The U.S. Department of Homeland Security created the Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience Toolkit for owners and operators of critical infrastructure at the local and regional levels to enhance their ability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from the full range of 21st-century hazards and threats. The toolkit is designed to help critical infrastructure owners and operators incorporate key concepts of the US National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) into their day-to-day activities. The toolkit includes: • A brief video that highlights the role of local and regional communities and the private sector in national infrastructure protection efforts. • An exercise planning resource that provides simple tools to help owners and operators plan a discussion-based “table top” exercise to evaluate infrastructure protection and resilience. • Frequently asked questions about the role of owners and operators in critical infrastructure protection and resilience. • Links to additional online reference materials and training resources related to infrastructure protection and resilience. • Information on critical infrastructure protection partnerships and information sharing.

Why the good practice was developed

The vast majority of the United States’ infrastructure is owned and operated by the private sector. As such, national infrastructure protection efforts start with the commitment, support, and engagement of the private sector and the establishment of a solid partnership between the public and the private sector. A toolkit designed for critical infrastructure owners and operators will contribute to disseminate principles set forth by the National Infrastructure Protection Plan, and to facilitate its implementation.

Objectives

• Contribute to the implementation of the National Infrastructure Protection Plan;

• Support the efforts of critical infrastructure owners and operators to manage risks and achieve security and resilience;

• Provide information and resources on infrastructure protection and resilience.