december 2022

Updates

TSA breaks record for number of firearms at security checkpoints, announces new measures to mitigate threat

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have intercepted a record number of firearms brought by passengers to airport security checkpoints in 2022.TSA anticipates it will prevent about 6,600 firearms in carry-on bags from entering the secure area of airports by the end of 2022, a nearly 10% increase over 2021’s record level.

Updates

Understanding What Responders Need

Join Science and Technology in Harbison State Forest, South Carolina, as they test a newly designed respirator tailored to help wildland firefighters breathe easier. Hear insights from test director Hasan Shahid from the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory as he walks through the test and evaluation exercise of this tech that will make a difference on the fire line.

Commentary

Publisher's Note: Auld Lang Syne (A Chance to Recollect and Restore)

by MacGregor Stephenson -

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.

Resilience

How Technology Systems Impact Critical Infrastructure

by Nathan DiPillo & Paul Galyen -

Operational technology systems that run many critical infrastructure functions are becoming more dependent on information technology. As these worlds converge, emergency preparedness professionals must address the related security challenges. This article shares some lessons learned and uses a foundational knowledge of the topic to inspire possible solutions.

Commentary

The Importance of Strong Leadership for a Unique Discipline

by David Fogerson -

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.

Podcast

Article Out Loud - How Technology Systems Impact Critical Infrastructure

By NATHAN DIPILLO & PAUL GALYEN, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal. 

Operational technology systems that run many critical infrastructure functions are becoming more dependent on information technology. As these worlds converge, emergency preparedness professionals must address the related security challenges. This article shares some lessons learned and uses a foundational knowledge of the topic to inspire possible solutions. 

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

Click HERE to view the full article.

Podcast

Article Out Loud - The Importance of Strong Leadership for a Unique Discipline

by DAVID FOGERSON, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal.

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. 

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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Click HERE to view the full article. 

Commentary

Building Strength in Workforce and Structure

by Catherine L. Feinman -

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.

Updates

DHS to Address Life, Safety, Environmental, and Remediation Requirements for Border Barrier Projects in San Diego, Yuma, El Paso

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas has authorized U.S. Customs and Border Protection to move forward with activities necessary to address life, safety, environmental, and remediation requirements for border barrier projects located within the U.S. Border Patrol’s San Diego, Yuma, and El Paso Sectors.

Preparedness

Applying Environmental Design to Prevent Active Shooters

by Rodney Andreasen -

Active shooter trainings can help prevent some injuries and deaths. However, additional measures should also be taken to prevent the attack from occurring. This article describes how to apply environmental design to thwart attackers.

Resilience

Implementing “Stop the Bleed” for Future K-12 Educators

by Will Brewer, Peggy Bergeron, and Wayne Bergeron -

How have recent school shootings impacted future K-12 educators and what new skills will help better prepare them for potential threats? One study at the University of North Alabama combined training and research to answer this question.

Podcast

Article Out Loud - Applying Environmental Design to Prevent Active Shooters

by RODNEY ANDREASEN, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal. 

Active shooter trainings can help prevent some injuries and deaths. However, additional measures should also be taken to prevent the attack from occurring. This article describes how to apply environmental design to thwart attackers.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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Click HERE to view the full article. 

Podcast

Article Out Loud - Implementing “Stop the Bleed” for Future K-12 Educators

By WILL BREWER, PEGGY BERGERON, AND WAYNE BERGERON, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal.

How have recent school shootings impacted future K-12 educators and what new skills will help better prepare them for potential threats? One study at the University of North Alabama combined training and research to answer this question.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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Click HERE to view the full article. 

Podcast

Article Out Loud - Public Health Answers for Non-Public Health Organizations

by CHARLES (CHAS) EBY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, October 23, 2013.

Public health is a concern for all citizens, but the preparedness efforts for public health emergencies provide information primarily to that sector. Members of the private sector and/or other "non-public health organizations" should take the additional steps needed to help ensure that continuity of operations plans are in place before a major health emergency develops.

Narrated by Randy Vivian. 

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Click HERE to view the full article. 

Podcast

Article Out Loud - Operation Twister - Exercising Disaster Behavioral Response

by CRAIG DEATLEY, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, July 08, 2015.

Functional exercises are invaluable for helping participants understand their roles in disasters. This is particularly true for participants who normally are not included in interagency exercises, such as behavioral health personnel. Triaging following a disaster should not stop at the physical level, but should consider psychological concerns as well.

Narrated by Randy Vivian. 

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Click HERE to view the full article. 

Updates

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Confirmation of Shailen Bhatt as 21st Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration

The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that Shailen Bhatt has been confirmed as the 21st Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. Nominated by President Biden on July 21, 2022, Mr. Bhatt was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 8, 2022.

Reports

Cybersecurity: A Primer

This In Focus provides an overview of cybersecurity for policymaking purposes, describes issues that cybersecurity affects, and discusses potential actions Congress could take. 

View Full Report
Reports

Defense Primer: Cyberspace Operations

This In Focus provides an update, and overview, of cyberspace operations. The Department of Defense defines cyberspace as a global domain within the information environment consisting of the interdependent network of information technology infrastructures and resident data, including the internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers. 

View Full Report
Podcast

Article Out Loud - Value of Enterprise Data Management in Emergency Management

By ANNE MARIE SMITH, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, December 07, 2022.

An enterprise data management program emphasizes the importance of managing information as an asset and protecting it from misuse or loss. Knowing the landscape of data and how to manage it is critical to an organization’s recovery and sustainability after a disaster. This article explains the need to coordinate data management with emergency planning.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson

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Click HERE to view the full article. 

 

Preparedness

Value of Enterprise Data Management in Emergency Management

by Anne Marie Smith -

An enterprise data management program emphasizes the importance of managing information as an asset and protecting it from misuse or loss. Knowing the landscape of data and how to manage it is critical to an organization’s recovery and sustainability after a disaster. This article explains the need to coordinate data management with emergency planning.

Resilience

Maintaining a Strong Volunteer Force

by Kristina L. Hamilton -

Volunteers are a lifeline for many nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies during emergencies and disasters. However, recruiting and retaining good volunteers can be difficult. This article shares some simple strategies and tools for any emergency preparedness professional seeking to build and maintain a strong volunteer force.

Podcast

Article Out Loud - Maintaining a Strong Volunteer Force

By KRISTINA L. HAMILTON, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, December 07, 2022.

Volunteers are a lifeline for many nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies during emergencies and disasters. However, recruiting and retaining good volunteers can be difficult. This article shares some simple strategies and tools for any emergency preparedness professional seeking to build and maintain a strong volunteer force.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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Click HERE to view the full article. 

Podcast

Article Out Loud - Incident Response for Nursing & Assisted Living Homes

By STEVEN MAYNARD, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, August 20, 2014.

The adaptability of the Incident Command System makes it a valuable tool for a variety of agencies and organizations. During fire incidents, for example, fatality rates at healthcare facilities such as nursing and assisted living homes could be reduced if proper procedures are in place for managing the special needs of these vulnerable populations.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson. 

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Click HERE to view the full article. 

Podcast

Article Out Loud - Listeria - When Food Bites Back

By DANA PITTS, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 26, 2013.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six Americans suffer from food poisoning each year; most of those cases are attributed to familiar pathogens like Salmonella. However, the deadliest U.S. foodborne disease outbreak in nearly a century was caused by a lesser known, but much more fatal bacteria in 2011 - Listeria monocytogenes.

Narrated by MacGregor Stephenson.

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Click HERE to view the full article. 

Updates

DHS Secretary Mayorkas Announces Inaugural Members of Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council

As part of the White House Tribal Nations Summit, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the appointment of 15 members to the first-ever Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council. Including one of our own advisors, Lynda Zambrano, Founder, and Executive Director, National Tribal Emergency Management Council and the Northwest Tribal Emergency Management Council.