Commentary Archives

Part III – Collaborative Efforts for Citywide Preparedness

Catherine L. Feinman October 15, 2014

Part 3 of 5: In any large city, there are many agencies and organizations that must learn to work together for the benefit of the city as a whole. In Baltimore, these groups come together through local emergency planning committee meetings, trainings, exercises, special events, and other interagency preparedness efforts.

Part II – Addressing Community Needs & Vulnerable Populations

Catherine L. Feinman October 8, 2014

Part 2 of 5: Planning and response efforts for any city emergency management agency can be challenging, especially when working with diverse populations, neighborhoods living in poverty, and drug-infested communities. The Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management (MOEM) along with many partner agencies and organizations are going into vulnerable neighborhoods

Part I – ‘Charm City’s’ Team Baltimore

Catherine L. Feinman October 1, 2014

Part 1 of 5: This exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management (MOEM) highlights the multidiscipline planning efforts required for day-to-day operations as well as for natural and human-caused disasters. While wearing multiple “hats,” the men and women of MOEM cultivate valuable interagency relationships to prepare the

Preparedness 101 & Beyond

Catherine L. Feinman September 24, 2014

Critical Infrastructure – Preparing for the “Long Haul” by Joe D. ManousCritical Infrastructure – Addressing an Overarching Concept (Podcast) by Joe D. ManousCritical infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience are terms that are commonly used by emergency planners, responders, and receivers in various disciplines and jurisdictions. However, questions surround who needs to understand and

Critical Infrastructure – Addressing an Overarching Concept

Joe D. Manous Jr. September 24, 2014

Since 9/11, critical infrastructure has evolved from a basic awareness of security into robust discussions on how to sustain entire communities. Each natural and manmade disaster emphasizes the need for greater sustainability and resilience. In this podcast, subject matter experts discuss some of these lessons learned, as well as development

Critical Infrastructure – Preparing for the ‘Long Haul’

Joe D. Manous Jr. September 3, 2014

The terms critical infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience are common in the preparedness fields, but these concepts are not consistent across disciplines. To test novel ideas, develop program consistency, and establish a long-term effort, some issues must be addressed: separate fields vs. crosscutting concepts; entry-level vs. advanced topics; and “bodies of

The Broad Topic of Environmental Health & Security

Justin Snair August 27, 2014

The Ebola outbreak, droughts, and the Elk River chemical spill are just a few of the environmental health concerns that have occurred in 2014. With many societal and cultural changes, such broad topics can be difficult to effectively address, but this podcast brings together subject matter experts to do just

The Complexities of Environmental Health Security

Catherine L. Feinman August 27, 2014

A topic that often bridges various disciplines and jurisdictions – and sometimes is overlooked in the “big picture” – is security related to environmental health. To address questions surrounding this topic, DomPrep asked readers how they define environmental health and where it fits within the national and international security arena.

Call for a Dedicated Environmental Health & Security Strategy

Justin Snair and Christopher Mills August 5, 2014

The natural and built environments affect personal and population health, but the effects are often only visible over time. Countering the threat of harmful substances and organisms in food, water, air, and soil requires a multidiscipline approach. Determining where environmental health and security fits alongside public health strategy and homeland

Biothreat Preparedness – Less Talking, More Doing

Catherine L. Feinman July 30, 2014

An article, a flash poll, and a podcast each addressed the same question: Where does the nation stand on preparedness for biological threats? As the world watches to see how West Africa manages the latest Ebola outbreak, public health officials must continue to train, educate, staff, and fund their forces

Broadening the Public Health Security Agenda

Patrick P. Rose July 9, 2014

In 2001, almost 3,000 people died after the 9/11 attacks. In 2005, more than 1,800 people died because of Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent floods. Receiving less attention, in the United States alone, more than 3,000 people die of influenza each year. With other public health threats having already crossed

Protecting Special Events Amid Civil Unrest

Catherine L. Feinman June 25, 2014

An article, a flash poll, and a podcast each addressed the same question: Can a country that faces daily civil disturbances adequately secure a major special event? Many factors involved in training public and private security personnel make this question difficult to answer – temporary staff, types of training, and

TWITTER

Get Instant Access

Subscribe today to Domestic Preparedness and get real-world insights for safer communities.

Sign up for Updates!