Why SCN?

SCN (Secure Community Network) is part of the Jewish community’s response to heightened security concerns in the United States. Through SCN, the organized Jewish community is coordinating and addressing critical safety and security needs in addition to establishing national standards for improving security at the local level.

For SCN membership, your organization should be affiliated with the Conference of Presidents. Click here to learn more about SCN, or register to become a SCN member now.

Update

SCN Notification:  Israel Warns of Possible Hezbollah Attacks in West Africa

Numerous media sources are reporting today that Israeli intelligence sources are warning of potential Hezbollah strikes against Israelis in West Africa. Haaretz is reporting that Hezbollah is believed to be planning an attack to avenge the killing of its military commander Imad Mughniyeh in February. Although Israeli officials have not issued a travel advisory for the region, Counter Terrorism Bureau officials reportedly traveled to Africa to relay warnings of Hezbollah’s intent to attack Israeli citizens in West Africa.

Recognizing that many of the Jewish community’s executives, leaders, and staff members frequently travel abroad, SCN is sharing this threat information for your review and sharing with your community groups, agencies and other institutions. For more information on travel safety and security, please visit the travel security section of the SCN website at www.scnus.org

On behalf of FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security's Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is providing the following information for homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes, as well as non-profit orgaizations in the Midwest region affected by the recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding to apply for federal assistance.  The toll-free number is open 24 hours, and online registration is also available.

To apply by phone call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362)

(TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired) Or apply at www.fema.gov.

IMPORTANT:  Please have the following information available when you call:

• A phone number and a reliable alternate in case we need to call you back     
• Address of the damaged property
• Brief description of damages         
• Social Security number       
• Insurance information (if you have insurance)
• Current mailing address
• *Bank Account Information (if you are eligible for disaster assistance, you may choose to have the assistance check deposited directly into your bank account)

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other assistance may come in the form of loans.

For information on the process, or to register online, visit http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm

Table Top Exercises:   Testing Your Emergency Plans

Many agencies, institutions and organizations have invested heavily in security planning, all-hazards preparedness, and business continuity planning.  However, such plans are not complete until they are tested. Expert consensus indicates that the best way to prepare for the worst is by simulating and practicing what the plans call for - which is why the use of table top exercises is on the rise.  A table top exercise is a facilitated activity that places participants in a simulated situation requiring them to function in the capacity required for responding to a real-world event. Table top exercises are scenario-based simulations and provide a non-threatening way to work through and discuss all of the considerations of managing an incident. Tabletops raise the level of awareness as to the actual state of preparedness without the cost and disruption of a full scale live exercise while empowering all participants to become informed, active contributors to the safety, security, and resiliency of their organization.  To access more information on table top exercises, view the attached presentation or download the informational article. 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in cooperation with departments and agencies across the Federal Government, released new guidance on community planning strategies that state and local community decision-makers, as well as individuals, need to consider based on the severity of an influenza pandemic. These strategies are important because the best protection against pandemic influenza -- a vaccine -- is not likely to be available at the outset of a pandemic. Planning now for a severe pandemic will help assure that your organization is prepared to implement these community recommendations. The “Pandemic Influenza Community Mitigation Interim Planning Guide for Faith-Based and Community Organizations”, has been developed specifically to assist Faith-Based and Community Organizations with pre-pandemic planning and can be accessed by clicking here. The complete guidelines can be accessed by clicking here.  Additional resources designed by the US Department of Health and Human Services can be accessed here that will provide information about pandemic flu, ready-to-use and ready-to-tailor resources prepared by HHS and CDC, as well as ideas and materials to encourage your organization and leaders to prepare and get involved.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. To find out more about CERT training in your area, please go to the State Directory page of the CERT website.

For crisis or emergency situations please call your local law enforcement. To reach SCN after normal business hours or to report an incident please call:

1-877-266-3337

Please direct all other inquiries via email to Scandesk@scnus.org or call 212-284-6940

Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks