Comprehensive planning documents are vitally important, but they can easily become simple “check-the-box” requirements that result in sizeable unread documents that sit on the shelves. Organizations must take steps to avoid this pitfall.
Threats, hazards, and risks change over time as numerous variables change. This means preparedness professionals must be forward-thinking when planning for emergencies and disasters. Past events can teach valuable lessons for the future, and sometimes those lessons include adapting old plans to meet new or emerging challenges. The authors in this April edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share scenarios where communities will be better prepared by updating their plans and strategies to address growing national concerns.
Information sharing is a valuable tool used for various purposes. However, this tool’s power in preparing for and responding to emergencies should not be underestimated. The authors in this March edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal describe various ways information sharing reaches across potential barriers to help emergency preparedness professionals before, during, and after disasters.
Integrating information technology (IT) into emergency management and public safety agencies involves understanding an organization’s structure, culture, and mindset, making sound investments, facing challenges, and implementing change. Communication at the federal, state, and local levels is improving, but gaps exist between adapting IT solutions and organizational leadership principles.
Reducing or eliminating the long-term risks associated with natural, human-caused, or technological disasters begins with an awareness that specific threats exist, followed by actions to mitigate those threats. The authors in this February edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share some strategies and technologies they use.
The initial goal of a disaster plan should be to avoid the disaster. The secondary goal should be to respond effectively when a disaster cannot be avoided. The authors in this January edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share foreword-thinking ways to avoid or mitigate disaster by building a strong foundation before the next event.
When disaster strikes, sometimes those trained to respond find themselves and their families fleeing from the fire. Once their families are safe, they jump back in to assist wherever needed. This scenario happened to one emergency manager when the Beachie Creek wildfire engulfed surrounding Oregon communities with little warning.
As we come to the end of a challenging year and a tumultuous period, please know that your efforts are appreciated, and the sacrifices of you and your families have a significant and positive impact on all of our communities. On behalf of the Domestic Preparedness Journal, its staff, and its advisory board, we offer a heartfelt thank you to all of the preparedness professionals who are carrying out critical roles every day to benefit all of us.
A transformational leadership style can help bridge relationship and communication gaps between leaders and other community stakeholders. Learn how one young deputy fire chief learned from his past leadership missteps and honed his meta-leadership skills, which were essential in reconnecting communities when he became a state emergency manager.
Each person plays a critical leadership role, from top leadership to frontline workers. The authors in the December edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal share various ways readers (aka leaders) can build strength and resilience within their workforces and structures.
