By TONY MUSSORFITI, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 08, 2022.
Low-frequency, high-consequence events are rare, emergency responders still need to be able to evaluate these complex problems and determine initial actions. To avoid being overwhelmed and increasing the risks to both responders and civilians, emergency responders need to be able to quickly identify all potential hazards, then predict the outcome when a hazardous material or weapon of mass destruction (WMD) incident occurs. This article explains how a risk-based approach will better prepare responders for future situations.
By JEFFREY D. WILLIAMS, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, July 08, 2015.
Hazardous material personnel are faced with a broad range of chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. However, not all hazards are equal, nor are similar quantities. As hazardous material experts convene in Baltimore this week for an annual convention, this 2015 article offers a glimpse of how they must use terminology of measurement units, the relationship of quantity, and biological impact of specific materials to determine the appropriate response when encountering radiological materials.
By ARTHUR GLYNN, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 15, 2016.
Tomorrow, a simulated 9.0-magnitude earthquake will rupture along the 700-mile Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ). Such an event could create 90-foot wave surges in some areas, according to geological factors and historical accounts. Using research and lessons learned from previous events and exercises like those described in this 2016 article, communities in and around the CSZ, and those with interconnected waterways, need are getting prepared for the inevitable.
By JUDY KRUGER & SCOTT HARRIS, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 01, 2022.
Japan is more prepared for future disasters due to communications and annual investments in exercises and drills with local and international partners. Tokyo Disney Resort leveraged private-public partnerships to increase preparedness in employees, guests, business services, critical infrastructure facilities, and government stakeholders to manage future disruptions caused by natural disasters. A private-public partnership helped align business needs and supported risk-information decision-making during a complex, large-scale disaster.
By SCOTT MCCALLUM, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 19, 2013.
As baby formula shortages continue across the country, many agencies and organizations are working together to get supplies to those in need. Providing food to the hungry entails gathering donations, distributing food, and tracking every step of the process to keep the supply chain safe and secure. Revisit this 2013 article to learn how public and private partnerships have been formed to create a robust distribution system that is not only reliable but also scalable in times of disaster when relief is most urgently needed.
By ROB SCHNEPP, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, June 29, 2005.
In the late 1960s, far too many firefighters were dying in the line of duty when fighting fires involving hazardous materials (hazmat). One man, Ludwig Benner, realized that changes were needed, both in the way firefighters were being trained and in the decision-making process. This 2005 article provides some history behind how modern hazmat thinking evolved.
by ROBERT LEVERONE, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal.
Law enforcement agencies are tasked with protecting life and safety as well as the civil liberties of those within their jurisdictions. Crowds present even more complex and dynamic scenarios. However, this research on crowd psychology can help law enforcement officers navigate these complexities on an operational level. Being able to gauge crowd behavior would help officers make more informed planning and response decisions and reduce the risk of civil unrest.
by ANDY ALTIZER, An Article Out Loud from the Domestic Preparedness Journal.
When an injury causes a life-threatening bleed, minutes matter. There may not be enough time for first responders to arrive on the scene, so immediate responders are needed. Knowing how to respond to this type of injury and being able to stop the bleeding are skills that everyone should learn. This article explains why and how to do that.
By JOHN SAUNDERS, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, July 18, 2012.
Blizzards, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, icebergs, and volcanic eruptions are just some of the natural hazards found across the unique Canadian terrain. Although knowing who is charge during an incident can be a challenge under the existing political structure, emergency managers continue to communicate, collaborate, and learn from other nations to better improve capabilities within their own borders. This 2012 article from Canada is an example of how every country must identify and manage the various hazards and challenges that exist across their diverse jurisdictions.
By LYNDA ZAMBRANO, An Article Out Loud Flashback from the Domestic Preparedness Journal, May 03, 2017.
As in any community, a solid network of partnerships is needed to address the specific needs of its community members. Native American and Alaska Native populations span the nation, but face similar preparedness challenges. The National Tribal Emergency Management Council has been addressing resilience gaps since before this article was written in 2017. In June 2022, they will take another leap forward as they coordinate their first National Level Exercise (called "Thunderbird and Whale 2022") with public and private partners throughout the Pacific Northwest.
