COMMENTARY
Editor’s Note: Maximize Training, Minimize Risk
The disaster stage—from local events to worldwide catastrophes—is changing. Training and gaming are efficient ways to determine the key players, learn through trial and error, and create actionable tasks that can mitigate disasters in the real world. Tabletop exercises offer a low-cost, easy-to-implement option, whereas full-scale exercises provide more intensive training but with additional investment in time and resources. However, new technologies and innovative thinking are changing these traditional forms of training. For example,…
Most Recent
In Memoriam: Lynda Zambrano
Domestic Preparedness
February 26, 2025
Advisor Lynda Zambrano’s legacy is far-reaching, and the Domestic Preparedness community will miss her and her contributions deeply.
Advisory Board Spotlight: Interview with Sadie Martinez
Sadie Martinez
February 19, 2025
Sadie Martinez is on the advisory board for the Domestic Preparedness Journal. Sadie is the Colorado State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s Access and Functional Needs Coordinator. Sadie uses the Communication, Maintaining Health/Medical, Independence, Support Services and Safety, and Transportation (CMIST) resource framework, which provides a whole-community inclusion
Editor’s Note: Responding to Disasters in 2025 and Beyond
Catherine L. Feinman
January 29, 2025
The December 2024 edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal provides insight into the intersection of AI and emergency preparedness. With their exponentially increasing speed of development, existing, emerging, and not-yet-created technologies must all be part of the planning process in 2025 and beyond.
Advisory Board Spotlight: Interview with Major Rhonda Lawson
Major Rhonda Lawson
January 22, 2025
Rhonda Lawson is a major in the chief’s office of the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Division. She began her 27-year career with the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1997 as a trooper. In 2012, Lawson transferred to the Texas Division of Emergency Management as captain and deputy Operations Section
Commentary Archives
Publisher’s Note: Auld Lang Syne (A Chance to Recollect and Restore)
MacGregor Stephenson
December 28, 2022
As we come to the end of a challenging year and a tumultuous period, please know that your efforts are appreciated, and the sacrifices of
The Importance of Strong Leadership for a Unique Discipline
David Fogerson
December 21, 2022
A transformational leadership style can help bridge relationship and communication gaps between leaders and other community stakeholders. Learn how one young deputy fire chief learned
Building Strength in Workforce and Structure
Catherine L. Feinman
December 21, 2022
Each person plays a critical leadership role, from top leadership to frontline workers. The authors in the December edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share
Find Chances to Make Positive Changes
Catherine L. Feinman
November 30, 2022
Emergency preparedness and response professionals willingly insert themselves into many emergencies and disasters that they could have avoided in other professions. However, they use these
PPD-44: Implications for Domestic Incident Management
Robert J. (Bob) Roller
November 23, 2022
An essential national incident management guidance document is finally available to responders nationwide. This document will significantly improve a unified response to and recovery from
Avoiding the Complacency Trap After This Hurricane Season
Mark Misczak
November 23, 2022
Despite punishing hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Florida, the 2022 season has been relatively quiet for much of the Gulf coast and Atlantic seaboard. This
We Want to Hear from You!
Domestic Preparedness
November 16, 2022
Interested in sharing your thoughts on ways to improve the Domestic Preparedness Journal? Willing to help by participating in a 60-minute market research interview? We’re
The Role of Faith in Disasters
Michael Prasad
November 9, 2022
Many faith-based organizations have disaster response and recovery components as major elements of their own missions. By partnering with governmental and nongovernmental organizations, faith-based groups
Training the Next Generation of Cyber Guardians
Steve Stein
November 2, 2022
Despite small local governments being overrun with malware, ransomware, and myriad other threats, it is difficult to find experienced cybersecurity professionals. Meanwhile, students search for
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Commentary
Editor’s Note: Maximize Training, Minimize Risk
The disaster stage—from local events to worldwide catastrophes—is changing. Training and gaming are efficient ways to determine the key players, learn through trial and error, and create actionable tasks that can mitigate disasters in the real world. Tabletop exercises offer a low-cost, easy-to-implement option, whereas full-scale exercises provide more intensive training but with additional investment in time and resources. However, new technologies and innovative thinking are changing these traditional forms of training. For example,…
Most Recent
Preparing for the Next Biothreat: Lessons Not to Forget
Christy Anderson
January 15, 2025
In 2024, senior officials from hospitals, healthcare organizations, public health, emergency management, and other responder communities convened at two workshops
Editor’s Note: Preparing for the Future of Artificial Intelligence
Catherine L. Feinman
December 25, 2024
The December 2024 edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal provides insight into the intersection of AI and emergency preparedness. With
Advisory Board Spotlight: Interview with Caroline Agarabi, Ph.D.
Caroline Agarabi
December 4, 2024
What does it take to bridge science and strategy in the world of emergency preparedness? Caroline Agarabi, Ph.D., shares how
Editor’s Note: Giving Thanks for the Planners
Catherine L. Feinman
November 27, 2024
In this November edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal, get a glimpse into securing New York City’s largest events. In
Commentary Archives
Advisory Board Spotlight: Interview with Ray Barishansky, DrPH
Raphael M. Barishansky
October 23, 2024
Ray Barishansky, DrPH, is on the advisory board for the Domestic Preparedness Journal and has a passion for public health and emergency management. He sat
Preparedness – The Goal With No Finish Line
Catherine L. Feinman
September 25, 2024
In memory of the September 11 terrorist attacks and National Preparedness Month, the authors in this September edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal address community
AI and 911 Call Systems: A New Ally or a Hidden Risk?
Michael Breslin
September 11, 2024
From natural disasters to sophisticated cyberthreats, the risks to public safety are evolving fast. As unexpected events can strike at any moment, the systems designed
Security in and Around D.C.: Following the Informational Dots
Catherine L. Feinman
September 11, 2024
Preparing for any special event includes many unknowns. When an event involves national security, the stakes are even higher. Public safety agencies have been sharing
Community Engagement – Strength in Numbers
Catherine L. Feinman
August 28, 2024
When community leaders in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery invest in engagements with community members, the return on investment can be measured in lives, properties,
So Much More to Do After the Initial Response
Catherine L. Feinman
July 31, 2024
When a disaster strikes, people pay attention. They watch the news, check on their loved ones, and help survivors as they can. However, after the
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