Commentary Archives

New Year’s Resolution – Stronger Communities

Catherine L. Feinman January 31, 2024

For many, the first month of each year spurs a renewed energy for change and setting higher goals. This January, what New Year’s resolution would make your community stronger and more resilient?

Publisher’s Message: 25 Years of Domestic Preparedness

Domestic Preparedness November 13, 2023

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary, we honor the founding publisher, Marty Masiuk, and all the dedicated writers, advisors, and subscribers who contributed to and supported the publication over the years. Preparing for whatever the future holds requires remembering the past, setting new goals for the future, and evolving to

Technology: Can’t Live With It, Can’t Live Without It.

Catherine L. Feinman October 25, 2023

The October edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal takes a deeper dive into some of these considerations within national preparedness, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

Always Prepare for the Future, But Never Forget the Past

Catherine Feinman September 27, 2023

This September edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal addresses these and other key preparedness efforts that should be considered when planning for future incidents. Reflecting on the events of 9/11, consider the personal costs that emergency responders pay for serving their communities and develop mitigation strategies to reduce those costs.

Three Puzzle Pieces That Increase Community Preparedness

Paul Gunnels September 13, 2023

This author reflects on his team’s direct mission to New York in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, commonly referred to as 9/11, to consider if communities are more prepared today than they were in 2001.

Close to Home

Catherine L. Feinman August 30, 2023

This August 2023 issue of the Domestic Preparedness Journal focuses on several ways disasters can suddenly hit close to home and suggestions for mitigating potentially devastating consequences.

Recruitment and Retention Panel Discussion

Aaron Alvarez, Nathan DiPillo, Anthony S. Mangeri, Elizabeth Saunders and Michael Valiente August 9, 2023

On August 3, 2023, Domestic Preparedness hosted a panel of five emergency management professionals who discussed today’s recruitment and retention challenges.

Maintaining Planning Strategies for Evolving Threats

Catherine L. Feinman July 25, 2023

Research and evaluation help emergency preparedness professionals stay current on emerging threats, new technologies, and resource and training gaps. The authors in this July edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share important research and lessons learned to assist in the planning process for any organization.

Getting Ready for the Next Emergency

Catherine L. Feinman June 27, 2023

During an emergency, it is common for communities – comprising private citizens to large agencies – to come to the aid of others. It is imperative to be prepared now because emergencies will not wait for us to get ready.

You’re the Leader. Now What?

Catherine L. Feinman June 14, 2023

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that, as of May 8, the United States had experienced seven confirmed $1-billion weather/climate-related disasters in 2023. Three more storms that occurred in April may soon be added to that list. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 35 major

Making Planning Documents More Than Words on Paper

Andrew (Andy) Altizer May 17, 2023

President Harry S. Truman once said, “I believe in plans big enough to meet a situation which we can’t possibly foresee now.” However, terms like big and comprehensive do not always equate to size. Something that is laborious and unread adds no value for those tasked with managing emergencies and disasters. However,

Planning for Future Events Requires Updated Plans

Catherine L. Feinman April 26, 2023

Threats, hazards, and risks change over time as numerous variables change. This means preparedness professionals must be forward-thinking when planning for emergencies and disasters. Past events can teach valuable lessons for the future, and sometimes those lessons include adapting old plans to meet new or emerging challenges. The authors in

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