Homeland Security Involved In Isabel ResponseHomeland Security Involved In Isabel Response

The Department of Homeland Security's IT team has been actively involved in the response to Hurricane Isabel. "We have IT staff deployed 24-by-7 in support of the department's crisis action team," Homeland Security CIO Steve Cooper says in an E-mail message to information. "We have additional contractor technical staff coming on in shifts for as long as the team is active. We have all technical staff on standby if needed."

The department's infrastructure-protection division is staffing the crisis action team--headed by assistant secretary Bob Liscouski--that's actively communicating with and monitoring transportation, electrical, cyber, water, and telecom infrastructure sectors in states hit by the storm, Cooper says. "Scheduled conference calls are conducted by Bob's people with the appropriate private sector entities to address status and any situations that develop," the CIO says.

Secure video teleconferencing facilities link crisis action teams and the Homeland Security operations center with emergency operation centers in the 56 states and territories and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is part of Homeland Security. "Protocols have been developed to allow for communications through the emergency operations centers to all responders," Cooper says. "In addition, progress continues to be made in supplying interoperable radios to the field."

Cooper says his role as CIO is internally focused to ensure that all parts of the department--including FEMA, the infrastructure protection unit, and the Homeland Security operation center--have the tools and support they need to do their jobs. "They are the experts who provide leadership, support, and assistance to state, local, private sector, and the citizen in this weather-related event." Cooper says. "They are our face to those affected by Hurricane Isabel. They are there to do whatever is needed to save lives and minimize damage with the local emergency."