DomPrep's Editor-in-Chief Catherine Feinman interviewed subject matter experts from various disciplines to find out their suggestions for improving the "Whole Community" effort in jurisdictions across the country.
Having a toolbox with the right tools and instructions on how to use these tools would better equip new emergency managers who may be faced with high levels of operation in short time periods. Community stakeholders and local emergency managers should work together to stock the emergency management toolbox for the next generation.
When passengers joined forces to thwart the ultimate objectives of their plane's hijackers on 9/11, little did they know they would be inspiring change among every member of society. In light of growing terrorist threats, individuals are now being implored by authorities to remember that, when running and hiding are not an option, it is time to fight.
Paris is the most recent reminder of the barbaric acts of brutality and terrorism committed by the Islamic State. Although this extremist terror organization has committed despicable acts - such as crucifixions, beheadings, live burnings, and bombings - the threat of its brutality is expanding beyond Europe, with even deadlier consequences.
As public health funding and staffing continue to decline, communities are left more vulnerable to the next catastrophic public health emergency. The United States is failing in its public health preparedness efforts. The nation's resilience depends on the government and public health making critical changes to reverse this downward trend.
There is no single solution to cybersecurity concerns. Technology is advancing, but nothing can replace solid planning and training. All three pillars are necessary to balance cyberthreats. If too much emphasis is placed on one pillar, the vulnerability gap will expand. Ensuring the constant growth and evolution of this trilogy is currently the best way to thwart threats that are ever evolving.
As National Preparedness Month comes to a close, DomPrep would like to remind its readers that preparedness is a year-round process that involves practitioners at all levels. One good example of this type of outreach comes from Baltimore City's Health Commissioner, Dr. Leana Wen, who hosts a live weekly call-in podcast to share information and to address the city's health concerns.
The single extreme solar storm (GMD/geomagnetic disturbance) or electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack (manmade weapon) - together often known as natural and manmade EMP, or simply EMP - could cause a blackout lasting months or years. Even for government officials who have the authority to do something about it, legislation may be required to make new demands on a resistant, powerful industry.
Among some professional emergency managers and media outlets, the role of senior elected officials in incident response and recovery efforts is, at best, perceived as unhelpful. However, political engagement is necessary for effective disaster response and recovery, and continuous, meaningful involvement of elected officials is an essential element of the National Preparedness System.
As the Islamic State group increases its threats around the world, the United States is grossly unprepared to track radicalized members and sympathizers, or to even know how many there are in the United States and abroad. At this point, an international coalition effort is the best hope for thwarting this unpredictable, yet ever-growing, "lawless" group.
