COMMENTARY ARCHIVES
Whole Community – A Five-Year Look Back
Catherine L. Feinman
January 27, 2016
Over the past five years, the term “Whole Community” has become a common catch phrase. However, the question is, “How well is this concept being implemented?” On 16 November 2015, DomPrep hosted a roundtable discussion with subject matter experts to answer this question and share key takeaways and suggestions for
Building a Usable Whole Community Toolbox
Robert deLeon
January 20, 2016
Having a toolbox with the right tools and instructions on how to use these tools would better equip new emergency managers who may be faced with high levels of operation in short time periods. Community stakeholders and local emergency managers should work together to stock the emergency management toolbox for
See Something . . . Do Something
Martin D. Masiuk
December 16, 2015
When passengers joined forces to thwart the ultimate objectives of their planeās hijackers on 9/11, little did they know they would be inspiring change among every member of society. In light of growing terrorist threats, individuals are now being implored by authorities to remember that, when running and hiding are
Beyond Paris – A Growing Terrorist Threat
Richard Schoeberl
November 18, 2015
Paris is the most recent reminder of the barbaric acts of brutality and terrorism committed by the Islamic State. Although this extremist terror organization has committed despicable acts – such as crucifixions, beheadings, live burnings, and bombings – the threat of its brutality is expanding beyond Europe, with even deadlier
How the Nation Is Failing in Public Health Preparedness
Patrick P. Rose
November 17, 2015
As public health funding and staffing continue to decline, communities are left more vulnerable to the next catastrophic public health emergency. The United States is failing in its public health preparedness efforts. The nation’s resilience depends on the government and public health making critical changes to reverse this downward trend.
Technology vs. Good Planning & Training
Steven P. Bucci
October 28, 2015
There is no single solution to cybersecurity concerns. Technology is advancing, but nothing can replace solid planning and training. All three pillars are necessary to balance cyberthreats. If too much emphasis is placed on one pillar, the vulnerability gap will expand. Ensuring the constant growth and evolution of this trilogy
In Honor of National Preparedness Month
Domestic Preparedness
September 30, 2015
As National Preparedness Month comes to a close, DomPrep would like to remind its readers that preparedness is a year-round process that involves practitioners at all levels. One good example of this type of outreach comes from Baltimore City’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Leana Wen, who hosts a live weekly call-in
Political Realities of Legislation for Extreme Events
Andrea Boland
September 16, 2015
The single extreme solar storm (GMD/geomagnetic disturbance) or electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack (manmade weapon) ā together often known as natural and manmade EMP, or simply EMP ā could cause a blackout lasting months or years. Even for government officials who have the authority to do something about it, legislation may
A Case for Political Leadership in Disaster Response & Recovery
Jason McNamara
September 2, 2015
Among some professional emergency managers and media outlets, the role of senior elected officials in incident response and recovery efforts is, at best, perceived as unhelpful. However, political engagement is necessary for effective disaster response and recovery, and continuous, meaningful involvement of elected officials is an essential element of the
No Defensive Strategy to Address a Growing Terrorist Threat
Richard Schoeberl
July 22, 2015
As the Islamic State group increases its threats around the world, the United States is grossly unprepared to track radicalized members and sympathizers, or to even know how many there are in the United States and abroad. At this point, an international coalition effort is the best hope for thwarting
Operation Twister – Exercising Disaster Behavioral Response
Craig DeAtley
July 8, 2015
Functional exercises are invaluable for helping participants understand their roles in disasters. This is particularly true for participants who normally are not included in interagency exercises, such as behavioral health personnel. Triaging following a disaster should not stop at the physical level, but should consider psychological concerns as well.Every disaster
Leadership: Building Better Response Efforts in the Future
Mark A. Desimone Sr.
June 17, 2015
When fate throws a āsucker punch,ā one will do whatever it is habit to do, for all are creatures of habit. During the recent civil unrest in Baltimore, good leaders rose to the task to restore order to the city. However, these leaders are not always the ones in the
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