Science & Technology Archives

Virtual Tabletop Exercise Series (VTTX) Active Shooter

Domestic Preparedness January 31, 2015

The Emergency Management Institute is conducting a virtual tabletop exercise series on active shooters. The VTTX involves key personnel discussing simulated active shooter scenarios in an informal setting. This exercise series can be used to assess plans, policies, training, and procedures.

Integrating Law Enforcement & Emergency Management

Lewis Eakins January 21, 2015

Federal, state, and local law enforcement, with a focus on combating criminal activity, is well aligned with homeland security initiatives. The attacks of 9/11 exposed the need for local law enforcement to increase its role in anti-terrorism activities. In the United States, there are 18,000 local police agencies and, according to

Cybersecurity as an Emergency Management Function

Ann Lesperance and Steve Stein January 21, 2015

Although emergency managers plan for all types of disasters that could potentially occur within or around their jurisdictions, cyberattacks present unique challenges when identifying the nature of, and understanding how to respond to, such threats. A true all-hazards approach to emergency preparedness necessarily includes protecting communities against cyberthreats.

FEMA’s New Planning Doctrine

Jordan Nelms January 14, 2015

Two new guidance documents further integrate emergency management planning efforts at the regional and national levels. The Federal Emergency Management Agency sets the stage for integrated planning and builds a coherent planning system by integrating the Threat and Hazard identification and Risk Assessment and providing valuable resources for national preparedness

Brainstorm – 25 Concepts From Subject Matter Experts

Domestic Preparedness December 31, 2014

When planning for its annual forecast issue, DomPrep reached out to subject matter experts in all preparedness disciplines to share which solutions they believe have significant potential to improve preparedness (readiness and resilience) over the next five years. In 200 words or less, more than 50 readers answered the call.

Body-Worn Cameras: The Path Forward

Denise Rodriguez King and James R. (Chip) Coldren Jr. December 17, 2014

As contradictory witness reports of police actions surface in law enforcement incidents across the United States, the White House proposes equipping all police officers with body-worn cameras. However, before implementing such programs, agencies first must examine related benefits and challenges, and evaluate and review the effectiveness of these cameras as

Future Response Capabilities: Five Points to Consider

Craig Crume December 17, 2014

With a few practical steps, state and local governments, as well as other planning and response agencies, can accomplish a lot with little or no changes in their budgets. These agencies can build capability, confidence, and readiness by developing concepts of operations, reviewing equipment needs, training personnel, maintaining instruments, and

The Future of Handheld Chemical Detection & Identification

Chris Petty December 10, 2014

By identifying technology gaps as well as trends in detection needs and capabilities, manufacturers are creating new mass spectrometry tools that are smaller, easier to use, and more accurate for trace-level detection and identification. In 2015, first responders, civil support teams, and military personnel may be able to fill gaps

Texas – Youth Volunteers in the Medical Reserve Corps

Lunetta Sims December 10, 2014

In Harris County, Texas, the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is leveraging its youth volunteers and establishing Junior MRC teams in its local high schools. By integrating a younger generation and recognizing the benefits that youth members can provide, MRCs can strengthen community preparedness and response for many years to come.

Communications Decision Could Impact Emergency Response

Christina Crue December 3, 2014

The Federal Communications Commission is considering changing the provider of the local number portability administrator. Emergency responders should be aware that this decision could affect responders’ ability to identify 911 callers, to track suspects, and to transition, test, and validate telephone databases following a disaster.

Community Preparedness for Power-Grid Failure

Mary Lasky November 25, 2014

Loss of the electric power grid could cause cascading effects following a major disaster. By working and planning together, individuals and communities will be better prepared and more resilient when faced with any disaster. As communities plan for major disasters, they also will be better prepared for not-so-major incidents.

Electromagnetic Pulse Triage & Recovery

Charles (Chuck) L. Manto November 25, 2014

There are immediate and long-term steps – planning, triaging, and shielding – that any organization can take to mitigate disasters related to electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Understanding how EMP works, benefits and types of protective actions, as well as standards and ratings will help simplify the process of protecting civilian critical

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