Today's Top Picks
Beyond Registries: Better Solutions for People With Disabilities
Emergency planners often identify volunteer disaster registries as a solution for assisting people with disabilities before, during, and after a disaster despite serious flaws with this approach. Perhaps this is because jurisdictions do not understand that there are better options and how to implement them. The National Council on Disability…
Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector
Healthcare cyberattacks continue to increase in frequency. The primary methods used in these attacks include phishing and email compromise (e.g., ransomware and other malware), fraud scams, network server breaches, inappropriate access to medical records, insider threats, and standard theft. In 2022, HHS published The Impact of Social Engineering on…
Responding to the Call – The Cost of Caring for Others
There is a cost to caring for others, but it does not need to be a lifelong debt that continues to overwhelm not only the people who stepped up but those around them. With the right plan of support and the willingness to explore coping options, that cost is…
Three Puzzle Pieces That Increase Community Preparedness
When wondering if the nation is better prepared today than it was 22 years ago on September 11, 2001, first responders would like to say it is. The following details are a personal account of actions in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and key takeaways for increasing community…
Citizen Soldiers and American State Defense Forces
State defense forces (SDFs) are state-level military organizations authorized by state law and operate under the authority of the state governor. These forces are tasked with providing support to the state National Guard and can be activated in times of emergency to assist with disaster response, homeland security, and…
Bioterrorism – Could Smallpox Return?
The variola major virus, which causes smallpox, had a long and terrifying pathogenic history in the human population – the only natural host. Examinations of 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummies identified markings similar to smallpox scars. The smallpox-like disease has been documented worldwide in writings for over 1,000 years. With a…
Trending
Creating a New Standard for Evaluating Tabletop Exercises
By John Duda and Scott J. Glick / July 5, 2023
Exercises play a vital role in preparing organizations to respond to critical incidents and have been used by the U.S. government for decades to enhance department and agency understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities and to help prepare...
Four Takeaways From the Nashville Christmas Bombing
By Robert F. Kelly and Dean C. Alexander / July 20, 2022
At approximately 6:30 a.m. (CST) on Christmas morning 2020, Anthony Quinn Warner’s explosives-laden RV and Warner himself (identified through his remains) detonated in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, near the AT&T building. The blast hospitalized three and caused extensive property damage and disruptions...
CBRN Response Capabilities and Identified Gaps
By Kenneth Bell / May 24, 2023
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...
Unleashing the Power of Amateur Radio in Times of Emergency
By Scott Roberts and Desiree Baccus / June 21, 2023
As advocates for amateur radio and firm believers in the importance of emergency preparedness, it is critical to raise public awareness and promote active engagement in emergency preparedness through the lens of amateur radio. In today’s unpredictable world, individuals...
Active Shooter Incidents: The Rescue Task Force Concept
By Robert Mueck / September 20, 2017
The concept of the Rescue Task Force (RTF) came from the Arlington County(Virginia) Fire Department. Looking at active shooter events around the country, these fire departmentleaders created a model that enables emergency medical services (EMS) to provide emergency medicalintervention faster...
Incident Management – The Whataburger Way
By Ron Derrick / July 19, 2023
A community’s level of resilience during a disaster often relies on the preparedness efforts of its private sector partners. Companies that invest in preparing for and responding to large-scale events are protecting much more than just company profits. For...
Essentials of a School-Based Crisis Response Plan
By Mary Schoenfeldt / February 9, 2022
School crisis response plans come in a variety of formats. Although the structure may vary, the content must include the essentials for the plan to be usable and effective. A basic school-based crisis response plan has seven key elements:...
The DoD Defense Coordinating Element and How It Is Certified
By Patrick McNiece / April 12, 2023
While the main mission of the defense coordinating element (DCE) is defending the homeland, Department of Defense (DoD) capabilities can be important in supporting citizens in case of major disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and the like. This article describes...
Inside the “Boot Camp” for Emergency Managers
By Michael Valiente / July 12, 2023
Monday, August 1, 2022, was a typical San Antonio, Texas, summer day, with clouds hanging low and humidity increasing as the sun rose. But nothing was ordinary to the 20 individuals who would become cadets in the first Emergency...
Are Public Health Agencies Ready, or Just Prepared?
By Raphael Barishansky / June 21, 2023
Perhaps it is time to retire the term public health preparedness. Public health emergency preparedness has been defined as “the capability of the public health and health care systems, communities, and individuals, to prevent, protect against, quickly respond to,...
Domestic Preparedness Journal
August 2023
Featured in this issue: Editor Note: Close to Home by Catherine L. Feinman; 7 Best Practices for Implementing Housing Recovery Programs by Daina Ruback; Sports Celebrations – Expect the Best, Plan for the Worst by Robert Leverone; Community Preparedness for the Socially & Civically Isolated by George Schwartz; Recruitment and Retention Panel Discussion by Domestic Preparedness; Training for Hazardous Tasks in Virtual Environments by Ryan Putman; Deploying With Adult Non-Prescription Medication Kits by Richard (Kirk) Higgins; Fireproofing the Future: Safeguarding Against Wildfires by Roy Thun; Targeted Violence in Schools: Are Future Educators Prepared? by Danielle Arias, Jesse Spearo & Kelley L. Davis;
Articles Out Loud
Article Out Loud – Beyond Registries: Better Solutions for People With Disabilities
September 20, 2023
Emergency planners often identify volunteer disaster registries as a solution for assisting people with disabilities during a disaster. However, registries
Article Out Loud – Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector
September 20, 2023
Cyberattacks on healthcare systems affect millions of patients each year. It is critical for agencies and organizations to build a
Today's Top Picks
Beyond Registries: Better Solutions for People With Disabilities
Emergency planners often identify volunteer disaster registries as a solution for assisting people with disabilities before, during, and after a disaster despite serious flaws with this approach. Perhaps this is because jurisdictions do not understand that there are better options and how to implement them. The National Council on Disability…
Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector
Healthcare cyberattacks continue to increase in frequency. The primary methods used in these attacks include phishing and email compromise (e.g., ransomware and other malware), fraud scams, network server breaches, inappropriate access to medical records, insider threats, and standard theft. In 2022, HHS published The Impact of Social Engineering on…
Responding to the Call – The Cost of Caring for Others
There is a cost to caring for others, but it does not need to be a lifelong debt that continues to overwhelm not only the people who stepped up but those around them. With the right plan of support and the willingness to explore coping options, that cost is…
Three Puzzle Pieces That Increase Community Preparedness
When wondering if the nation is better prepared today than it was 22 years ago on September 11, 2001, first responders would like to say it is. The following details are a personal account of actions in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and key takeaways for increasing community…
Citizen Soldiers and American State Defense Forces
State defense forces (SDFs) are state-level military organizations authorized by state law and operate under the authority of the state governor. These forces are tasked with providing support to the state National Guard and can be activated in times of emergency to assist with disaster response, homeland security, and…
Bioterrorism – Could Smallpox Return?
The variola major virus, which causes smallpox, had a long and terrifying pathogenic history in the human population – the only natural host. Examinations of 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummies identified markings similar to smallpox scars. The smallpox-like disease has been documented worldwide in writings for over 1,000 years. With a…
Trending
Creating a New Standard for Evaluating Tabletop Exercises
July 5, 2023
Exercises play a vital role in preparing organizations to respond to critical incidents and have been used by the U.S. government for decades to enhance department and agency understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities and to help prepare...
Four Takeaways From the Nashville Christmas Bombing
July 20, 2022
At approximately 6:30 a.m. (CST) on Christmas morning 2020, Anthony Quinn Warner’s explosives-laden RV and Warner himself (identified through his remains) detonated in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, near the AT&T building. The blast hospitalized three and caused extensive property damage and disruptions...
CBRN Response Capabilities and Identified Gaps
May 24, 2023
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...
Unleashing the Power of Amateur Radio in Times of Emergency
June 21, 2023
As advocates for amateur radio and firm believers in the importance of emergency preparedness, it is critical to raise public awareness and promote active engagement in emergency preparedness through the lens of amateur radio. In today’s unpredictable world, individuals...
Active Shooter Incidents: The Rescue Task Force Concept
September 20, 2017
The concept of the Rescue Task Force (RTF) came from the Arlington County(Virginia) Fire Department. Looking at active shooter events around the country, these fire departmentleaders created a model that enables emergency medical services (EMS) to provide emergency medicalintervention faster...
Incident Management – The Whataburger Way
July 19, 2023
A community’s level of resilience during a disaster often relies on the preparedness efforts of its private sector partners. Companies that invest in preparing for and responding to large-scale events are protecting much more than just company profits. For...
Essentials of a School-Based Crisis Response Plan
February 9, 2022
School crisis response plans come in a variety of formats. Although the structure may vary, the content must include the essentials for the plan to be usable and effective. A basic school-based crisis response plan has seven key elements:...
The DoD Defense Coordinating Element and How It Is Certified
April 12, 2023
While the main mission of the defense coordinating element (DCE) is defending the homeland, Department of Defense (DoD) capabilities can be important in supporting citizens in case of major disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and the like. This article describes...
Inside the “Boot Camp” for Emergency Managers
July 12, 2023
Monday, August 1, 2022, was a typical San Antonio, Texas, summer day, with clouds hanging low and humidity increasing as the sun rose. But nothing was ordinary to the 20 individuals who would become cadets in the first Emergency...
Are Public Health Agencies Ready, or Just Prepared?
June 21, 2023
Perhaps it is time to retire the term public health preparedness. Public health emergency preparedness has been defined as “the capability of the public health and health care systems, communities, and individuals, to prevent, protect against, quickly respond to,...
Domestic Preparedness Journal
AUGUST 2023
Featured in this issue: Editor Note: Close to Home by Catherine L. Feinman; 7 Best Practices for Implementing Housing Recovery Programs by Daina Ruback; Sports Celebrations – Expect the Best, Plan for the Worst by Robert Leverone; Community Preparedness for the Socially & Civically Isolated by George Schwartz; Recruitment and Retention Panel Discussion by Domestic Preparedness; Training for Hazardous Tasks in Virtual Environments by Ryan Putman; Deploying With Adult Non-Prescription Medication Kits by Richard (Kirk) Higgins; Fireproofing the Future: Safeguarding Against Wildfires by Roy Thun; Targeted Violence in Schools: Are Future Educators Prepared? by Danielle Arias, Jesse Spearo & Kelley L. Davis;
Articles Out Loud
Article Out Loud – Beyond Registries: Better Solutions for People With Disabilities
September 20, 2023
Emergency planners often identify volunteer disaster registries as a solution for assisting people with disabilities during a disaster. However, registries have flaws. Learn about eight common registry problems and the author’s better solutions that should be considered.
Article Out Loud – Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector
September 20, 2023
Cyberattacks on healthcare systems affect millions of patients each year. It is critical for agencies and organizations to build a culture of compliance and awareness for the system’s security and the safety of the patients.
Today's Top Picks
Beyond Registries: Better Solutions for People With Disabilities
Emergency planners often identify volunteer disaster registries as a solution for assisting people with disabilities before, during, and after a disaster despite serious flaws with…
Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector
Healthcare cyberattacks continue to increase in frequency. The primary methods used in these attacks include phishing and email compromise (e.g., ransomware and other malware),…
Responding to the Call – The Cost of Caring for Others
There is a cost to caring for others, but it does not need to be a lifelong debt that continues to overwhelm not only…
Three Puzzle Pieces That Increase Community Preparedness
When wondering if the nation is better prepared today than it was 22 years ago on September 11, 2001, first responders would like to…
Trending
Creating a New Standard for Evaluating Tabletop Exercises
July 5, 2023
Exercises play a vital role in preparing organizations to respond to critical incidents and have been used by the U.S. government for decades to enhance department and agency understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities and to help prepare...
Four Takeaways From the Nashville Christmas Bombing
July 20, 2022
At approximately 6:30 a.m. (CST) on Christmas morning 2020, Anthony Quinn Warner’s explosives-laden RV and Warner himself (identified through his remains) detonated in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, near the AT&T building. The blast hospitalized three and caused extensive property damage and disruptions...
CBRN Response Capabilities and Identified Gaps
May 24, 2023
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...
Unleashing the Power of Amateur Radio in Times of Emergency
June 21, 2023
As advocates for amateur radio and firm believers in the importance of emergency preparedness, it is critical to raise public awareness and promote active engagement in emergency preparedness through the lens of amateur radio. In today’s unpredictable world, individuals...
Active Shooter Incidents: The Rescue Task Force Concept
September 20, 2017
The concept of the Rescue Task Force (RTF) came from the Arlington County(Virginia) Fire Department. Looking at active shooter events around the country, these fire departmentleaders created a model that enables emergency medical services (EMS) to provide emergency medicalintervention faster...
Incident Management – The Whataburger Way
July 19, 2023
A community’s level of resilience during a disaster often relies on the preparedness efforts of its private sector partners. Companies that invest in preparing for and responding to large-scale events are protecting much more than just company profits. For...
Essentials of a School-Based Crisis Response Plan
February 9, 2022
School crisis response plans come in a variety of formats. Although the structure may vary, the content must include the essentials for the plan to be usable and effective. A basic school-based crisis response plan has seven key elements:...
The DoD Defense Coordinating Element and How It Is Certified
April 12, 2023
While the main mission of the defense coordinating element (DCE) is defending the homeland, Department of Defense (DoD) capabilities can be important in supporting citizens in case of major disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and the like. This article describes...
Inside the “Boot Camp” for Emergency Managers
July 12, 2023
Monday, August 1, 2022, was a typical San Antonio, Texas, summer day, with clouds hanging low and humidity increasing as the sun rose. But nothing was ordinary to the 20 individuals who would become cadets in the first Emergency...
Are Public Health Agencies Ready, or Just Prepared?
June 21, 2023
Perhaps it is time to retire the term public health preparedness. Public health emergency preparedness has been defined as “the capability of the public health and health care systems, communities, and individuals, to prevent, protect against, quickly respond to,...
Domestic Preparedness Journal
AUGUST 2023
Featured in this issue: Editor Note: Close to Home by Catherine L. Feinman; 7 Best Practices for Implementing Housing Recovery Programs by Daina Ruback; Sports Celebrations – Expect the Best, Plan for the Worst by Robert Leverone; Community Preparedness for the Socially & Civically Isolated by George Schwartz; Recruitment and Retention Panel Discussion by Domestic Preparedness; Training for Hazardous Tasks in Virtual Environments by Ryan Putman; Deploying With Adult Non-Prescription Medication Kits by Richard (Kirk) Higgins; Fireproofing the Future: Safeguarding Against Wildfires by Roy Thun; Targeted Violence in Schools: Are Future Educators Prepared? by Danielle Arias, Jesse Spearo & Kelley L. Davis;
Articles Out Loud
Article Out Loud – Beyond Registries: Better Solutions for People With Disabilities
September 20, 2023
Emergency planners often identify volunteer disaster registries as a solution for assisting people with disabilities during a disaster. However, registries have flaws. Learn about eight common registry problems and the author’s better solutions that should be considered.
Article Out Loud – Cybersecurity in Hospitals and the Public Health Sector
September 20, 2023
Cyberattacks on healthcare systems affect millions of patients each year. It is critical for agencies and organizations to build a culture of compliance and awareness for the system’s security and the safety of the patients.
