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 International Association of Emergency Managers provides a golden example by demonstrating how global-outreach programs can benefit all members of a specific professional community - and, not incidentally, the varied publics they serve. Here is a must-read insider's report from a recognized U.S. expert.
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.
The state of Florida's Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Statewide Pharmaceutical Services (BSPS), has selected the IRMS 360|Enterprise solution suite in a hosted environment to manage the state's pharmaceutical inventory. Software selected from the suite includes IRMS|EM Emergency Management, IRMS|WM Warehouse Management & IRMS|BI Business Intelligence, all of which are designed to provide the BSPS with real-time visibility, enhanced accuracy, and increased productivity.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S. Pistole have launched two major enhancements to general aviation security: (a) the general aviation component of DHS's nationwide "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign; and (b) a streamlined system for vetting passengers and crew on general aviation aircraft entering and exiting the United States through a single, Department-wide process.
Idaho Technology has announced the launching of two new accessories to the R.A.P.I.D. LT Food Security System: the Carousel Centrifuge; and a Workflow Center. The two accessories are intended to both speed up and simplify the sample handling and setup time for the R.A.P.I.D. LT Food Security System.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has launched the "Blue Campaign" - a DHS-wide initiative to combat human trafficking through enhanced public awareness, victim assistance programs, and law enforcement training and initiatives.
The Communicator! NXT emergency notification system will enable authorized personnel to deliver critical information or instruction via voice and text using multiple communications devices (e.g., landline, cell phone, smartphone, pager, email, etc.). The application will also provide feedback to NASA officials, facilitating faster and better informed decision-making.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has announced the deployment of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-funded advanced imaging technology (AIT) to 28 additional airports nationwide - strengthening security at airports throughout the nation while creating local jobs.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report which discusses the Department of Homeland Security and its component agencies' progress and challenging remaining regarding strengthening risk management, educing the risk of small-vessel threats, implementing foreign port assessments, and enhancing supply chain security.
The Institute for Defense and Government Advancement (IDGA) will bring together thought leaders and key policy-makers - representing a spectrum of local, state, and federal law enforcement, DHS, and international government organizations - to discuss current and future border security initiatives. This time-sensitive and mission-critical event will feature three major tracks to shed more light on future business goals: Policy, Procedure & Technology.
President Obama has authorized deployment of up to an additional 1,200 National Guard troops to the U.S. Southwest border with Mexico to support U.S. intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and counternarcotics enforcement. The troops are expected to provide support for one year as part of the administration's efforts to crack down on transnational smuggling and cartel violence, as CBP (Customs & Border Protection) continues to recruit & train additional officers and agents to serve on the Southwest border.
by Dr. David Cullin, Senior Vice President, Technology Transition, ICx Technologies Inc. -
"The year 2013" is the best-guess estimate of a high-level government commission of when the United States "can expect a terrorist attack...[involving] nuclear or biological materials." Which means there is very little time left to prepare for Armageddon. A senior corporate executive and highly respected scientist offers his views on what must be done to avert a massive global disaster.
From the Last Days of Pompeii to the present, great nations and individual citizens have been striving to cope with random acts of nature. In one sense, this striving represents an almost hopeless quest for perfection. But in a larger sense the lessons learned, and the lives saved, not only make the effort worthwhile for today's world but also serve as a beacon of hope for the future.
From the glory days of the Roman empire to the space age the mandatory width of a public road had to be "enough to accommodate two horses pulling a chariot and trotting side by side" - or so the story goes. Today, the setting of minimum widths, sizes, etc. - plus numerous qualitative intangibles - is much more complex, but also much more important.
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.
For the first time, survivors of a disaster will now be able to apply for federal disaster assistance on their Smartphones, making aid more immediately accessible for people after a disaster hits. This new tool, created at the direction of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Administrator Craig Fugate, can be accessed directly at the agency's new mobile web site m.fema.gov.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) will host the fifth annual Workshop on Precision Indoor Personnel Location and Tracking Technology for Emergency Responders, Aug. 2-3, 2010. The only national forum in this emerging field, the workshop will bring together approximately 130 leading researchers from industry, academia, government, first responders, and representatives of federal, state & local governments to explore the state of the field and discuss future technical challenges.
Environics USA (EUSA), a leader in CBRN protection products, has promoted Timo Jaakkola to the position of Chief Operations Officer (COO). In his expanded role he continues to be responsible for technical issues but he also has responsibility for sales, marketing and operations for EUSA.
Larson Electronics has added a Class 1 and Class 2 rated explosion-proof LED (light-emitting diode) drop light on an explosion-proof reel to its wide array of hazardous location lighting on magnalight.com. Featuring lower operating temperatures, brighter light, and drop proof durability, the EHL-LED-7W-50-HR explosion-proof hand lamp with 50- foot SOOW cord reduces the need for re-lamping and maintenance.
"For years, health policy leaders on both sides of the aisle have urged adoption of electronic health records throughout our health care system to improve quality of care and ultimately lower costs," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. "Today, with the leadership of the President and the Congress, we are making that goal a reality."
"Achieving these priorities will take time, energy, and the hard work of the men and women at TSA (Transportation Security Administration)," said TSA Administrator John Pistole. "But I believe they are essential to strengthening the ability of the agency to ensure the safety of the traveling public."
Raytheon delivered its third Mobile Nuclear Radiation Detection System (MNRDS) to Florida's Department of Transportation. The MNRDS is a mobile radiation detection system mounted in a sports utility vehicle; it provides the ability to detect and identify nuclear radiation in mobile and stationary operations using advanced spectroscopic technology.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has announced the availability of more than $1.8 billion in FY2010 Federal Emergency Management Agency preparedness grants designed to help states, urban areas, tribal governments, and non-profit organizations enhance their protection, prevention, response, and recovery capabilities for risks associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.
In most nations of the "enlightened" modern world the need for EMS units has become both more apparent and more ubiquitous. There still are a number of nations, though, that must rely on such charitable organizations as the Order of Saint John to provide medical help in times of sudden emergency. This is their story.
"To each his own" - four little words with a host of different meanings, depending on the circumstances, but understood (and sometimes even followed) in every nation of the world. Another warning to the wise: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." And, it says here, "When in Andalusia (and in need of medical help), do as the Andalusians do."
"Advanced Technology Demonstrations, or ATDs, are a critical aspect of transitioning new technologies to the warfighter," said Colin Cumming, CEO of ICx Technologies. "ICx is pleased that our technologies and integration capabilities will be employed within these two important programs and anticipate successful technology transitions because of them."
The new Harris system will alleviate network congestion and improve coverage for first responders in the township, while leveraging legacy equipment from the previous system to minimize capital expenses and maximize available resources.
Samsung is pleased to announce that four of their 1.3-megapixel high-definition (HD) network camera models conform to Open Network Video Interface (ONVIF) standards to ensure interoperability with other network components in system-wide solutions.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius commended federal food safety agencies for their accomplishments supporting the recommendations of President Obama's Food Safety Working Group, which advises the President on how to upgrade the U.S. food safety system for the 21st century.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano delivered remarks highlighting the Department's ongoing efforts to bolster security and increase resiliency at high-risk chemical facilities through the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program at the 2010 Chemical Sector Security Summit.
MSA's ExtendAire II is an emergency breathing supply system (EBSS) option that uses intermediate pressure air to provide firefighters with another level of emergency air. This system allows firefighters to quickly and easily connect to and breathe from a fellow firefighter's air cylinder.
"These enhanced inline baggage screening systems and expanded surveillance capabilities will strengthen our ability to detect and disrupt threats of terrorism," said Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano. "By utilizing Recovery Act funds to enhance vital airport security technology projects, we will continue to streamline the passenger check-in process and enhance airport security, while boosting local economies."
ICx provided handheld radiation and explosives detection devices which were used for people and baggage screening at security checkpoints. In addition to the handheld devices, the Park Police also utilized their own SkyWatch mobile surveillance towers to assist with crowd management and surveillance.
The system includes MorphoTrak's Secure Credentials Center (SCC) to increase security validations and privacy protections, while significantly increasing customer service and convenience. The SCC has been implemented worldwide wherever document security, identity assurance and personal privacy protection are critical.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has launched the first phase of DHS' nationwide "See Something, Say Something" campaign and announced a new national information-sharing partnership with Amtrak as part of the Department's nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) initiative.
