Avagene Moore: On behalf of the EIIP Virtual Forum, Amy Sebring, my partner/associate, and I welcome you to our session! We are delighted to see you in our audience today. Avagene Moore: Today's topic is "Disaster Management Interoperability Services at the Laurel, Maryland Showcase." We are pleased to be able to update you once again on the progress and enhanced features of DMI-Services. Avagene Moore: For the benefit of any first-timers, we will go over the order of business. We will begin today's session with a formal presentation followed by an opportunity for your questions. Avagene Moore: During the presentation, several slides will be used. When you see a blue URL such as http://www.dmi-services.org, you can click on it and the slide will open in a new browser window. We will pause to give you time to load and view when we input them as part of the formal discussion. Avagene Moore: We will also link the slides to the transcript that will be available after the session, so if you have any trouble with them, you will be able to view later. They will also be linked directly from today's background page. Avagene Moore: Once you are done viewing, you will need to bring your chat window back to the top. Subsequent slides may not bring your browser window to the top automatically, so you may need to find it and bring it forward. Avagene Moore: We will provide further instructions on the protocol for asking questions or commenting just before we begin the Q&A section. However, it is wise to jot down your questions or comments as we go along. Avagene Moore: Please do not send private messages to our speakers or the moderator, as we will be busy with the presentation. If you need assistance, you may send a private message to Amy Sebring. Avagene Moore: The transcript of today's session will be available late this afternoon -- just check back on our home page.The transcript of today's session will be available late this afternoon -- just check back on our home page.] Avagene Moore: Before introducing our guests, I ask you to please view the title slide for today's session. Please see http://www.emforum.org/vforum/laurel/slide01.htm Avagene Moore: Now, it is my pleasure to introduce our speakers in the order of their part of our program today. Avagene Moore: No stranger to the EIIP Virtual Forum, Dr. Scott Eyestone, Responder Liaison for the DMIS program, is here to bring us up-to-date on the latest demonstration of DMIS functionality, enabling diverse automated systems to share information. Avagene Moore: We are also pleased to introduce Martin A. Flemion, Director of Emergency Operations for the City of Laurel, MD. Martin is responsible for coordinating all components of the Emergency Management System for the City. Avagene Moore: With Martin for our session is Maryanne Anthony, Director of Information Technology & Community Services. Avagene Moore: Welcome to you each of you! Scott will start our formal discussion today. When he has finished his remarks, he will call upon Martin. We will hear from the Laurel folks in turn. Avagene Moore: Scott, I now turn the floor over to you to start us off, please. Scott Eyestone: Thank you, Avagene, and thank you all for joining us today. We would like to tell you about our recent experiences in Maryland and the City of Laurel. Scott Eyestone: Slide 1 please Scott Eyestone: For any who are not yet familiar with DMIS, we ask you to visit www.dmi-services.org after today's forum. Scott Eyestone: DMIS is part of the Federal e-Gov Disaster Management initiative. DMIS is providing basic automated tools for responders and enabling diverse automated systems to share information. Amy, slide 2, please. Amy Sebring: http://www.emforum.org/vforum/laurel/slide02.htm Scott Eyestone: While assisting the National Emergency Training Center with infusion of DMIS in its curricula, we have been struck with the consistency of "top problem areas" reported by executive level responders. Scott Eyestone: For the past several years, every work table in every executive NETC class reported the same top three problem areas - common operating picture, incident documentation, and media relations. Scott Eyestone: The Laurel Showcase, kicked-off with a train derailment HAZMAT exercise, was another event that underscored the value of DMIS in easing the challenges of these problem areas. Scott Eyestone: Let me bounce this to Marty Flemion, Emergency Manager for Laurel, to tell you about the event. Please see the next slide; Amy, Slide 3. Amy Sebring: http://www.emforum.org/vforum/laurel/slide03.htm Marty Flemion: Thanks Scott; and thank you for DHS/FEMA's help for us local responders. When we attended a demonstration of Disaster Management e-Gov capabilities in Annapolis last spring, we did not Marty Flemion: expect to become the initial centerpiece for adoption of DMIS for a responder network throughout Maryland. Marty Flemion: Interest by the Governor and the Maryland Department of Homeland Security in a state-wide responder Marty Flemion: network, coupled with the mid-summer opening of our new Emergency Operations Center, provided us the opportunity to "lead the pack." Marty Flemion: Enthusiastic interest by Government leaders, the media, and Maryland responders caused our original invitation list to grow beyond our expectations. Marty Flemion: On the day of the event, we found ourselves hosting the Governor, Mr. Mark Forman from the Federal Office of Management and Budget, leaders from many levels of government, the news media, and Marty Flemion: over 100 responders from throughout the state. Amy, Slide 4, please. Amy Sebring: http://www.emforum.org/vforum/laurel/slide04.htm Marty Flemion: As an Emergency Manager, and speaking for our Fire and Police Chiefs, we certainly Marty Flemion: understand the "top three" problem areas you mentioned. We lived them. Marty Flemion: As our skills with DMIS evolve, we think those problems will be eased. First, Marty Flemion: the DMIS ability to quickly share the operating picture makes coordination much easier. All responders are visually "on the same page." Marty Flemion: Each response discipline marked up layers over the map and aerial image as their information was available. Marty Flemion: We were amazed with the speed by which the total operational picture emerged. Marty Flemion: In Laurel, we intend to put the resources in place to enable the ICP and EOC to share a common Marty Flemion: operating picture via DMIS. Slide 5, please, Amy. Amy Sebring: http://www.emforum.org/vforum/laurel/slide05.htm Marty Flemion: DMIS also provides us with a big boost in incident documentation. In the past, Marty Flemion: we wrote logs on paper and status notes on white boards. We often depended on memory after the incident to accomplish incident documentation. Marty Flemion: With DMIS we will be effectively capturing the incident documentation "as we go." Marty Flemion: With the push of a button we will generate the reports we need. Amy, Slide 6, please. Amy Sebring: http://www.emforum.org/vforum/laurel/slide06.htm Marty Flemion: In fact, this quote reflects my view and near-term game plan. Marty Flemion: The Laurel Fire Department came up with a great way to utilize the software everyday. Marty Flemion: Right now the FD has a white board listing all construction/road closures/etc., in Marty Flemion: the City. This helps them as they are responding to calls, and navigating through the City. Marty Flemion: We plan to put the software at the FD and Rescue Squad buildings. As our Police Department or Department of Public Works enters road closures, etc., Marty Flemion: all city responders can see it as soon as the update occurs. Marty Flemion: This will, 1) allow up-to-the-minute information in the event there is an emergency, Marty Flemion: and 2) allow responders to use the software daily. Marty Flemion: Daily use is key to keeping our training up to speed so we will be proficient during the next emergency. Marty Flemion: For a wrap-up, here's our Director of Information Technology, Maryanne Anthony. Marty Flemion: Maryanne will talk about the impact of DMIS on media relations as well as her perspective as our head IT person. Please show Slide 7, Amy. Amy Sebring: http://www.emforum.org/vforum/laurel/slide07.htm Maryanne Anthony: Thanks, Marty. First of all, one of our goals during the exercise was to show members of the media how DMIS maps and reports would be rapidly provided to them as the situation unfolded. Maryanne Anthony: We stressed our interest in working with the media as a partner in public safety. We believe DMIS will allow us to provide TIMELY and ACCURATE information to the media mitigating miscommunications. Maryanne Anthony: Members of the media agree. We both feel good about what that can do for public safety. Amy, please show slide 8. Amy Sebring: http://www.emforum.org/vforum/laurel/slide08.htm Maryanne Anthony: Secondly, from my IT perspective, I'm comfortable with the DMIS "roll out" in Laurel. We had no technical issues, and we were able to get up to speed with the administrative aspects of DMIS. Maryanne Anthony: As the project lead for the Laurel Showcase and DMIS installation, I'm most enthusiastic about the outcomes as reflected by the quotes on this slide. Maryanne Anthony: We are pleased to lead the way for our state; we appreciate the help of the Federal government; and we truly believe that this effort has helped up be better prepared. Maryanne Anthony: That concludes our formal remarks. We are available for questions. We not turn the floor back to our moderator. Avagene Moore: Thank you very much, Scott, Marty, and Maryanne. I trust our audience has questions related to the Laurel exercise and the use of DMI- Services. Avagene Moore: Our protocol for audience questions is to enter a question mark ? to indicate you wish to ask a question or make a comment. Avagene Moore: Then go ahead and compose your question or comment to have it ready, but do NOT hit your Enter key or click on the Send button until you are recognized by name. Please WAIT your turn. Paula Gordon: Another asset exists that could be used to advance the government's Avagene Moore: We will take questions in the order the question marks are sent to the screen. One question at at time please. If you have a follow up, please get back in line with another ? - courtesy is the order of the day. Avagene Moore: Please try to direct your question to our speakers by name. We are ready to begin now. Avagene Moore: Please input your ? now. Paula Gordon: ? Avagene Moore: Paula, please compose your question and input to the screen. chip hines: ? Paula Gordon: I wonder how DMIS might compare with the system that was used for the Y2K ICC. Avagene Moore: The first question takes a little time to compose. Avagene Moore: To whom is this question directed? Scott? Paula Gordon: That system used oracle software and was called the Information Collection and Reporting System. Paula Gordon: Yes, Scott. Mike Krumlauf: ? Scott Eyestone: I wasn't involved with that effort. Perhaps Chip Hines at DHS had experience with that system? Avagene Moore: Chip, can you comment? Paula Gordon: Do you think that DMIS and ICRS might be integrated? Scott Eyestone: ICRS? chip hines: No, I am sorry I wasnt involved with the Y2K software either. Avagene Moore: Sorry, Paula. We can't give you an answer. Chip, you have a question? chip hines: Marty: How beneficial was the ability for you to share information with outside organizations? Paula Gordon: The software is available and I would be please to provide additional information of arrange a briefing. ICRS stands for Information Collection and Reporting System. It was used and "piloted" at the Y2K Information Coordination Center. Avagene Moore: Thanks, Paula. Marty Flemion: Extremly benificial. Being able to send information directly to assisting organizations reduced the reaction time significantly. With everybody... Marty Flemion: on board through DMIS managers are in a position to anticipate the needs of others. Avagene Moore: Mike, your question, please. Mike Krumlauf: I got a late start to sorry if this has been covered -- We are looking at software for New EOC scheduled to open by years end. Also I participated in the DOJ Criticial Information Management Software (CIMS) testbed in DC about two years ago and don't recall DMIS there either. How can we get more info? Avagene Moore: Scott, you want to take this one please. Scott Eyestone: Please see www.dmi-services.org and / or contact me. Avagene Moore: Might add ... Mike Krumlauf: Thank You Scott Eyestone: CIMS was excellent work, BTW ed kostiuk: ? Avagene Moore: that DMIS wasn't part of the study you mentioned. Those were commercial products I believe. Avagene Moore: Ed, your question. ed kostiuk: Did anyone conduct a survey from the first responders on how well the system performed in the field? Scott Eyestone: Right. DMIS is GOTS, not COTS Scott Eyestone: There wasn't a survey, but extensive Beta testing. chip hines: ? Avagene Moore: Chip, please. Amy Sebring: ? Dan Horon: ? Avagene Moore: (Input your ? if you have a question or a comment, please. And at any point.) chip hines: Scott: How quickly (and easily) can you share information with a new outside user, say a State level or neighboring jurisdiction? Isabel McCurdy: ? Scott Eyestone: New users can be defined and added to an operating group . . . Scott Eyestone: "on the fly." It takes about 4 minutes to add a new user at a remote location. Avagene Moore: Amy, your turn, please. Amy Sebring: Marty, I am particularly interested in the subject of virtual exercising. Did you find this way of exercising beneficial? In terms of cost/benefit, participant enthusiasm, etc? Marty Flemion: Yes. Very Beneficial! Virtual exercises can be done more frequently with very little costs involved. Desktop... Dan Brunner: ? Marty Flemion: drills become eaiser to setup and do not involve participation at all levels of the command structure... chip hines: ? Marty Flemion: drills can be held at any level of the command and at anytime there is "spare time" between individuals in first responding organizations. Avagene Moore: Do you have a comment about participant enthusiasm as Amy asked? Avagene Moore: Were folks enthused about this? Paula Gordon: ? Marty Flemion: All of the agencies involved with our roll out were somewhat reluctant at first however, once they went through dry runs they became very excited about the software and its ... Marty Flemion: ability to coordinate an event. Amy Sebring: ? Avagene Moore: Thanks, Marty. Moving on. Dan Horon, please. Dan Horon: Scott: Is there an interest in displaying floor plans of buildings as well as maps, then being able to "zoom-in" on specific sensors in alarm? That's been my specialty for over fifteen years. Scott Eyestone: Absolutely . . . Scott Eyestone: We're building a capability called "Target Folder" that does just that. Avagene Moore: Isabel, your turn, please. Isabel McCurdy: What training was provided to bring everyone to the 'same page'? Avagene Moore: Who wants to take this one? Maryanne Anthony: We had several sessions with the responders and staff to raise their comfort level with the product... Scott Eyestone: Maryanne David Crews: ? Maryanne Anthony: at first, as Marty said, they were apprehensive, but the software is so intuitive and user friendly, we found that very quickly EVERYONE wanted to be trained on it! Avagene Moore: Dan Brunner, you are next, sir. Dan Brunner: Scott, what application do you envision for DMIS for large urban hospital systems with dozens of hospitals? Scott Eyestone: Good one! Scott Eyestone: I see the Medical form in DMIS being the "summary" of hospital status . . . Scott Eyestone: rolled up from systems like Maryland's FRED. Avagene Moore: FRED = what? please. Scott Eyestone: Sorry. FRED is . . . Scott Eyestone: Facility Resources Emergency Database Avagene Moore: Thanks, Scott. Chip, your question. chip hines: Marty: I'm interested in your plans for continuing the use of DMIS. Will it be used for day-to-day incidents or just for major emergencies? Avagene Moore: (Any questions? Input your ? at any time, please.) Paula Gordon: Scott, has the new READI Center for first responders been briefed as yet concerning DMIS? And what success are you having in getting the word out about DMIS? Marty Flemion: We have developed plans to coordinate day to day coordination with all of our first responder agancies... Marty Flemion: as an ezample we will have our public works notify all agencies of temporary road closures and detours as well as out of service fire hydrants... Marty Flemion: things of that nature have been telephoned to each agency in the past and each agency records the information on white boards... Marty Flemion: with DMIS they will have a graphic of the city showing icons for road closures, detours etc... Marty Flemion: This will eliminate any confusion with verbal descriptions being lost in the translation process. Avagene Moore: Scott, do you see Paula's question above your input? She accidentally hit send. She has 2 questions. Avagene Moore: Above Marty's input, sorry. Scott Eyestone: Yes. . . Scott Eyestone: READI Center has not yet been briefed . . . ed kostiuk: ? Scott Eyestone: so many responders, so little time . . . Scott Eyestone: we tend to be rolling DMIS out the same way we defined requirements . . . Scott Eyestone: and Beta tested. "From the bottom up." Avagene Moore: Amy, please. Amy Sebring: Marty, with the documentation generated by the software, did that assist you in an after-action evaluation and follow up? Marty Flemion: Yes... Paula Gordon: ? Marty Flemion: The software enabled the city to keep an accurate log of every action during the event... Marty Flemion: we are working with DMIS to enable the software to pull out information relating to disaster reimbursements for FEMA reporting requirements. Avagene Moore: David Crews, your turn, sir. David Crews: How many servers are linked to provide and ensure DMIS services, redundancy, security and survivability? What special firewall considerations are needed for DMIS? Scott Eyestone: Right now there is only one "server farm" . . . Scott Eyestone: more at undisclosed locations for the very reasons you cite . . . Scott Eyestone: will be standing up in the future. Amy Sebring: ? Avagene Moore: Any response to the firewall part of David's question, Scott? Scott Eyestone: Sorry. Scott Eyestone: Dmis has very strict access controls and intrusion detection in and of itself . . . Scott Eyestone: In some local LAN configurations, our virtual private network software . . . Scott Eyestone: has occasionally had a conflict, but we now know how to deal with them. Avagene Moore: Ed, your turn, please. ed kostiuk: I was just curious if there was an after action report we could review? Open ? to anyone Maryanne Anthony: certainly. Our public drill was very short, we would be more than happy to share it with you so you can see what we have, but it by no means.... Maryanne Anthony: includes everything available as far as reporting goes that available in the software Maryanne Anthony: we can share with you the media reporting as well Scott Eyestone: I also wrote one from the DMIS stand up perspective. That can also be shared. Avagene Moore: At the end, could you folks share email addresses? We will go ahead. Paula, you are next. Paula Gordon: Thanks for your responses, Scott. Is DMIS being considered in the National Response Plan draft? By the way that draft is available on request by e-mailing Barbara.L.Johnson@dhs.gov. If anyone would like information about ICRS used for the Y2K ICC, please e-mail me at pgordon@erols.com. Scott Eyestone: As HSPD-5 would imply . . Avagene Moore: (We have time for a couple more questions; input your ? now.) Scott Eyestone: DMIS is the logical interoperability backbone of NIMS . . . Scott Eyestone: capabable of achieving the technical and functional objectives now in the new NRP. Avagene Moore: Amy, your question now, please. Amy Sebring: Scott, do you want to mention some of the DMI functionality that will be available through DisasterHelp.gov in the future? What is the current status? Scott Eyestone: Sure. . . Scott Eyestone: DHelp as we call it can be imagined as . . . Scott Eyestone: the one stop shop for Expert Reference information . . . Scott Eyestone: in all phases of the preparedness life cycle. ed kostiuk: ? Avagene Moore: Anything else about the current status, Scott? Scott Eyestone: Yes . . . Scott Eyestone: We are about to enter a period where the emphasis . . . Scott Eyestone: will be more on maturing the level of interoperability maturity . .. Scott Eyestone: with external, existing and emerging systems . . . Scott Eyestone: and a less focus on more and better tools. Avagene Moore: Thanks, Scott. Our last question today will be from Ed. Please. ed kostiuk: Thanks Scott just answered it Avagene Moore: OK. That's all we have time for today. We greatly appreciate your efforts and time on our behalf today, Scott, Marty, and Maryanne. Thank you! Avagene Moore: Please stand by a moment while we make some quick announcements .... Avagene Moore: If you are not currently on our mailing list, and would like to get program announcements and notices of transcript availability, please see the Subscribe link on our home page. Avagene Moore: Also, if you are interested in keeping up with DMI-Services, please see http://www.dmi-services.com - you can subscribe to their mail list from the DMI-Services homepage. ... Avagene Moore: Or go directly to http://www.emforum.org/cmis/subscribe.asp to subsribe for updates and the "Interoperations Newsletter." Avagene Moore: Again, the transcript will be posted later this afternoon and you will be able to access it from our home page. Avagene Moore: If your organization is interested in becoming an EIIP Partner, please see the Partnership link on our home page. Avagene Moore: Thanks to everyone for participating today. We appreciate you, the audience! Avagene Moore: Our session is adjourned but before you go, please help me show our appreciation to our speakers for a fine job. Maryanne Anthony: manthony@laurel.md.us Scott Eyestone: eyestons@battelle.org Marty Flemion: mflemion@laurel.md.us