Most recently published
Resilience – Making a List & Checking It Twice
Stephen Grainer
December 3, 2014
When the electric power infrastructure fails, it affects much more than just the electronic equipment that is powered by it. A lesson from Superstorm Sandy demonstrates how managing ground support, supplies, and facilities may differ when electrical power is gone. It may even require hundreds (or thousands) of orange traffic
Community Preparedness for Power-Grid Failure
Mary Lasky
November 25, 2014
Loss of the electric power grid could cause cascading effects following a major disaster. By working and planning together, individuals and communities will be better prepared and more resilient when faced with any disaster. As communities plan for major disasters, they also will be better prepared for not-so-major incidents.
Electromagnetic Pulse Triage & Recovery
Charles (Chuck) L. Manto
November 25, 2014
There are immediate and long-term steps – planning, triaging, and shielding – that any organization can take to mitigate disasters related to electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Understanding how EMP works, benefits and types of protective actions, as well as standards and ratings will help simplify the process of protecting civilian critical
Grid Power Failure – Alternative Energy Systems That Work
William Kaewert
November 19, 2014
As businesses and residents examine alternative energy sources in light of long-term power outage threats, some important features must be considered. Ensuring that a system is able to operate off grid requires that it operate completely independently, have a manual or automatic transfer switch installed, and include either on-site energy
Maine – A Journey Through State Grid-Protective Legislation & the Threat of Regulatory Capture
Andrea Boland
November 19, 2014
Government officials in Maine are taking steps to protect the electric grid from severe geomagnetic disturbances and manmade electromagnetic pulse weapons. However, ensuring that state agencies and electric utilities work together toward a common goal can be a challenge. The final task force report on emergency legislation passed on 11
Satellite Navigation & Timing: Good News, Bad News
Dana A. Goward
November 19, 2014
The Global Positioning System is an integral part of the U.S. critical infrastructure. However, its importance may not be realized until the system fails. It is important to examine the good and the bad of satellite navigation and timing when discussing: current systems, vulnerabilities, satellite signals, cost, implementation, and government
Washington, D.C. – Fail Gracefully, Recover Quickly
Rodrigo (Roddy) Moscoso
November 11, 2014
In the nation’s capital, emergency managers identify hazards, consider location-specific elements, and implement lessons learned from past incidents in order to create a robust preparedness plan for critical infrastructures, including power and water. Efforts in neighboring jurisdictions and private sector cooperation also contribute to the regional resilience of the power
‘Old-School’ Response to Medical Emergencies
Joseph Cahill
November 10, 2014
This current emergency medical services (EMS) dispatch and response process has evolved significantly over the past few decades. A dispatcher records the details of a 911 call in a web-based application. That information flows through a computer terminal into an ambulance. The unit responds using directions from a global positioning
Hazard Assessment & Response Management for CBRNE Incidents (HARM)
Domestic Preparedness
November 9, 2014
The Center for Domestic Preparedness is offering a unique course that challenges individuals assembled from different disciplines and geographic areas to apply their operational knowledge in support of a hazardous materials team responding to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) incident.
American Red Cross Announces New Product Offering
Domestic Preparedness
November 6, 2014
The American Red Cross now offers OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training for the construction and general industries. Register now for a one-hour webinar on Thursday, November 13, to learn how the new offerings can benefit organizations and fit into a multiyear, continuum approach to workplace safety training.
Online: Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas
Domestic Preparedness
October 31, 2014
The Department of Homeland Security is offering “”Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas”” as a free on-line training course. This course introduces students to the characteristics of a pandemic influenza, the effects that a pandemic influenza can have on every facet of our society, and the steps
The Professional Emergency Manager
Daryl Lee Spiewak
October 29, 2014
A professional emergency manager is defined based on a combination of education, training, experience, and other attributes, such as: a common body of knowledge; specialized skills and abilities; adherence to standards, ethics, and a code of conduct; and determination of compliance procedures. However, the true attributes of a professional emergency
Communications Decision Could Impact Emergency Response
Christina Crue
December 3, 2014
The Federal Communications Commission is considering changing the provider of the local number portability administrator. Emergency responders should be aware that this decision could affect responders’ ability to identify 911 callers, to track suspects, and to transition, test, and validate telephone databases following a disaster.
Resilience – Making a List & Checking It Twice
Stephen Grainer
December 3, 2014
When the electric power infrastructure fails, it affects much more than just the electronic equipment that is powered by it. A lesson from Superstorm Sandy demonstrates how managing ground support, supplies, and facilities may differ when electrical power is gone. It may even require hundreds (or thousands) of orange traffic
Community Preparedness for Power-Grid Failure
Mary Lasky
November 25, 2014
Loss of the electric power grid could cause cascading effects following a major disaster. By working and planning together, individuals and communities will be better prepared and more resilient when faced with any disaster. As communities plan for major disasters, they also will be better prepared for not-so-major incidents.
Electromagnetic Pulse Triage & Recovery
Charles (Chuck) L. Manto
November 25, 2014
There are immediate and long-term steps – planning, triaging, and shielding – that any organization can take to mitigate disasters related to electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Understanding how EMP works, benefits and types of protective actions, as well as standards and ratings will help simplify the process of protecting civilian critical
Grid Power Failure – Alternative Energy Systems That Work
William Kaewert
November 19, 2014
As businesses and residents examine alternative energy sources in light of long-term power outage threats, some important features must be considered. Ensuring that a system is able to operate off grid requires that it operate completely independently, have a manual or automatic transfer switch installed, and include either on-site energy
Maine – A Journey Through State Grid-Protective Legislation & the Threat of Regulatory Capture
Andrea Boland
November 19, 2014
Government officials in Maine are taking steps to protect the electric grid from severe geomagnetic disturbances and manmade electromagnetic pulse weapons. However, ensuring that state agencies and electric utilities work together toward a common goal can be a challenge. The final task force report on emergency legislation passed on 11
Satellite Navigation & Timing: Good News, Bad News
Dana A. Goward
November 19, 2014
The Global Positioning System is an integral part of the U.S. critical infrastructure. However, its importance may not be realized until the system fails. It is important to examine the good and the bad of satellite navigation and timing when discussing: current systems, vulnerabilities, satellite signals, cost, implementation, and government
Washington, D.C. – Fail Gracefully, Recover Quickly
Rodrigo (Roddy) Moscoso
November 11, 2014
In the nation’s capital, emergency managers identify hazards, consider location-specific elements, and implement lessons learned from past incidents in order to create a robust preparedness plan for critical infrastructures, including power and water. Efforts in neighboring jurisdictions and private sector cooperation also contribute to the regional resilience of the power
‘Old-School’ Response to Medical Emergencies
Joseph Cahill
November 10, 2014
This current emergency medical services (EMS) dispatch and response process has evolved significantly over the past few decades. A dispatcher records the details of a 911 call in a web-based application. That information flows through a computer terminal into an ambulance. The unit responds using directions from a global positioning
Hazard Assessment & Response Management for CBRNE Incidents (HARM)
Domestic Preparedness
November 9, 2014
The Center for Domestic Preparedness is offering a unique course that challenges individuals assembled from different disciplines and geographic areas to apply their operational knowledge in support of a hazardous materials team responding to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) incident.
American Red Cross Announces New Product Offering
Domestic Preparedness
November 6, 2014
The American Red Cross now offers OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training for the construction and general industries. Register now for a one-hour webinar on Thursday, November 13, to learn how the new offerings can benefit organizations and fit into a multiyear, continuum approach to workplace safety training.
Online: Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas
Domestic Preparedness
October 31, 2014
The Department of Homeland Security is offering “”Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas”” as a free on-line training course. This course introduces students to the characteristics of a pandemic influenza, the effects that a pandemic influenza can have on every facet of our society, and the steps
Multidiscipline Training
Catherine L. Feinman
October 22, 2014
Since 1998, the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama, has been offering interdisciplinary training to emergency responders. In April 2014, the Baltimore regional incident management team (IMT) traveled to Anniston for a pilot program developed for IMTs. Listen to Captain Michael Pfaltzgraff of the Anne Arundel County Fire
Part IV – A Regional ‘Whole-Community’ Approach
Catherine L. Feinman
October 22, 2014
Part 4 of 5: Baltimore City takes the whole-community approach to a regional level. By integrating the business community into the city’s operations and planning process and working with regional partners to plan for and respond to incidents and special events, the city is able to use these many relationships
A Training Partnership That Began With a Grant
University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security
October 15, 2014
Emergency management agencies must build relationships with many different agencies and organizations. In some cases, these relationships grow into an integrated partnership with diverse roles and responsibilities. The Center for Health and Homeland Security and Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management have one such partnership, which is helping to
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
Ebola – Protecting Frontline Workers
Joseph Cahill
October 1, 2014
The first U.S. case of Ebola has been confirmed in Texas, so what once was considered a “foreign” disease is now on domestic soil. The key question is, “Are U.S. healthcare workers prepared?” Although it takes time, it is never too late to build awareness, provide protection, and implement procedures.
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
Staying Safe Amid a Violent World
Richard Schoeberl
September 24, 2014
New terrorist threats against Western nations surface each day. Although these threats have prevented many citizens of these nations from traveling abroad, many other citizens continue to travel for school, work, and pleasure. By recognizing the threats and taking adequate precautions, traveler can reduce their risk of harm to life
Critical Infrastructure Protection: History, Overview & Update
Kay C. Goss
September 23, 2014
Critical infrastructure protection focuses on everyday activities related to all kinds of hazards to promote security and threat deterrence. Community and infrastructure protection, transportation and trans-border security, and protection of key leadership and events encompass the mission activities of the new National Protection Framework.
Applying the Kipling Method to Infrastructure Protection
Joseph Cahill
September 17, 2014
In 1900, writer Rudyard Kipling created a story about “The Elephant’s Child” that would not stop asking questions. More than 100 years later, planners must ask similarly tough questions in order to protect critical infrastructure assets that could have devastating ripple effects should they cease functioning.
Building Resilience – School Safety & Security Standards
Wayne Bergeron
September 17, 2014
School shootings draw a lot of attention from the media as well as from the public, but the number of school deaths is small compared to those that occur away from school property. Although “statistically safe,” schools still must prepare for a broad range of possible incidents and could benefit
True Resilience in Practice
Marko Bourne
September 17, 2014
Recovery, risk mitigation, and economic growth are the necessary elements that compose the concept of resilience. Building this resilience, however, requires being able to break out of operational and program silos at all levels of government and to work with nontraditional community groups to harness the power of social media.
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