VOLUNTEERISM
Advice for Surviving a Disaster: Be Selfish and Small-Minded
In the base camp of my fifth federally declared disaster deployment this year, I sit surrounded by the sounds of colleagues crawling in and out of bunks in this converted semi-trailer. I find myself reflecting on a friend’s recent question: “How can I best help in a disaster?” My answer might be surprising: be selfish and small-minded. Taking an Inward Focus That advice might sound counterintuitive. In this line of work, though, emergency responders…
Most Recent
National Laboratory Partnerships: Linking Operations and Research
Ryan Eddy and Ann Lesperance
September 25, 2024
The September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 spurred a pivotal change in the way the U.S. approaches preparedness for threats to the homeland. In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory showcases how national laboratories address homeland security threats by developing the technology and other resources first
National Preparedness Month 2024: Talk About It
Ian Pleet
September 4, 2024
Each September, communities across the United States reexamine their preparedness goals and resources during National Preparedness Month. By educating and empowering individuals and families to prepare for emergencies, communities can be better positioned to face any disaster. In 2024, the Federal Emergency Management Agency urges people to “Start a Conversation”
Vulnerability and Exploitation: Human Trafficking After Natural Disasters
Benjamin Thomas Greer and Nathan DiPillo
August 28, 2024
Disasters inherently come with known and unknown threats. One looming emerging threat is human trafficking because traffickers capitalize on the vulnerability these events create to exploit victims. However, when properly trained, emergency management and disaster responders are uniquely positioned to identify, prevent, and mitigate exploitation before and after an emergency.
Realizing the Power of Community in Disaster Recovery
Aaron Clark-Ginsberg
August 21, 2024
No two communities are the same. Each community has unique vulnerabilities, capacities, and needs, and each has its own leaders, areas of cooperation, and areas of disagreement. Understanding these factors and building on the community’s strengths are critical steps in disaster recovery.
VOLUNTEERISM Archives
A Violent Surge – Sovereign Citizens vs. Government Authority
Anthony (Tony) Mottola and Richard Schoeberl
November 20, 2024
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has classified the Sovereign Citizen movement as a domestic terrorist threat. To prepare law enforcement officials and other public safety
A Look Behind Security Management at Two Iconic Holiday Celebrations
Inés Bebea
November 13, 2024
After the conclusion of a large-scale event, the planning for its next iteration starts again. If the public doesn’t notice emergency management’s moving parts during
Growing Foreign Threats to National Security, Part 2: Emergency Management Approaches and Choices
Glen Woodbury
October 30, 2024
This is Part 2 of a two-part article that explores the nation-state threat and its implications for the emergency management community regarding the operations, resilience,
Growing Foreign Threats to National Security, Part 1: Challenges and Considerations
Glen Woodbury
October 23, 2024
Part 1 of a two-part series explores the nation-state threat and its implications for the emergency management community, regarding the operations, resilience, resourcing, strategies, and
Crisis Communications: Reaching Teens and Young Adults
Barrett Cappetto
September 18, 2024
Generation Z and millennials encompass almost half of the world’s population, and their communication style, preferences, and ideals differ from those of their older counterparts.
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
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Volunteerism
Advice for Surviving a Disaster: Be Selfish and Small-Minded
In the base camp of my fifth federally declared disaster deployment this year, I sit surrounded by the sounds of colleagues crawling in and out of bunks in this converted semi-trailer. I find myself reflecting on a friend’s recent question: “How can I best help in a disaster?” My answer might be surprising: be selfish and small-minded. Taking an Inward Focus That advice might sound counterintuitive. In this line of work, though, emergency responders…
Most Recent
Volunteers: Incident Management Assets or Liabilities?
David Wells
July 31, 2024
Responses are often only effective if volunteers and their teams are properly trained, prepared, motivated, and deployed. One faith-based organization
Mitigating Disasters Through Collective Resilience
Andrew (Andy) Altizer and Barrett Cappetto
July 24, 2024
Existing social bonds can help communities better adapt to, respond to, and collectively cope with crises. Although the collective resilience
Amateurs of Action – The Women of Radio
Desiree Baccus
March 6, 2024
Volunteers are transforming emergency preparedness with an inclusive, diverse movement of impactful community engagement. Explore the inspiring stories of some
Unleashing Community Resilience Through Collaborative Leadership
Michael Valiente
January 31, 2024
Elected officials and emergency response personnel form the nucleus of community leadership, a driving force for collaborative relationships with local
Volunteerism Archives
Three Puzzle Pieces That Increase Community Preparedness
Paul Gunnels
September 13, 2023
This author reflects on his team’s direct mission to New York in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, commonly referred to as 9/11,
Citizen Soldiers and American State Defense Forces
James P. Howard Ⅱ
September 6, 2023
State defense forces can be activated in times of emergency to assist with disaster response, homeland security, and other missions. However, more awareness within communities
Deploying With Adult Non-Prescription Medication Kits
Richard (Kirk) Higgins
August 16, 2023
The availability of non-prescription medications may mean the difference between a successful deployment and needing to return home ahead of schedule. As such, first responders
Community Preparedness for the Socially & Civically Isolated
George Schwartz
August 9, 2023
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of American adults reported feeling lonely. A lack of engagement can have serious health effects for socially isolated
Incident Management – The Whataburger Way
Ron Derrick
July 19, 2023
The Whataburger Command Center team uses a hybrid form of the Incident Command System when an unexpected event threatens the company’s stability, reputation, or operations.
Unleashing the Power of Amateur Radio in Times of Emergency
Scott Roberts and Desiree Baccus
June 21, 2023
Amateur radio operators are skilled communicators who serve as a lifeline during emergencies by relaying essential information, coordinating resources, and providing situational updates. On June
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