Most recently published
Lessons Learned – Nuclear Devices & Nuclear Threats
Stuart K. Cameron
April 30, 2014
Ideally, widespread radiological and nuclear prevention efforts will prevent a nuclear detonation from ever occurring within the United States, but the investment in preplanning for the possible aftermath is time well spent should this worst-case scenario ever occur. The Manhattan Project and the Cold War provide valuable lessons that could
Nuclear Preparedness: Is the United States Ready
Craig DeAtley
April 30, 2014
To address the gaps and concerns revealed in a recent article and the flash poll, subject matter experts who warned of the dangers in 2009 reunited five years later to address the issues that are still as real now as they were five years ago. Although there have been some
Preparing for the Unthinkable
Catherine L. Feinman
April 30, 2014
An article, a flash poll, and a podcast each addressed the same topic: Is the United States prepared for a nuclear detonation? Each came to the same conclusion, “No, not as prepared as it needs to be.” The threat of a nuclear attack did not disappear with the Cold War,
Illinois – Lessons From a Radiological Incident Exercise
Shay Simmons and Curtis Hawk
April 23, 2014
When a radiological incident occurs, the consequences can be devastating. However, the frequency and probability of such incidents limit many jurisdictions from being fully prepared and trained. Illinois officials understand the threat and conduct annual exercises to ensure that jurisdictions in and around its nuclear facilities are ready for their
Radiological Detection – A Strategy for Changing Public Opinion
Joseph W. Trindal
April 23, 2014
The use and acceptance of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology for the law enforcement community is changing, with a great potential for broader uses. By integrating radiation sensors with UAVs, law enforcement officers could better intercept suspected threats. However, the public is not yet “”sold”” on the concept of such
Civil Support Teams 101 – Removing Misconceptions
Gordon Hunter
April 23, 2014
A DomPrep report published in March 2014 revealed some misconceptions about a valuable resource provided by the National Guard. Civil support teams provide no-cost assets to local jurisdictions for incidents, trainings, and exercises. As threats and missions evolve, local agencies should be familiar with all the tools in their toolboxes.
The Emerging Nuclear Threat Environment
Vayl S. Oxford
April 16, 2014
The changing conditions in the Middle East and North Africa, the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, and the impact of Iran’s nuclear program each have serious national security implications. To mitigate the emerging nuclear threat, agencies at all levels of government should perform five critical actions.
The ‘Dirty’ Details About Explosive Devices
Courtney Gavitt
April 16, 2014
The 2013 Boston Marathon bombings caused confusion, frustration, and anger when race marshals abruptly ended the event. The consequences, though, could have been much greater had the initial reports been true. Knowing what makes a dirty bomb “dirty” is the first step to ensure the health and safety of all
The ‘Day After Disaster,’ Revisited
Craig DeAtley
April 8, 2014
In the first 72 hours following a nuclear blast, survivors would face many challenges – communication, evacuation, sheltering, response, and incident command. Scenario 1 (Nuclear Detonation – Improvised Nuclear Device) of the National Response Framework was depicted in the History Channel’s “Day After Disaster” in 2009. Five years later, is
Nuclear Weapons – A Growing Security Threat
Richard Schoeberl
April 2, 2014
Although there has not been another significant attack on U.S. soil since 9/11, the threat of terrorists acquiring materials to create weapons of mass destruction still exists. Leaders of countries around the world recently met to discuss the current nuclear and radiological threats and to develop preventive measures to secure
Death – Breaking the Bad News
Joseph Cahill
April 2, 2014
The American Heart Association reported that, in 2011, the average survival rate to hospital discharge for nontraumatic cardiac arrest patients of all ages after receiving treatment from emergency medical services (EMS) was 10.4 percent. As such, EMS teams play a key role in preparing the families of cardiac arrest patients
California – A Growing Response to Persistent Drought
Mark Ghilarducci
March 26, 2014
The average person in the United States uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water per day. California’s multiyear drought has broken new records, created unprecedented reductions in water supply, and demands personal conservation techniques. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has been leading the charge toward mitigating this widespread
Specialized Training for Rail Incidents
James Metzger
May 7, 2014
First responder agencies must prepare for a variety of incidents that may occur within or near their jurisdictions. Even when an incident involving the movement of large numbers of people – for example, passenger rail transit – does not result in a mass-casualty scenario, many special considerations must be made
Lessons Learned – Nuclear Devices & Nuclear Threats
Stuart K. Cameron
April 30, 2014
Ideally, widespread radiological and nuclear prevention efforts will prevent a nuclear detonation from ever occurring within the United States, but the investment in preplanning for the possible aftermath is time well spent should this worst-case scenario ever occur. The Manhattan Project and the Cold War provide valuable lessons that could
Nuclear Preparedness: Is the United States Ready
Craig DeAtley
April 30, 2014
To address the gaps and concerns revealed in a recent article and the flash poll, subject matter experts who warned of the dangers in 2009 reunited five years later to address the issues that are still as real now as they were five years ago. Although there have been some
Preparing for the Unthinkable
Catherine L. Feinman
April 30, 2014
An article, a flash poll, and a podcast each addressed the same topic: Is the United States prepared for a nuclear detonation? Each came to the same conclusion, “No, not as prepared as it needs to be.” The threat of a nuclear attack did not disappear with the Cold War,
Illinois – Lessons From a Radiological Incident Exercise
Shay Simmons and Curtis Hawk
April 23, 2014
When a radiological incident occurs, the consequences can be devastating. However, the frequency and probability of such incidents limit many jurisdictions from being fully prepared and trained. Illinois officials understand the threat and conduct annual exercises to ensure that jurisdictions in and around its nuclear facilities are ready for their
Radiological Detection – A Strategy for Changing Public Opinion
Joseph W. Trindal
April 23, 2014
The use and acceptance of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology for the law enforcement community is changing, with a great potential for broader uses. By integrating radiation sensors with UAVs, law enforcement officers could better intercept suspected threats. However, the public is not yet “”sold”” on the concept of such
Civil Support Teams 101 – Removing Misconceptions
Gordon Hunter
April 23, 2014
A DomPrep report published in March 2014 revealed some misconceptions about a valuable resource provided by the National Guard. Civil support teams provide no-cost assets to local jurisdictions for incidents, trainings, and exercises. As threats and missions evolve, local agencies should be familiar with all the tools in their toolboxes.
The Emerging Nuclear Threat Environment
Vayl S. Oxford
April 16, 2014
The changing conditions in the Middle East and North Africa, the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, and the impact of Iran’s nuclear program each have serious national security implications. To mitigate the emerging nuclear threat, agencies at all levels of government should perform five critical actions.
The ‘Dirty’ Details About Explosive Devices
Courtney Gavitt
April 16, 2014
The 2013 Boston Marathon bombings caused confusion, frustration, and anger when race marshals abruptly ended the event. The consequences, though, could have been much greater had the initial reports been true. Knowing what makes a dirty bomb “dirty” is the first step to ensure the health and safety of all
The ‘Day After Disaster,’ Revisited
Craig DeAtley
April 8, 2014
In the first 72 hours following a nuclear blast, survivors would face many challenges – communication, evacuation, sheltering, response, and incident command. Scenario 1 (Nuclear Detonation – Improvised Nuclear Device) of the National Response Framework was depicted in the History Channel’s “Day After Disaster” in 2009. Five years later, is
Nuclear Weapons – A Growing Security Threat
Richard Schoeberl
April 2, 2014
Although there has not been another significant attack on U.S. soil since 9/11, the threat of terrorists acquiring materials to create weapons of mass destruction still exists. Leaders of countries around the world recently met to discuss the current nuclear and radiological threats and to develop preventive measures to secure
Death – Breaking the Bad News
Joseph Cahill
April 2, 2014
The American Heart Association reported that, in 2011, the average survival rate to hospital discharge for nontraumatic cardiac arrest patients of all ages after receiving treatment from emergency medical services (EMS) was 10.4 percent. As such, EMS teams play a key role in preparing the families of cardiac arrest patients
FINAL REPORT: Support to Local Authorities (When They Are Overwhelmed)
H. Steven Blum
March 21, 2014
Local authorities must continue to prepare for disasters, despite cuts in grant funding. To address this topic, LTG H. Steven Blum, (Ret.) USA, led a discussion with subject matter experts at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Falcon Club in Colorado. That discussion and survey results from a nationwide audience of
Preparing for Extreme Weather Events
Kay C. Goss
March 19, 2014
The United States has received significant attention for its extreme weather events in 2014, with the worst drought in recorded history in California and significant moist snow, sleet, and ice in the eastern and southern states. The year 2013 had its share of extreme weather, as well, including:Winter Storm Nemo’s multiple
Natural Disasters: Challenges & Opportunities
Stephen Grainer
March 19, 2014
Diverting a tornado, deflecting high winds, and steering a hurricane away from landfall are not within the scope of practice for emergency planners and managers. However, planning and training for a large-scale natural disaster with the right tools will help jurisdictions prepare for both common and uncommon incidents.
Ten Winter Issues Every City Should Address
Crystal Kline and Kim Fuller
March 12, 2014
City officials rely on accurate weather forecasts to make decisions, but weather has proven to be difficult to predict. When a city is caught off-guard, officials must make many difficult decisions while the nation watches. It is imperative to know how to address severe weather incidents before the next snow,
Rising Waters & Tough Decisions
Margaret Davis
March 12, 2014
The benefits of owning a beach property come with a great risk of flooding. As Superstorm Sandy demonstrated in 2012, the National Flood Insurance Program cannot sustain rebuilding efforts at the existing insurance rates. This means making difficult choices: build and incur significant costs; raise properties into the air; or
Preparedness & Progress for Emerging Pathogenic Threats
Robert C. Hutchinson
March 12, 2014
Equipment, plans, and personnel are only as good as their ability to perform when needed. When disaster strikes, it is imperative that local, state, and federal levels of government, emergency management, volunteer organizations, and healthcare coalitions are all operationally ready and trained to use all of the “stuff” they have
Preparing for the U.S. Tsunami Threat
Christa Rabenold
March 5, 2014
The 50-year anniversary of the Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunamis serves as a reminder that the United States is still vulnerable to such threats. Advancements in earthquake and tsunami science, coupled with preparedness efforts to create awareness and exercise plans, are helping agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Opioids – Overdoses & Antidotes
Joseph Cahill
March 5, 2014
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency related to the opioid crisis. Indeed, overdoses and deaths from opioids have skyrocketed over the past decade. In 2017, deaths from opioids were six times higher than in 1999. Opioids impact the quality of life
E357 State Individual Assistance Operations
Domestic Preparedness
March 1, 2014
The Emergency Management Institute is offering this four-day course on state individual assistance operations. This course is intended to enable participants to coordinate state response and recovery operations for individuals and families.
Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning (E0131)
Domestic Preparedness
February 27, 2014
No amount of exercising is constructive without a structured evaluation that enables the jurisdiction or organization to identify strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and disconnects. This course, offered by the Emergency Management Institute, focuses on a systematic exercise and improvement planning program for federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and other organizations.
Exercise Extent-of-Play Agreements
George Yantosik and Ken Lerner
February 26, 2014
Large-scale disasters require response efforts from multiple organizations that must plan and exercise well in advance. For a successful joint exercise, there must be points of agreement, including: scope of exercise, degree of participation by each organization, coordination of exercise activities, and evaluation process for lessons learned from the exercise.
Preparing the Next Generation for War on the Virtual Battlefront
Rodrigo (Roddy) Moscoso
February 25, 2014
A “cyber Pearl Harbor” is imminent, according to government and industry experts. Recognizing the threat and implementing programs and training to better guard against such threats is critical to protect the various U.S. infrastructure systems and networks.
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