September 11 – Remembrance & Recovery | Domestic Preparedness Photo: ©iStock.com/demerzel21
Resilience

September 11 – Remembrance & Recovery

by Anthony S. Mangeri -

It is difficult to imagine that the attacks of 9/11 occurred 20 years ago. Emergency managers build systems to mitigate the potental impacts of disasters on communities. An emergency manager’s job is to plan for the worst and prepare communities for that one moment when it is time to lead. The memory of walking into the New Jersey Emergency Operation Center on September 11, 2001 and seeing the devastation as it unfolded is vivid in my mind. Patriot Day is a day that conjures memories of the lives lost as well as the nation’s subsequent recovery from that devastating event.

 
Commentary

Lest We Forget

by Martin Masiuk -

Lest We Forget! A reflection and observation on the anniversary of 9/11 from the publisher.

Preparedness

Security Lessons Learned – Part 2, Las Vegas Shootings

by Daniel Rector -

Many of the previous stories and after-action reviews conducted for the 2017 Las Vegas shootings have focused on organizers’ and public safety officials’ responses in the aftermath of the attack. In contrast, this article focuses on the events’ security strengths and weaknesses and then offers recommendations for other event planners and public safety officials to improve their plans for future events.

Preparedness

Security Lessons Learned – Part 1, Boston Marathon Bombings

by Daniel Rector -

Acts of terrorism continue to affect communities worldwide. As the public tries to retain a semblance of everyday life by attending outdoor events, emergency planners must adapt to new intelligence and learn from past attacks. A review of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings identifies the event security plans’ strengths and shortcomings. Other event planners and public safety officials can use this review and recommendations to plan for large public gatherings within their jurisdictions.

Preparedness

COVID-19: Impact on Financial Fraud

by Michael Breslin -

The past 16 months have been challenging. COVID-19 left a trail of destruction and a tremendous loss of life. It has had an impact on almost every aspect of daily life. The economy, supply chains, social norms, schools, and places of worship were all affected. The pandemic also led to increased risk of financial fraud and cybercrime. The nation seems to be turning the corner on the pandemic, and people are gradually setting their sights on returning to a new normal way of life.

Commentary

Different Sides of Disaster Support

by Catherine L. Feinman -

Disaster support often conjures the image of boots-on-the-ground responders providing aid to survivors on scene. However, disaster support involves so much more that is accomplished at each phase of the disaster management cycle. These efforts include creating codes and standards, building a workforce, providing financial aid, and offering psychological support.

Updates

S&T Wildfire Sensor Initiative Heats Up

At the California field event back in June, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) successfully tested four prototype technologies for early detection of wildfires, closing out Phase 1 of the Smart Cities Internet of Things Innovation (SCITI) Labs wildland fire sensor effort. SCITI Labs brings together government and private sector partners to identify technologies that meet first responders’ operational needs and ensure the nation’s critical infrastructure remains secure and resilient.

DHS S&T Calls for Technologies for 2022 First Responder Electronic Jamming Exercise (JAMX 22)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) today released a Request for Information (RFI) for participation in the 2022 First Responder Electronic Jamming Exercise (JamX 22) at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, April 25-29, 2022.

Quickly Detecting Cyanide Poisoning After Fires Can Save Lives

In the chaos of burning buildings, it is not just the flames that are dangerous and potentially lethal, but also toxic fumes like cyanide that are released when certain materials are incinerated. These fumes, mixed with smoke, are so toxic that even in very low quantities may pose more risk than the fire itself. Science and Technology Directorate's Chemical Security Analysis Center chemists have invented a test to indicate possible toxic cyanide exposure at the fire scene.

Using Technology to Solve Urban Response Challenges

The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) serves first responders and emergency managers throughout metropolitan areas in the country, helping to solve the complex challenges faced by urban responders. The lab evaluates technologies and provides tools and guidance for all state and local first responders to safeguard their communities.

Taking Guess Work Out of Vaccine Development

Immune response to vaccines is unpredictable, transient, and ineffective, largely due to a lack of understanding of the complex mechanisms of action underlying immune memory. The Assessing Immune Memory (AIM) program seeks to develop a platform capability to predict immune memory informed by a systems-level view of the host response to vaccination and its mechanisms.