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COMMENTARY ARCHIVES

Needed From DHS: An Institutional Commitment to Change

The cities and states seeking grant funds from DHS will be facing an uphill climb for the foreseeable future. DHS itself could help considerably, though, by clarifying the rules, eliminating inconsistencies, dropping all pork-barrel considerations, and – most important of all – inviting U.S. states and cities to become full

Responder Funding: FEMA & Other Federal Preparedness Grants

Total preparedness is perhaps impossible in the Age of Terrorism – and, it seems, of a major increase in the number and scope of natural disasters. But at least partial preparedness is not only feasible but politically and operationally mandatory as well. As always, preparedness starts with planning – and

Before Disaster Strikes: Five Preparedness Measures Every Community Should Know

This common-sense Viewpoint analysis takes a close look at how most U.S. communities prepare, both economically and operationally, for sudden disasters. Five quick answers: 1. Many, perhaps most, do not. 2. Those that do, do not do it very well. 3. Outside help is usually needed. 4. Ahead of time.

FINAL REPORT: CBRN – BioSurveillance Programs

Experts are in agreement that an effective biosurveillance program is needed to protect the nation’s health, farm animals, agriculture and agricultural products of all types, and food supply. This report provides valuable information for responders, receivers, planners, and managers – and the American people at large.

Play Ball: Game Time for Emergency Preparedness

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. –Yogi Berra (former American Major League Baseball catcher, outfielder, and manager)Spring has sprung, which has a very important connotation – the Major League Baseball (MLB) season is already well underway. Every year, baseball fans across the United

Anatomy of a Bioterrorist Attack

Many homeland-security professionals have warned that a bioterrorist attack not only could be more devastating, and longer-lasting, than a nuclear attack, but is also more probable. Moreover, the biowarfare capabilities of international terrorists have increased significantly in recent years. But so have U.S. detection and response capabilities and equipment. In

FINAL REPORT: Special Event Planning

Compelling information for responders, receivers, planners, and managers. This report focuses on the importance of training and preparing for a large-scale disaster during a special event. Audio links included.

Lessons Learned: Biosecurity and Food Safety

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (an agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services), the food and agriculture sector of the nation’s economy continues to be an attractive terrorist target – primarily because of its potential for an attack

National Level Exercise Roundtable

In the early 1800s, the New Madrid Seismic Zone, centered in the southeast corner of Missouri, was the site of the largest earthquake in U.S. history. The question is not if another quake will occur in that area, but when will it happen. Listen to Kay Goss’s roundtable discussion on

Finding Comfort Around the World

The Navy Hospital Ship USNS Comfort was pushed into the spotlight last year during its 60-day disaster-relief mission in Haiti following the massive 7.0 earthquake that struck that tortured island on 12 January 2010. Formerly the SS Rose City, an oil tanker, the Comfort has actually been carrying out a broad range of disaster-relief, humanitarian-assistance,

U.S. National Security: Does the Industrial Base Still Matter

Well, there is really only one buyer – the U.S. government. And the executive and legislative branches of that government are under extreme pressure to “cut the budget” as much and as quickly as possible. The only problem is that this year’s easy choices may never be available again. But

The Three Ts of Terrorism – Finding the Facts in the News

The Target hit, the Tactics used, and the Technology involved – all provide a wealth of information that can be used by everyday citizens to find out the “real facts” behind a terrorist incident and/or other mass-casualty event. Also not to be ignored is the telling clue, noticed only by

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