Critical infrastructure protection focuses on everyday activities related to all kinds of hazards to promote security and threat deterrence. Community and infrastructure protection, transportation and trans-border security, and protection of key leadership and events encompass the mission activities of the new National Protection Framework.
The civil unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, has raised questions about the transfer of Department of Defense (DOD) resources to nonmilitary law enforcement agencies. However, the answers to these questions require some background information about the DOD 1033 program and the equipment used on the streets in Saint Louis County.
Top experts will update measures to plan for and mitigate high-impact threats such as electromagnetic pulse, extreme space, and cyber on critical infrastructure. This year's conference also will review recent emergency management tabletop exercises providing insights into practical steps that can be taken to reduce the tragic effects of these high-impact scenarios.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has continued to use its legacy early warning system for biological threats as it continues to weigh costs against effectiveness in its search for better technological solutions. In the meantime, "big data" and social media analytics offer incremental steps toward better biodetection and response.
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.
Modern communication methods and social media enable rapid transfer of information. As a result, there is often an influx of responders and onlookers when an incident occurs. To manage those who were not dispatched to the scene, a staging area manager can help establish a check-in post, organize and track resources, and share information with the command post.
To meet the challenges of preparing for potential medical disasters and biothreats, health departments across the nation must work with many dedicated volunteers to provide emergency shelters, vaccinations, and other medical care. When organizations like the Medical Reserve Corps recruit, train, and maintain these volunteers, the benefits in lives saved could be immeasurable.
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.
The Strategic National Stockpile Preparedness Course is a 3-day course designed to give federal, state, and local officials information on how to best plan and prepare for a public health emergency and how to use and manage the Strategic National Stockpile in response to a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or technological accident.
Hospital Emergency Response Training (HERT) for Mass Casualty Incidents is a three-day course designed to provide medical operation guidance to hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), healthcare facility personnel, and others who may become involved in a mass-casualty incident (MCI).
