Joint Public Safety SIG & EMP Meeting
Date and time
Location
Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management TRANSTAR
6922 Katy Road Houston, TX 77584Description
Joint Public Safety SIG & EMP Meeting
** SPACE IS LIMITED **
Date & Time: Thursday, June 16, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Venue: Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Address: 6922 Katy Road, Houston, TX 77024
Topic: Securing the Texas Grid
Speaker: Ron Jacobus, TX Senator Bob Hall’s Office
For over a decade, experts have warned that the U.S. electric grid is vulnerable to physical, cyber and electromagnetic (EMP) threats. However, unlike physical and cyber, the threat from an EMP to the nation’s electric grid has all but been ignored by government and the electric industry. At present, more than eleven comprehensive studies have detailed the seriousness of the EMP threat. Several well-esteemed scientists have detailed both the seriousness of the EMP threat and the relatively low cost to secure our electric grid infrastructure from it. During this period of increased solar storm activity and a growing unpredictability between geopolitical rivals, the U.S. electric power grid's vulnerability to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack and geomagnetic solar storms is a clear and present danger to both the State of Texas and the greater physical, economic, and societal fabric of the United States. However, unlike the other 48 continental states, Texas has the ability to secure its portion of the electric grid from the threat of EMP. That is why Mr. Jacobus decided to host a solutions-based summit aimed at developing a framework from which we can protect the Texas Grid.
In the meantime, while the legislative process continues and the gap between legislation and implementation remains, it is imperative that the State's emergency management planers are prepared to address the unique challenges that first responders would encounter following an EMP event.
Organized by
The mission of the Houston InfraGard Members Alliance is to foster collaboration and information sharing that enhances our collective ability to address threats to the United States' critical infrastructure through a robust private sector/government partnership.
Members have access to online resources and secure messaging in the IG Network to assist in protecting critical infrastructure.
To find out more about InfraGard or to apply online, go to https://www.infragard.org/.