As emergency managers and preparedness planners well know, the use of biological weapons against the United States, or any other nation, would probably be much longer lasting, and more devastating in its long-term consequences, than a nuclear attack. Which is why detection and prevention offer not only the best hope for "success" - however that flexible term is defined - but also, probably, the only hope.
by Kay Goss, Albert Romano, Glen Rudner & Douglas Kinney -
Experts agree that an "All of Nation" approach is the key component for effective resiliency planning. Resiliency starts from the bottom, where the needs are recognized and defined, and supported all the way to the top, where partnerships and collaboration make it all possible. This report provides valuable information for responders, receivers, planners, and managers in the public and private sectors who strive to build more resilient communities across the nation.
The U.S. Army's Edgewood Chemical Biological Center is home to scores of the most dangerous poisons, chemicals, explosive and radioactive materials, gases, and other toxic "substances" in the world. They are there for a humanitarian purpose: so they can be studied, analyzed, and tested in depth, and in numerous imaginative ways, to protect the nation's warfighters and the American people.
by Marko Bourne, Principal, Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) -
Experts agree that the reduction in federal grant funds will have a significant impact on state and local jurisdictions. The solution: Recognize past successes and failures, understand current concerns, and develop regional approaches for the future. This report provides valuable information for responders, receivers, planners, and managers who apply for or benefit from federal grants.
Read this "how to" article not only carefully but also constructively - and even a bit creatively at times. Here are not only the ABCs of the grant-application process but also the What, Why, When, Wherefore, and How questions most likely to be asked. Plus some friendly tips on key concepts, special forms and special names, grant guidelines, funding/fiscal resources/finances, and reviewers and the review process. Also, pre-planning, an all-inclusive approach, and a ton of hard work.
The cities and states seeking grant funds from DHS will be facing an uphill climb for the foreseeable future. DHS itself could help considerably, though, by clarifying the rules, eliminating inconsistencies, dropping all pork-barrel considerations, and - most important of all - inviting U.S. states and cities to become full partners in the decision-making process.
Total preparedness is perhaps impossible in the Age of Terrorism - and, it seems, of a major increase in the number and scope of natural disasters. But at least partial preparedness is not only feasible but politically and operationally mandatory as well. As always, preparedness starts with planning - and in the United States, at least, is facilitated and strongly encouraged by financial grants.
This common-sense Viewpoint analysis takes a close look at how most U.S. communities prepare, both economically and operationally, for sudden disasters. Five quick answers: 1. Many, perhaps most, do not. 2. Those that do, do not do it very well. 3. Outside help is usually needed. 4. Ahead of time. 5. Obtaining such help later is much more expen$$$ive.
by Major General Stephen Reeves, USA (Ret.), former Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical & Biological Defense, Department of Defense (DOD) -
Experts are in agreement that an effective biosurveillance program is needed to protect the nation's health, farm animals, agriculture and agricultural products of all types, and food supply. This report provides valuable information for responders, receivers, planners, and managers - and the American people at large.
A team is a team is a team. But a championship team is not built overnight - and definitely cannot rest on its laurels. The biggest difference, really, between a championship baseball team and a community's emergency-response team is that the baseball team gets tons more publicity and much higher pay, whereas the responders have to make do with such meager accomplishments as saving lives and, just perhaps, the local infrastructure.
