From the Savannah Morning News, on a panel discussion including Craig Fugate:
It takes teamwork to react effectively to disasters, Federal Emergency Management Administrator Craig Fugate said Monday. Participating on a panel at Savannah State University, Fugate warned against "government-centric" responses to calamities.
He said various emergency responder agencies should work more closely with the private sector and the public.
"A government-centered approach can't get to everybody fast enough," Fugate told more than 100 people at the event.
The FEMA chief suggested that agencies recruit grocery stores and faith-based private groups to help distribute food and water.
That would provide more resources and let people focus on the things they do best, Fugate said.
"Ask police or emergency people what they would rather do," he said. "Provide security or hand out stuff?"
All too often, he added, emergency responders treat the general public as a problem rather than a potential resource.
"The first responder is oftentimes you and me, a bystander or a neighbor," Fugate said.
From USA Today, on proposed inspections for airplane maintenance shops:
Thousands of airplane maintenance shops in the U.S. and abroad would get increased scrutiny to make sure they are not easy prey for terrorists looking to sabotage U.S. jets during routine repairs, a government proposal says.
Some experts and lawmakers have warned for years about potential terrorist saboteurs infiltrating airplane repair shops, and have urged security oversight. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says the greatest danger is posed by repair shops that are on or next to airports because a terrorist could take control of an airplane.
A TSA regulation proposed Monday would for the first time enable the agency to inspect airplane repair shops. If the TSA found a problematic repair shop, the agency would tell the Federal Aviation Administration to suspend the shop's operating license.
TSA Assistant Administrator Lee Kair said the new requirement "guards against the potential threat of an aircraft being destroyed or used as a weapon." The agency is soliciting public comments on the proposal and could finalize it later this year.
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, on counterfeit cash:
Consumers and businesses should expect to see more bogus bills this time of year, said Jeffrey T. Gilbert, special agent in charge of the United States Secret Service Atlanta.
WSB-TV reports that two Atlanta-area residents received counterfeit $20 bills from an ATM in DeKalb County.
The station says the man and woman tried to use the bills for purchases. It says no charges were filed against them and the counterfeit currency was confiscated.
"We cannot reiterate enough how important it is to look at your money," said Gilbert. "Counterfeiting is a crime of opportunity.
And it can be devastating on a business, a family, even our economy."
With the advancements in color copiers, counterfeiters are getting more creative. By bleaching the notes of $5 bills they are able to reprint them as $100 bills.
These bills, printed on official U.S. Treasury paper, are passing the counterfeit pen test.
Public Events
10 AM PST
TSA Public Affairs Manager Dwayne Baird will host a media event to highlight Holiday Travel Tips with the Federal Security Director at Portland Oregon International Airport (PDX).
Portland Oregon International Airport
7000 NE Airport Way
Portland, Ore.
10 AM PST
TSA Public Affairs Manager Andrea McCauley will conduct a joint media event with Continental Airlines and TSA to launch the paperless boarding pass program at Dallas/Ft.Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport
Terminal E Continental ticket counter and checkpoint
1 PM EST
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Acting Deputy Director Dr. William Hagen and CBP Cargo and Conveyance Security Executive Director Todd Owen will testify about the operations of advanced radiation monitors before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight
2318 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
2:30 PM EST
Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alexander Garza will testify about H1N1 vaccine distribution before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
342 Dirksen House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
4 PM EST
Chief Privacy Officer Mary Ellen Callahan will deliver remarks about the Department’s approach to new technologies from a privacy perspective at Kelley Drye’s Second Annual Privacy Law Seminar
Washington Harbour
3050 K Street NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C.