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Article Archive by Year

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National Preparedness Month 2024: Talk About It

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”
eight hands stacked on top of each other in a circle

Community Engagement – Strength in Numbers

August 28, 2024
When community leaders in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery invest in engagements with community members, the return on investment can be measured in lives, properties, and money saved. The authors in this August edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal describe ways to strengthen the entire community against known and not-yet-known

Vulnerability and Exploitation: Human Trafficking After Natural Disasters

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.

Dual-World Tabletop Exercises: Addressing Unmet Infrastructure Needs

August 21, 2024
The U.S. critical infrastructure is vulnerable to many forms of cyber and electromagnetic threats. This article presents a new tabletop exercise concept for addressing these ongoing threats to critical infrastructure. Similar to medical research groups that involve treatment and control groups, two exercise groups would work simultaneously on the same

Realizing the Power of Community in Disaster Recovery

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.
AI-generated image of people helping distribute medications in a pharmaceutical warehouse

Bridging Preparedness: State Medication Reserves for Pandemics and Beyond

August 14, 2024
New human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been confirmed in the United States. Although most cases like this do not escalate to pandemic status, it is critical that communities be better prepared than they were for COVID-19. However, one study shows that preparedness gaps may hinder these efforts.

Lessons in Social Media: Preparing Kids and Community Leaders for Disasters

August 7, 2024
Addressing children’s needs during a crisis can be challenging. Leveraging social media to create crisis communication campaigns can be an effective way to boost community outreach efforts and raise awareness of the unique needs children have in disaster planning and response. Successful social media campaigns by governmental and non-governmental organizations

A Homeland Vulnerability Continues

August 7, 2024
The U visa process offers help to immigrants who are victims of certain violent crimes. However, loopholes or weaknesses in the process could provide a safe haven for undeserving applicants. Learn more about the process, its flaws, and how to close the gaps to guard against foreign threats while protecting
Tornado disaster devastation includes tree damage

So Much More to Do After the Initial Response

July 31, 2024
When a disaster strikes, people pay attention. They watch the news, check on their loved ones, and help survivors as they can. However, after the threat has passed and the initial response has ended, there is still a lot of work to do. The authors in this July edition of

National Preparedness Month 2024: Talk About It

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”

Community Engagement – Strength in Numbers

August 28, 2024
When community leaders in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery invest in engagements with community members, the return on investment can be measured in lives, properties, and money saved. The authors in this August edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal describe ways to strengthen the entire community against known and not-yet-known

Vulnerability and Exploitation: Human Trafficking After Natural Disasters

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.

Dual-World Tabletop Exercises: Addressing Unmet Infrastructure Needs

August 21, 2024
The U.S. critical infrastructure is vulnerable to many forms of cyber and electromagnetic threats. This article presents a new tabletop exercise concept for addressing these ongoing threats to critical infrastructure. Similar to medical research groups that involve treatment and control groups, two exercise groups would work simultaneously on the same

Realizing the Power of Community in Disaster Recovery

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.

Bridging Preparedness: State Medication Reserves for Pandemics and Beyond

August 14, 2024
New human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been confirmed in the United States. Although most cases like this do not escalate to pandemic status, it is critical that communities be better prepared than they were for COVID-19. However, one study shows that preparedness gaps may hinder these efforts.

Lessons in Social Media: Preparing Kids and Community Leaders for Disasters

August 7, 2024
Addressing children’s needs during a crisis can be challenging. Leveraging social media to create crisis communication campaigns can be an effective way to boost community outreach efforts and raise awareness of the unique needs children have in disaster planning and response. Successful social media campaigns by governmental and non-governmental organizations

A Homeland Vulnerability Continues

August 7, 2024
The U visa process offers help to immigrants who are victims of certain violent crimes. However, loopholes or weaknesses in the process could provide a safe haven for undeserving applicants. Learn more about the process, its flaws, and how to close the gaps to guard against foreign threats while protecting

So Much More to Do After the Initial Response

July 31, 2024
When a disaster strikes, people pay attention. They watch the news, check on their loved ones, and help survivors as they can. However, after the threat has passed and the initial response has ended, there is still a lot of work to do. The authors in this July edition of

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Article Out Loud – Jane Doe – Responding to Vulnerable Patients

June 26, 2024
  Full article by Catherine L. Feinman, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, June 26, 2024. In this feature article, the editor of Domestic Preparedness shares the real-life story of a medical crew who responded to a call that left a lasting impression. Despite the prevalence of first responders

Article Out Loud – Invisible Chains: Human Trafficking, Drug Abuse, and Support

June 19, 2024
  Full article by Sandra Dennis-Essig, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, June 19, 2024. In this feature article, an emergency manager collaborated with the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking as an advocate, speaker, and survivor to share trauma-informed care and advocacy that first responders, legislators, and others

Article Out Loud – Fentanyl Hazards and Detection

June 12, 2024
  Full article by Ashley Bradley and Kristin Omberg, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, June 12, 2024. In this feature article, a biomedical scientist and a senior technical advisor share new ways scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are expanding detection strategies and technologies to keep responders safe. The

Article Out Loud – A Modern Take on an Age-Old Biological Weapon

June 12, 2024
  Full article by Raphael M. Barishansky, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, June 12, 2024. In this feature article, a public health leader shares his perspective on the recent reports of North Korea launching balloons filled with fecal matter and propaganda into South Korea. Could similar tactics be

Article Out Loud – The Nexus Between Drug and Human Trafficking

June 5, 2024
  Full article by Richard Schoeberl, Jeff Bolettieri, and Bill Loucks, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, June 5, 2024. In this feature article, three professionals with extensive law enforcement experience describe how transnational criminal organizations are using their experience in drug trafficking to utilize routes and operating procedures

Article Out Loud – A Plan to Protect the Youngest Children

June 5, 2024
  Full article by Marie O’Connell, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, June 5, 2024. In this feature article, the executive director of a non-profit organization serving children and educators describes a safety program in Florida that is free to schools. Most educational and training programs for protecting schools

Article Out Loud – A Critical Imperative for Natural Hazards

May 29, 2024
  Full article by Sandra Dennis-Essig, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, May 29, 2024. In this feature article, an emergency management professional describes how communities can take a comprehensive preparedness approach to mitigate the potentially devastating effects of natural hazards by integrating the intricate interrelations of physical, social,

Article Out Loud – Key Bridge Collapse: Unity of Effort

May 22, 2024
  Full article by Michael Prasad, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, May 22, 2024. In this feature article, a Certified Emergency Manager and senior research analyst provides an update on the unity of effort involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse effort in Baltimore, Maryland. Together, many

Article Out Loud – The Psychology of Crisis

May 22, 2024
  Full article by Mary Schoenfeldt, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, May 22, 2024. In this feature article, the board president of Green Cross Academy of Traumatology describes the psychological side of disasters and other impactful events as a critical component of crisis management. Many people still do
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Domestic Preparedness

2883 Highway 71 E
P.O. Box 285
Del Valle, TX 78617-9998

Editorial Statement

Founded in 1998, Domestic Preparedness continues to be a pioneering thought leader in the emergency preparedness, response, and recovery space. The multidisciplinary editorial focus helps professionals acquire critical information to develop collaborative, real-world solutions. With relevant, multidisciplinary, whole-community intelligence from the front lines, practitioners can learn from diverse perspectives. The authoritative, practitioner-centered, multimedia information platform disseminates intelligence the way busy management-level public- and private-sector professionals want to learn. This is the trusted source for content written by practitioners, for practitioners, with relevant, real-world best practices.

DomesticPreparedness.com, the Domestic Preparedness Journal and the Weekly Brief include facts, views, opinions, and recommendations of individuals and organizations deemed of interest. The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas A&M University System do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of, or otherwise endorse, these views, facts, opinions or recommendations.
©2025 Texas Division of Emergency Management

Domestic Preparedness

2883 Highway 71E

P.O. Box 285

Del Valle, TX 78617-9998

Editorial Statement

Founded in 1998, Domestic Preparedness continues to be a pioneering thought leader in the emergency preparedness, response, and recovery space. The multidisciplinary editorial focus helps professionals acquire critical information to develop collaborative, real-world solutions. With relevant, multidisciplinary, whole-community intelligence from the front lines, practitioners can learn from diverse perspectives. The authoritative, practitioner-centered, multimedia information platform disseminates intelligence the way busy management-level public- and private-sector professionals want to learn. This is the trusted source for content written by practitioners, for practitioners, with relevant, real-world best practices.

DomesticPreparedness.com, the Domestic Preparedness Journal and the Weekly Brief include facts, views, opinions, and recommendations of individuals and organizations deemed of interest. The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas A&M University System do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of, or otherwise endorse, these views, facts, opinions or recommendations.
©2025 Texas Division of Emergency Management
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