HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announces the allocation of $1.9 billion for new U.S. medical countermeasure capabilities - plus five "breakthrough" initiatives to get the ship underway and on a course both straight and true.
by John Contestabile, Assistant Program Manager for Homeland Protection, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab; summarized by John F. Morton -
The DP40 and DomPrep readers assess their opinions on the nationwide progress of evacuation planning. All levels of response, and responsibility, the federal, state, and local jurisdictions of government are required to develop effective evacuation plans and to have those plans in place before, not after, disaster strikes.
The "9/11" attacks on the World Trade Center Towers in New York City differed in several respects from the "7/7" bombings of the London transit system. But both of these mass-casualty disasters led to the belated public recognition of terrorism as a clear and present danger - and, from there, a much-needed reordering of U.S./U.K. homeland-defense practices and priorities.
To many Americans the well publicized apprehension of 10 Russian spies seemed to be a throwback to the Cold War - except for the amateurish bumbling and fumbling involved, which changed a potentially damaging international incident into a quasi-comedy. But the situation was not as funny as it seemed, and should be viewed as a helpful warning that the United States is still far too vulnerable not only to espionage but also to deliberate attacks by true professionals.
U.S. homeland-security capabilities have improved immensely over the past decade. But there are still too many gaps - in funding, in legislative authority, and in the dwindling pool of career-minded nuclear scientists and engineers. A distinguished former DNDO official discusses some important steps the executive and legislative branches of government can take to remedy current deficiencies and upgrade overall U.S. nuclear capabilities.
by Joseph Becker, Senior Vice President, Disaster Services, American Red Cross; Summarized by John F. Morton, Strategic Advisor -
The DP40 and DomPrep readers assess their opinions on the use of "social media" (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) in disaster response. The issues are important and may require the setting of policies - particularly in view of the legal ramifications involved with regard to liability.
Experts in aviation safety have long recognized that what is described as a "near miss" is actually a "near hit." The Times Square bombing attempt deserves the same unflinching judgment: Disaster was avoided not because of the superior competence of DHS and TSA, but because of the greater incompetence of a bungling amateur.
by Craig Vanderwagen, Former HHS (Department of Health & Human Services) Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response; Summarized by John F. Morton -
The DP40 and DomPrep readers assess their opinions on whether or not the United States hospitals are prepared to deal with the aftermath of a mass-casualty incident.
by Craig Vanderwagen, Former HHS (Department of Health & Human Services) Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response; Summarized by John F. Morton -
Are U.S. hospitals currently prepared to deal with the aftermath of a nuclear explosion - or any other mass-casualty incident? Not yet, according to the DP40 panel of experts. Reader opinions are hereby requested.
