Before passenger aircraft were hijacked and used as weapons, and bombs were smuggled inside underwear and shoes, such attacks may not have seemed likely to occur. Similarly, the reproduction and dispersal of the "eradicated" smallpox virus may seem to be an extremely small risk, but early planning is required to cope with what is still a potentially viable threat.
"Success" in the interdiction and prevention modes of biodefense depends primarily on the assets and efforts of the intelligence and military communities, but in the response/recovery and deterrence modes rests largely in the domain of the emergency management community. Effective performance in all modes ultimately can lead not only to response and recovery but also to deterrence.
Although storing and distributing medicines and other medical countermeasure assets are largely national initiatives, closer collaboration with state and local authorities is facilitating the process - and is likely to do so for the foreseeable future.
Draeger has announced that it will hold a free webinar - "Expect More From Your Thermal Imaging Camera!" - to educate firefighters on how today's new thermal imaging camera technology can help them on the job. The live webinar will be held on 8 November 2012 at 8:00 p.m. EST. Participants will learn how to use this tool to its fullest potential in their departments.
The U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Academy (NFA) announces the availability of two new NFA online courses: Data Gathering Instruments to Support Applied Research Projects; and Designing an Applied Research Project Proposal. Both courses are available to the public and will also support Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP) students in their completion of Applied Research Projects (ARPs).
Economic redevelopment, waste and fatality management, and the prioritization of cleanup operations are just a few of the key policy issues that decision makers must consider and address before the next anthrax attack or other disaster strikes. Having a clear strategy, effective management plans, and solid relationships with partners who are critical to the effort will help reduce unnecessary delays when the time comes to respond and recover.
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is one of many policy documents focused on the Homeland Security initiatives implemented after the September 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States. NIMS guidelines do not prescribe in detail how such attacks must be managed but, with the help of the National Guard and various responder agencies, can be extremely useful in coping with a broad range of incidents.
The Emergency Film Group has released a new DVD-based training program, Professional Security Officer: Roles & Responsibilities, for security guards. The program describes how security professionals support a safe workplace and a secure facility, while remaining professional, open, and friendly.
Terrorists are seeking nuclear materials more actively today than ever before. Unfortunately, the security of these materials varies widely from one country to another, and in many nations there is little or no reliable accountability. Today there is a real and growing threat that Al-Qaida or another terrorist organization will obtain enough materials to produce a weapon of mass destruction.
The Great ShakeOut earthquake drills help U.S. citizens everywhere - in homes, schools, and businesses - learn and practice how to be safe during major earthquakes and other disasters, and provide an opportunity for all Americans to improve their overall preparedness. Readers are invited to join thousands of their neighbors who are planning to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" on 18 October 2012.
