By JUDY KRUGER & KYLE OVERLY, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 24, 2022.

Before 2019, partner agencies coordinated incident command primarily from a physical emergency operations center (EOC). This practice shifted to virtual EOCs during the COVID-19 pandemic for many agencies. Virtual EOCs can effectively address community needs through all phases of consequence management. Emergency management and partner agencies have found virtual on-scene coordination efficient, cost-effective, and flexible. 

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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By HAILEY YORK & LINDSEY LANE, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 24, 2022.

Human trafficking is the world’s second-largest criminal industry. In the wake of natural disasters, the risk to vulnerable populations rises. This article informs preparedness and response professionals on how to better protect their communities and prepare their workforces to identify the signs of human trafficking, understand recruiting methods, consider pre-existing vulnerabilities, and learn other information to mitigate this growing threat.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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By SARA RUBIN, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, October 24, 2012.

By using mHealth technologies, local health departments can improve their efficiency and effectiveness not only in communicating with the public but also in dispensing medical countermeasures during large-scale pandemics. Current initiatives can offer a starting point on how to integrate mobile technology into local preparedness planning efforts.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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By MARKO BOURNE, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, January 30, 2013.

Joplin High School and Sandy Hook Elementary School both suffered devastating disasters - one natural and one manmade. In both cases, the residents rallied behind their schools and their communities to rebuild and recover. Lesson learned: From unexpected events, unexpected leaders often emerge who are both willing and able to lead their communities back to some form of "normal."

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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By ROBERT C. HUTCHINSON, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 17, 2022.

Although it may not have been readily apparent in early 2020, the federal government did have a comprehensive national strategy and implementation plan for a pandemic threat. Despite having these resources and knowledge, the United States was still unprepared to effectively respond to COVID-19. This article points out the preparedness gaps and the urgency to close them before the next major public health threat.

Narrated by Randy Vivian.

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By ERIN VALENTINE, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 17, 2022.

Effective trainings are ones where the participants remember and later implement what they learned into their daily operations. Not everyone knows how they would respond in a true emergency. However, some trainings provide a more realistic glimpse into disaster scenarios than others. This first-hand account describes what it was like for one participant inside a hospital training facility.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson. 

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By THOMAS P. RUSSO, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 08, 2012. 

Having choices opens many opportunities for patients and responders as well as medical staff within the U.S. healthcare system. However, that benefit has led to complications in communications and the sharing of information. Healthcare coalitions are seeking better ways to meet daily operational goals while at the same time expanding the capabilities available to cope with emergency surges and mass-casualty incidents.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson. 

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By SETH KOMANSKY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 23, 2017. 

First responders are often deployed to unique operating environments, which include large-scale special events with many participants and spectators: street festivals; road races or marathons; concerts; and sporting events. These environments require leadership to take a forward-thinking posture in the planning process to develop a strategy. It also relies on front-line personnel to execute tactics that vary from day-to-day operations.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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By KESLEY RICHARDSON, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 10, 2022.

Emergency management professionals are regularly tasked with high-stress responsibilities, including political pressure, life safety concerns, vulnerable infrastructure, and community vulnerabilities. Three ways to reduce the risk of burnout and increase retention efforts are described in this article: lead with care, invest in psychological support, and look at the schedule.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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By IAN PLEET, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 10, 2022.

Mass shootings have spurred agencies to shift from reactive to proactive measures to mitigate threats and their consequences. Tactical medicine plays a significant role in reducing deaths associated with active assailant incidents. This article explains how trained first responders with the correct equipment and the courage to use it can be on the scene, saving lives even before the attacker is subdued.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson. 

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By THEODORE (TED) TULLY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 02, 2012. 

No matter what the Supreme Court decides on the constitutionality of the healthcare reform act, U.S. hospitals must prepare now for major changes in their planning, everyday operations, and both budgetary and personnel resources. Many of those changes may be costly. Most will be time-consuming and/or difficult to implement. But in the long term, almost all will benefit - the hospitals themselves, their medical staff, and -most important of all - their patients.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson. 

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By STEPHEN GRAINER, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 15, 2013. 

The United States already has a national system in place that can help responders "manage" any disaster situation - both natural and manmade. By adapting and modifying the concepts and processes of the Incident Command System, large and small jurisdictions alike can easily incorporate several categories of specialized response teams into complex response efforts.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson. 

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By RUTH BAUGHER PALMER, MARY MCNAUGHTON-CASSILL & MARY SCHOENFELDT, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 03, 2022.

Disasters are often described in terms of the physical damages they incur. However, the significant impact on mental health, which can have even longer-term consequences, sometimes is not addressed until after the response phase of the disaster is complete. This article explains the importance of immediately and simultaneously addressing both the physical and psychological effects of an event. 

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson. 

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By JAMES MARTIN, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 03, 2022. 

Emergency preparedness often involves preparing for a particular type of disaster. However, each disaster can affect people differently depending on their individual physical and mental abilities. This article helps emergency preparedness and response professionals address the needs of individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs and know how to respond respectfully and provide the best possible care. 

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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By VINCENT B. DAVIS, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, February 24, 2016. 

This 2016 article describes a continuity gap that still exists today in many corporations. Corporate confusion could spell disastrous response in a crisis. To dispel such confusion, companies should have an emergency manager on staff, ensure that employees are well prepared, and recognize that managing daily business operations is not the same as managing response and recovery operation after a disaster.

Narrated by Randy Vivian. 

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By JOSEPH CAHILL, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, July 16, 2014.

Emergency managers are tasked with creating disaster plans to protect the people within their jurisdictions. With numerous possible scenarios, any disaster may require the establishment of special facilities to provide sheltering, vaccinations, and other emergency services to the public. A comprehensive plan coupled with quick decision-making skills will help ensure that the proper facilities and services are available. This 2014 article describes some of these specific services.

Narrated by Randy Vivian. 

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