state partners have made available. Ohioans are also coming together to check on their own, ensuring that everyone has water and knows how to stay cool during the power outages and heat wave.
Sgt. Jessica Cooper (left) and Pvt. Jason Geier, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 216th Engineer Battalion, talk with John Weese, 60, of Columbus, Ohio, on July 2, 2012. (Ohio National Guard photo by Senior Airman Jordyn Sadowski)
On July 2, the men and women of the ONG teamed up with student volunteers from The Ohio State University and continued the “Knock and Talk” mission to ensure that senior citizens, young children and those with sensitive conditions and medical needs are being served.
As we say at FEMA, it takes each member of the emergency management team coming together to ensure the safety of the American public. The ONG and the students of OSU exemplify the responsibility that each of us has to take care of our friends, neighbors, family and loved ones.
While we continue to assist Ohio, West Virginia and all the states that have been impacted by the recent storms, we want to urge you to exercise caution if extreme heat conditions are expected in your area in the coming days. Forecasts from the National Weather Service are calling for dangerous heat in parts of the U.S. for the remainder of the week, including the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Visit Ready.gov/heat to learn how you can keep yourself and your animals safe, or follow the example of Ohio Emergency Management and the Ohio National Guard.
Have your own “Knock and Talk” missions and check on a neighbor during this continued heat wave – make a call, send a text or better yet, walk next door to see that those around you have water, are staying cool and are able to stay in contact with loved ones.
Pvt. Jason Geier (left) and Sgt. Jessica Cooper, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 216th Engineer Battalion, talk with Gary Rowe, of Columbus, Ohio, on July 2, 2012. (Ohio National Guard photo by Senior Airman Jordyn Sadowski)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our state and local partners for providing life-saving information and demonstrating care and compassion for their neighbors and fellow Ohioans. For the latest updates, please visit the Ohio Emergency Management website at http://ema.ohio.gov/.
Student volunteers from The Ohio State University assist the Ohio state Emergency Management Agency and the Ohio National Guard on July 3, 2012
Creating a Future-prepared, Digital Government Nowadays
Posted by Richard A. Spires, CIO
The Federal government released The Digital Government Strategy on May 23, 2012. This 12-month action plan for the deployment of new technology is designed to enable the delivery of digital information and services anytime, anywhere, on any device, safely and securely-throughout the Federal workforce and to the American public. This strategy was made possible through the collaboration of many throughout the federal government including, the Federal Chief Information Officer’s Council, the Federal Web Managers Council, and representatives from numerous departments and agencies. My thanks go to Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO) Steve VanRoekel and Federal Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Todd Park for their leadership in the development of this strategy.Cloud computing and the continual evolution of mobile devices, collaboration tools, computing power advances, and social media expansion are revolutionizing Information Technology (IT). These advances are changing the way business is conducted inside and outside the Federal government. Not only is this an exciting and novel transformation, it also brings a true opportunity to deliver real innovation with less.
As CIO of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), I know firsthand that the establishment of common standards and platforms and the use of new mobility capabilities are critical to leveraging data to meet the mission needs of this Department. Composed of 22 components, DHS is one of the largest Federal agencies. This size and diversity requires effective information sharing through advanced technology with sound security to support the Department’s critical mission. I will highlight two DHS initiatives underway-shared platform and mobility-that support the new digital government strategy.
DHS is committed to providing and supporting the shared platform for digital government. The BPA enables DHS to establish Web Content Management as a Service-commonly known as WCMaaS throughout the IT industry-which is an open source content management platform for hosting public Web sites and applications. Based on the Drupal Content Management System, an industry leading open source technology, this solution provides new and innovative capabilities, delivering improved citizen-centric capabilities while ensuring the adoption of solid Content Management System (CMS) services that support timely Web maintenance as well as increased capabilities for accurate content updates.
DHS also is committed to embracing mobility.
The use of laptops, smart phones, and tablets in government agencies continues to rapidly grow. Mobile computing enables the implementation of effective telework across the Federal government to ensure the continuity of operations as well as reduce management costs and the Federal government’s footprint, which ultimately leads to higher-performing and more efficient organizations.
Workplace as a Service (WPaaS) will provide a virtual desktop interface that looks and feels like a traditional desktop while leveraging the power, security, and data provided by the department’s two Enterprise Data Centers. This virtual desktop enables DHS personnel to perform their mission wherever there is access to the Internet or the DHS internal network, including through the use of handheld devices like smart phones and tablets. WPaaS delivers multiple benefits by replacing traditional desktops and laptops with virtual computing that provides as-needed operating systems and applications at monthly, pay-per-use service with scalability-all supported by a robust security model. WPaaS promises to reduce operating costs, increase operational flexibility, and simplify administrative management, while efficiently using resources by eliminating surpluses of outdated and underutilized equipment.
Future-ready, digital government.
The essential elements of interoperability and openness, reduced and transparent operational costs, strategic planning from the outset and effective portfolio and program governance ultimately enable the government to move to and effectively capitalize on new technologies in the 21st century. The Digital Government Strategy provides a solid execution plan to leverage the power of today’s technologies and provide more open, efficient, and effective services for the American public.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally posted on CIO.gov.
Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.
Coast Guard releases audio from probable hoax distress call
Click above to listen to audio
Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service New York received a distress call on VHF channel 14 at approximately 4:20 p.m., Monday, June 11, 2012, reportedly from the master of the yacht Blind Date, stating the vessel suffered an explosion and was taking on water.
This call prompted a Coast Guard search with multiple aircraft and surface vessels, joined by aircraft and surface vessels from other agencies. The search was suspended at approximately 10 p.m. Monday, and the Coast Guard made the determination that the call was a probable hoax.
On this call to the Coast Guard, and another, the caller in reported distress gave varying numbers for people aboard the yacht and varying numbers for dead and injured.
The reporting source stated that he was going to stay by the radio as long as he could, but the vessel lost power so he had to move to a solar-powered radio. He gave a position of 17.5 miles east of Sandy Hook, N.J.
The probable hoax call is under investigation. The Coast Guard is offering a $ 3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for making the false distress call. Anyone with information regarding this probable hoax is encouraged to anonymously contact the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service at 212-668-7048 or 646-872-5774.
Recent Updates for HQ (use “U.S. Coast Guard Digital Newsroom”)
CBP and Planet BASC Organization Sign Joint Statement
Herndon, Virginia – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Planet Enterprise Alliance for Secure Commerce Organization (Globe BASC) signed these days at CBP’s National Targeting Center a Joint Statement which recognizes the mutually advantageous working relationship of promoting and enhancing provide chain security throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. (a lot more)
CBP.gov: National News Releases
CBP Reminds Travelers What to ‘Know Ahead of You Go’
Washington – Summer is one particular of the busiest international travel instances in the U.S. and with the start off of the travel season this Memorial Day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding travelers of some important tips. With growing passenger volumes due to a nine percent enhance in travel and tourism because February 2011, there are factors returning U. (much more)
CBP.gov: National News Releases