Public Health Archives

Biosafety Laboratory Issues and Failures

Robert C. Hutchinson April 12, 2023

Concerns regarding unexpected biological incidents and their public health implications were discussed in a 2014 Domestic Preparedness biosecurity and bioterrorism article. From the improper possession and storage of decades-old live smallpox virus in a former Food and Drug Administration laboratory (lab) on the National Institute of Health (NIH) campus to

Hazmat on the Rail

Glen Rudner April 5, 2023

Since February 3, 2023, following the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, the public has closely followed reports and commentary by media outlets and elected officials. This incident has become more controversial and publicized than others in recent years and has caused a public outcry for change.

Guidance for Preparing Professionals Mentally for the Worst

James Greenstone and Weldon Walles March 22, 2023

Professional groups have debated and researched the best practices relating to the standards and quality of care sufficient to maintain minimum standards during a disaster. Due to the fluid nature of a disaster, it is difficult to abide by a standard that will fit every situation. For example, the onset

A National Plan to Link Response and Recovery

Robert J. (Bob) Roller March 15, 2023

In March 2023, FEMA published the Response and Recovery Federal Interagency Operational Plan. Learn about this big step forward for the emergency management community – the development and content of this new plan as well as the next steps for key stakeholders.

Leader of the Pack – Canine Detection

Barb Clark March 8, 2023

In the wake of a disaster, time is critical for locating survivors and recovering bodies. This type of work requires training, skills, and abilities acquired by canines due to their unique anatomy and physiology. However, there are key considerations before implementing K9 programs.

An Integrated Public Safety Approach for Evolving Threats

Eva Jernegan March 1, 2023

Evolving threats require integrated public safety approaches. Concepts like the Rescue Task Force, models like the Cynefin Framework, and numerous other available resources can help communities develop collaborative response plans for evolving threats and complex coordinated attacks like fire as a weapon.

Winter Storm – Reimagining Recovery Using Support Functions

Jamie Hannan and Stephanie Wright February 1, 2023

Out of first-time events come many important lessons learned. For example, information must be disseminated using familiar terminology when an unfamiliar event occurs. In addition, recovery is a team effort that begins before the event has ended. Learn how the third most populated county in the United States handled recovery

Crisis Standards of Care – A Mental Health Perspective

James Greenstone January 25, 2023

Crisis standards of care and sufficiency of care are topics of great controversy and debate in professional circles. The reasons may be obvious to most. Traditionally, health care responders are trained and held to the standard of care of their profession when rendering aid. Nothing less is acceptable. The public

The Pony Express Rides Again

Monty Dozier January 18, 2023

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care providers and facilities, local jurisdictions, and state agencies struggled to acquire personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, gloves, gowns, and hand sanitizers, for their patients and staff. Supplies of these items were extremely low and getting them shipped proved

Beachie Creek Fire – A Practitioner’s Firsthand Account

Charles (Chuck) Perino January 4, 2023

When disaster strikes, sometimes those trained to respond find themselves and their families fleeing from the fire. Once their families are safe, they jump back in to assist wherever needed. This scenario happened to one emergency manager when the Beachie Creek wildfire engulfed surrounding Oregon communities with little warning.

How One Town Stood Up to a Category 4 Storm

Jennifer Languell January 4, 2023

When Category 4 Hurricane Ian crossed Florida in September 2022, more than 4 million Florida homes and businesses lost power. However, one town kept the lights on and was spared the devastation the cities surrounding it faced. With resilience and sustainability in mind, this author shares the planning involved in

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 you and your families have a significant and positive impact on all of our communities. On behalf of the Domestic Preparedness Journal, its staff, and

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