JCRC Security and Emergency Planning

Revised February 14, 2010

Go to the JCRC Security Grants Information

Security Alert List

Updates and additional information will be sent to the JCRC security alert list. If you wish to receive security updates and alerts, add your name and information to this list. Check this page often for updates.

Recent Advisories and Alerts

NEW. FBI Cybersecurtiy alert on e-mail scams and social networking safety tips.
NEW. F lu updates
NYPD Briefing on U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Shooting, June 10, 2009
Listen to the Briefing on the Riverdale Bomb Plot with NYPD Comm. Ray Kelly and FBI Asst. Director Joseph Demarest, Jr.
JCRC Security Alert, May 21, 2009: Riverdale Bomb Plot
NYPD Briefing on Plot to Bomb Riverdale Synagogues
JCRC Security Advisory, Dec. 28, 2008: Events in Middle East mandate heightened vigilance
JCRC Security Alert Jan. 6, 2009: Enhanced vigilance necessary; potential for the disruption of religious services or events; rumors about alleged threat to NY

[Updated December 8, 2009]

FY2010 Grant update: Applications available soon, deadline around March 16th

DHS released its grant guidance to the states on Tuesday, December 8th. The New York State Office of Homeland Security (OHS) is interpreting the guidance, securing the necessary internal approvals and and completing its web-based tools. Barring unforseen delays, the New York State request for proposal (i.e., the application) should be ready and available at the beginning of January (perhaps earlier) and be due around March 16, 2010 (subject to change -- other states will have due dates as early as February 12th). We will learn the exact date when the New York application is posted.

JCRC tenatively scheduled a training workshop on January 4th (assuming that the application is ready). Meanwhile, check out the Security Grant Website for suggestions on how to start collecting information (e.g., your vulnerability assessment, DUNS number, etc.) even before the application is released.

Congressional heroes

This year the total allocation increased to $19 million, an increase of $4 million above the FY2009 level. Our own Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Representative Lowey each uniquely contributed to this year's success. Their efforts made a significant difference in a difficult 2010 budget year and we owe them all a debt of gratitude.

We are also grateful for the past and current leadership shown by Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Arlen Specter (R-PA), the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Robert Byrd (D-WV) and Ranking Republican George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio) and House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman David Price (D-NC) and Ranking Republican Harold Rogers (R-KY). The coalition, led by UJC/The Jewish Federations of North America (with JCRC and UJA-Federation playing active roles) and its Senior Director, Legislative Affairs, Rob Goldberg, is the lynchpin in this process and deserves our collective kudos. He is already at work on the FY2011 allocation.

Contracts to 2009 Awardees out, but what is EHP?

OHS sent individualized notices to all FY 09 UASI-NSGP regarding the need for additional information on environmental and historic preservation (EHP) impact. This is a federal requirement and OHS intends to be as helpful as possible. JCRC is learning more about this issue and will provide as much assistance as possible. Stay tuned.

We all owe a special debt of gratitude to those dedicated public servants who actually administer the grants and answer our questions, especially Shelley Wahrlich, Steve Tierney and Valerie Bloomer. This program could not be successful without their dedication, patience and expertise. Thanks to Governor David Paterson, NY Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Denise O'Donnell, NY Director of the Office of Homeland Security Thomas G. Donlon and the entire NY Office of Homeland Security staff for their continuing, tremendous support for the Nonprofit Homeland Security Grant Program.

JCRC is a member of the

Schedule a Ready New York training for your organization

More emergency planning and security resources

JCRC Training in Preparedness and Emergency Planning

Security Training for the Riverdale Community

In the aftermath of the NYPD/FBI operation foiling the Riverdale Bomb Plot the JCRC, in conjunction with the Riverdale JCRC and the Riverdale YM-YWHA conducted security and counterterrorism training for Riverdale synagogues and other local Jewish organizations. Experts from the NYPD, FBI and John Jay College of Criminal Justice presented recommendations and guidelines on upgrading a facility's security hardware and how to detect hostile surveillance. The goal of the training was to give the organizations the tools to develop a thorough culture of security. Additional and specific trainings are being scheduled.

EMERGENCY
PLANNING RESOURCES

Emergency Planning: Disaster and Crisis Response Systems for Jewish Organizations, published by United Jewish Communities, John Jay College of Criminal Justice and JCRC is available here.
Fire Safety. Fires and burns increase during the Sukkoth holidays. Check out these suggestions.
Power outages. It seems that power outages are occurring more often. Learn what you can do to protect your organization and constituent in Power Outages 101 for Jewish Organizations
School and classroom "go-kits." Are you thinking about what to include? Check out these suggestions and send us your ideas for additional items.
Pandemic flu. For the latest guidance from the CDC, HHS and NYC go to the pandemic flu webpage.
Coastal storms. Experts are predicting an active hurricane season which could a devastating impact on the metropolitan area should a hurricane strike in the area. To find out if you might be affected and what you should be doing click here.

SECURITY
INFORMATION

High Holiday Planning. The High Holidays are a special challenge for synagogues. Find out more information here in this updated chapter.
Sample Building Access Policies and Procedures. Learn here how to balance the goals of having your institution both welcoming and secure.
Suspicious Activity. Click here to learn more about Indications of Suspicious Activity from our partners at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Security alert list. To receive JCRC security alerts and other pertinent information click here.
Emergency Planning: Disaster and Crisis Planning for Jewish Organizations
ADL Security Page
Secure Community Network Page

Universal Torah Registry

To Learn How to Protect Your Torah

To Apply Now

Add your name to the
JCRC Security Alert list

© 2009 Jewish Community Relations Council of New York
These documents are not in the public domain. They are licensed for the exclusive informational use by nonprofits and are expressly not for commercial use by consultants or vendors. Licensees shall not modify, publish, transmit, transfer, sell, create derivative works from, display or in any way exploit any of the contents, in whole or in part, except as otherwise expressly permitted.

These publications is not intended to provide comprehensive, institution-specific advice on any aspect of security or emergency planning nor are they meant to replace the advice of a professional in the appropriate field (e.g., emergency planning, law, building safety). Some of the topics discussed in these publications are subject to federal, state/provincial and/or local codes and regulations. This publication does not provide a universal guide for regulatory compliance. The material is being provided for educational and informational purposes only, without representation, guarantee or warranty of any kind, and it should not be construed as professional advice. Neither the authors nor JCRC-NY are responsible for any injury, loss or damages to persons or property arising from the use or misuse of this information.

Comments, questions and suggestions are welcome. Send them to info@jcrcny.org.