Updates

FEMA Seeks Public Feedback on Cost-Effective Hazard Mitigation Measures

FEMA is seeking public feedback from state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) stakeholders and the general public on how communities use Mitigation funding through the Public Assistance Program.

News Release: DHS S&T Develops Portable Outdoor Gunshot Detection Technology for Law Enforcement

A new portable Gunshot Detection System can provide critical information about outdoor shooting incidents almost instantaneously to first responders. The system, called SDS Outdoor, was developed in collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) of Rowley, MA.

TSA breaks record for number of firearms at security checkpoints, announces new measures to mitigate threat

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have intercepted a record number of firearms brought by passengers to airport security checkpoints in 2022.TSA anticipates it will prevent about 6,600 firearms in carry-on bags from entering the secure area of airports by the end of 2022, a nearly 10% increase over 2021’s record level.

Understanding What Responders Need

Join Science and Technology in Harbison State Forest, South Carolina, as they test a newly designed respirator tailored to help wildland firefighters breathe easier. Hear insights from test director Hasan Shahid from the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory as he walks through the test and evaluation exercise of this tech that will make a difference on the fire line.

DHS to Address Life, Safety, Environmental, and Remediation Requirements for Border Barrier Projects in San Diego, Yuma, El Paso

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas has authorized U.S. Customs and Border Protection to move forward with activities necessary to address life, safety, environmental, and remediation requirements for border barrier projects located within the U.S. Border Patrol’s San Diego, Yuma, and El Paso Sectors.

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Confirmation of Shailen Bhatt as 21st Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration

The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that Shailen Bhatt has been confirmed as the 21st Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. Nominated by President Biden on July 21, 2022, Mr. Bhatt was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 8, 2022.

DHS Secretary Mayorkas Announces Inaugural Members of Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council

As part of the White House Tribal Nations Summit, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the appointment of 15 members to the first-ever Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council. Including one of our own advisors, Lynda Zambrano, Founder, and Executive Director, National Tribal Emergency Management Council and the Northwest Tribal Emergency Management Council.

2022 D.C. Interoperability Summit After Action Report

The 2022 Interoperability Summit After Action Report and Summary is now available. The 4th annual D.C. Interoperability Summit marked the 40th anniversary of the Air Florida Flight 90 Crash and the D.C. Metro Orange Line Train Derailment, as well as the 26th anniversary of the abduction and murder of Amber Hagerman. Learn how far interoperable communications have come in the past 40 years.

We Want to Hear from You!

Interested in sharing your thoughts on ways to improve the Domestic Preparedness Journal? Willing to help by participating in a 60-minute market research interview? We’re conducting interviews by videoconference the week of December 5th and 12th and we want to hear from you!

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Releases National Security Memorandum to Strengthen the Security and Resilience of U.S. Food and Agriculture

President Joe Biden signed National Security Memorandum-16 (NSM-16) to strengthen the security and resilience of United States food and agriculture. The National Security Memorandum builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing work to ensure that American families have access to safe, affordable food, that America’s producers are able to get their goods to market, and that the American food and agricultural system is better prepared for threats that may harm the health of crops and livestock and cause shocks to the cost or availability of food.