HAZMAT
CBRN Response Capabilities and Identified Gaps
Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) response has always been a challenge in identifying and quantifying a broad spectrum of organic and synthesized compounds that were once limited to laboratory analysis and research. Now, first responders have the luxury of instant field identification and classification of substances that were once a mystery. Previous field assays and test strips have been replaced by more advanced hand-held instrumentation and tools that are attached to a reach-back…
Most Recent

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.

Beachie Creek Fire – A Practitioner’s Firsthand Account
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.

The Importance of Strong Leadership for a Unique Discipline
Catherine L. Feinman
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 from his past
leadership missteps and honed his meta-leadership skills, which were essential in reconnecting
communities when he became a state emergency manager.

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 various ways readers (aka leaders) can build strength and resilience within their workforces and structures.
HAZMAT Archives
Hospital Response – A Personal Training Experience
Erin Valentine
August 17, 2022
Effective trainings are ones where the participants remember and later implement what they learned
into their daily operations. Not everyone knows how they would respond in
What Preparedness & Response Leaders Need in the New Normal
Catherine L. Feinman
July 6, 2022
To address the challenges that emergency preparedness professionals face in an ever-changing threat
environment, the Domestic Preparedness Journal hosted a panel discussion at the Texas Emergency
Management Conference
Building Capability: Zero Tolerance vs. Acceptability
Christopher Tantlinger
June 22, 2022
A tool designed with zero tolerance would not be able to function efficiently or effectively.
Likewise, taking a zero-tolerance approach to emergency preparedness and response has
Working Together: Partnership, Training, Funding & Tolerance
Catherine L. Feinman
June 22, 2022
When community stakeholders work together to prepare for emergencies and disasters, they will be
better prepared and have more resources to face whatever threats, risks, and
How The Best Get Better: Partnerships & A Trifecta Disaster
Judy Kruger and Scott Harris
June 21, 2022
Japan is more prepared for future disasters due to communications and annual investments into exercises and drills with local and international partners. Tokyo Disney Resort
The Risk-Based Approach to Hazardous Material/WMD Incidents
Tony Mussorfiti
June 8, 2022
Low-frequency, high-consequence events are rare, emergency responders still need to be able to evaluate these complex problems and determine initial actions. To avoid being overwhelmed
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HAZMAT
CBRN Response Capabilities and Identified Gaps
Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) response has always been a challenge in identifying and quantifying a broad spectrum of organic and synthesized compounds that were once limited to laboratory analysis and research. Now, first responders have the luxury of instant field identification and classification of substances that were once a mystery. Previous field assays and test strips have been replaced by more advanced hand-held instrumentation and tools that are attached to a reach-back…
Most Recent

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

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

Nuclear Threats Against the Homeland: Impact and Preparation
Tanya M. Scherr, Daniel Scherr and Richard Schoeberl
November 2, 2022
How the war in Ukraine will end is unclear. However, research shows that there is the potential for devastating effects

Rationale for Structuring Pandemic Response on a War Footing
Thomas Russo
October 26, 2022
Given 20 years of pandemic planning, is it not surprising when people ask, “Why were we not ready?”
This question should
HAZMAT Archives
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
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
Nuclear Threats Against the Homeland: Impact and Preparation
Tanya M. Scherr, Daniel Scherr and Richard Schoeberl
November 2, 2022
How the war in Ukraine will end is unclear. However, research shows that there is the potential for devastating effects on a global scale. As
Rationale for Structuring Pandemic Response on a War Footing
Thomas Russo
October 26, 2022
Given 20 years of pandemic planning, is it not surprising when people ask, “Why were we not ready?”
This question should be explored whether the time
Hospital Response – A Personal Training Experience
Erin Valentine
August 17, 2022
Effective trainings are ones where the participants remember and later implement what they learned
into their daily operations. Not everyone knows how they would respond in
What Preparedness & Response Leaders Need in the New Normal
Catherine L. Feinman
July 6, 2022
To address the challenges that emergency preparedness professionals face in an ever-changing threat
environment, the Domestic Preparedness Journal hosted a panel discussion at the Texas Emergency
Management Conference
Get Instant Access
Subscribe today to Domestic Preparedness and get real-world insights for safer communities.