FIRE ARCHIVES
DHR, MEMA, the LEMs & Maryland’s WST Example
Pamela Spring and Rainier C. Harvey, Sr.
May 12, 2010
The 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama was a truly historic event in many ways – and for many reasons, not least of which is that it provided a “golden standard” opportunity for the State of Maryland and its National Capital Region partners to use, validate, and learn from a
Law Enforcement Pandemic Resilience: Time to Recalibrate
Joseph W. Trindal
April 28, 2010
The global-disaster scenario originally forecast fell far short of the dire predictions. Which is a good reason to celebrate. But not a reason to stop planning and preparing for “what might have been.” Hurricane Katrina taught many lessons worth learning, the most important of which is that states, communities, and
A U.S. Responder’s View of Israeli Security & Preparedness
Glen Rudner
March 31, 2010
This first-person report by a homeland-security professional compares the U.S. civil-aviation security system with its Israeli counterpart and declares Israel a clear winner – for two reasons: (1) The virtually unanimous Israeli mindset is focused primarily on national survival; and (2) Israeli security sidesteps politics by profiling all passengers through
The Need for Situational Awareness in a CBRNE Attack
Jordan Nelms
March 24, 2010
The handling of mass-casualty incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and/or explosive materials requires special training and purpose-built systems and equipment, but the greatest need on-site is continuing awareness by emergency responders of the horrendous threat they, and the innocent victims they are helping, are facing.
The Short- & Long-Term Changes Needed at DHS, TSA
Neil C. Livingstone
March 23, 2010
Contrary to Secretary Napolitano’s rather politicized assertion that “the [U.S. aviation security] system worked,” it definitely did NOT work. But it could be made immensely more effective – less costly as well – if certain common-sense, albeit politically difficult, changes were made. Beginning immediately, and starting at the top.
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Another Role for NIMS Plus ICS
Stephen Grainer
March 10, 2010
The numerous presidential directives and policy documents issued since the 9/11 terrorist attacks have focused on various specialized areas of homeland-security and counterterrorism operations and activities. Many of those “specialized areas” are closely interrelated in their separate but complementary goals and objectives, though, and when used in combination can achieve
The PPE & Other Basic Needs of Tactical Officers
Richard Schoeberl
March 10, 2010
An alarming report issued by the WMD Commission – combined with the growing need to “protect the protectors” and an increase in other responsibilities – suggests that law-enforcement agencies, specifically including SWAT teams, may soon have to become hazmat experts as well.
Keeping It Simple – And the Need for Pre-Planning
William (Jeremy) Magers
March 10, 2010
Question: How does an all-electric racing car work? Answer: By pushing the “start” button. One of the biggest problems in the field of domestic preparedness, it says here, is the misguided instructional emphasis on theory and complex technology rather than maintaining a laser-beamed focus on practical training, the explanation of
ICD – Shorthand for a Potentially Ubiquitous Threat
Joseph Cahill
March 3, 2010
Chemicals are a part of the everyday American’s diet. They are used – in carefully measured doses, it is hoped – in manufacturing; in the processing of food, beverages, medicines, and numerous other consumables; and in many other ways in almost every country in the world. Because of their relatively
Lessons Learned for Critical Infrastructure
Andrew Pearsons
February 24, 2010
Most discussions about protection of the U.S. “critical infrastructure” focus on power plants, government buildings, nuclear facilities, and other high-value “things.” It says here that people, U.S. citizens, both government workers and the general public – human assets, in other words – also need protection and, in fact, should be
The Principles of Infrastructure Resilience
Scott Jackson
February 17, 2010
“Resilience” used to be an after-thought in preparedness planning. Today it is not only a fundamental principle, an ultimate goal, and an essential guideline, but also the concrete foundation (literally as well as figuratively) of long-range policies, funding decisions, and effective response and recovery operations.
Common Standards for CBRN PPE – An International Code
Diana Hopkins
January 27, 2010
Today’s well dressed emergency responder may not be featured in many fashion magazines and/or on TV commercials, but the personal protective equipment he or she is wearing is not only functional but also, usually, a very tight fit. An accessory bonus: It might also save his or her life.
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