The U.S. Fire Administration is urging state and local fire and EMS chief officers, department heads and state fire marshals to register online with DisasterHelp.gov. The Web site is part of the president's Disaster Management E-Government Initiative to improve disaster management on an interagency and intergovernmental basis.

The USFA Critical Infrastructure Protection Program publishes a weekly “infogram” to promote the protection of first responders. In cooperation with the federal initiative, the documents are available on the Web site.

Once their identities are confirmed, fire service leaders will receive confidential information for official use only.

“All members of the emergency management fields and our nation's first responders are advised to register with DisasterHelp.gov and to subscribe to the weekly documents,” said an article in the USFA's December newsletter.

“However, each fire/EMS department chief officer, the deputy/assistant chief officer, the state fire marshal and the senior emergency manager at all levels of government are strongly urged to subscribe to the Infogram. These senior leaders who are registered and verified will automatically receive sensitive [Critical Infrastructure Protection] information for official use from DHS, but only after their identity has been accurately confirmed.”

To register, go to https://disasterhelp.gov/usfacip.html and follow instructions. If you have problems, contact the DisasterHelp.gov help desk at 800-451-2647.

FIRECHIEF.COM

Check In Service Online for more details on the organization's activities as they're available.