The Department of Homeland Security is offering "Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas" as a free on-line training course. This course introduces students to the characteristics of a pandemic influenza, the effects that a pandemic influenza can have on every facet of our society, and the steps their organizations can take to minimize the pandemics effect.
A professional emergency manager is defined based on a combination of education, training, experience, and other attributes, such as: a common body of knowledge; specialized skills and abilities; adherence to standards, ethics, and a code of conduct; and determination of compliance procedures. However, the true attributes of a professional emergency manager are developed over time.
by University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security -
Emergency management agencies must build relationships with many different agencies and organizations. In some cases, these relationships grow into an integrated partnership with diverse roles and responsibilities. The Center for Health and Homeland Security and Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Emergency Management have one such partnership, which is helping to build resilience throughout the region.
New terrorist threats against Western nations surface each day. Although these threats have prevented many citizens of these nations from traveling abroad, many other citizens continue to travel for school, work, and pleasure. By recognizing the threats and taking adequate precautions, travelers can reduce their risk of harm to life and safety.
Critical infrastructure protection focuses on everyday activities related to all kinds of hazards to promote security and threat deterrence. Community and infrastructure protection, transportation and trans-border security, and protection of key leadership and events encompass the mission activities of the new National Protection Framework.
The civil unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, has raised questions about the transfer of Department of Defense (DOD) resources to nonmilitary law enforcement agencies. However, the answers to these questions require some background information about the DOD 1033 program and the equipment used on the streets in Saint Louis County.
Top experts will update measures to plan for and mitigate high-impact threats such as electromagnetic pulse, extreme space, and cyber on critical infrastructure. This year's conference also will review recent emergency management tabletop exercises providing insights into practical steps that can be taken to reduce the tragic effects of these high-impact scenarios.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has continued to use its legacy early warning system for biological threats as it continues to weigh costs against effectiveness in its search for better technological solutions. In the meantime, "big data" and social media analytics offer incremental steps toward better biodetection and response.
The adaptability of the Incident Command System makes it a valuable tool for a variety of agencies and organizations. During fire incidents, for example, fatality rates at healthcare facilities such as nursing and assisted living homes could be reduced if proper procedures are in place for managing the special needs of these vulnerable populations.
Modern communication methods and social media enable rapid transfer of information. As a result, there is often an influx of responders and onlookers when an incident occurs. To manage those who were not dispatched to the scene, a staging area manager can help establish a check-in post, organize and track resources, and share information with the command post.
